Teaching Kids and Fighting On
Sheryl’s passion has always been kids. For two decades, she worked in schools as a children’s librarian in Northeast Kansas. When she and her husband, Andrew, relocated to a small community east of Tulsa, Oklahoma, she became a preschool teaching assistant.
“I’ve worked with kids all my life,” Sheryl said.
For the past 15 years, Sheryl and Andrew have led quiet lives in Northeast Oklahoma. While Andrew continues to work, Sheryl is savoring her retirement, along with the added time for scrapbooking and Bible study.
“I try to stay active,” she said. “I’m so curious about my ancestry, too, and who we came from.”
In September 2013, Sheryl was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She successfully battled the disease, but seven years later the cancer returned. Her doctors walked her through her treatment options.
“I’m on Medicare,” Sheryl said. “I told my oncologist, ‘I can’t afford to do this.’”
Her case manager referred her to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Breast Cancer Copay Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for all prescribed FDA-approved treatment for breast cancer, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“It is a lifeline,” Sheryl said. “TAF is stepping in and making it possible for me to continue treatment. I would not be here if it weren’t for them.”
Every three weeks, Sheryl requires an infusion as well as routine testing. She credits her treatment for keeping her cancer free.
“My oncologist said if I stop the infusions, the cancer will come back,” she said. “I’m 74 and still have a lot of good years left.”
With her strong support system, Sheryl continues to fight. She said her family and friends, especially the women from her Bible study, encourage her.
“When I was diagnosed in 2013, I felt very, very alone,” she said. “Now, I don’t feel like I’m alone.”
