Refusing to Give Up
In 1975, Barbara was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that disrupts communication between the brain and body. The news left her stunned, but her husband, Bob, vowed to stay by her side.
“It’s a terrible disease,” Bob said. “It just picks away at you a little at a time. It’ll take away your mobility.”
After years of managing her diagnosis well, Barbara was hospitalized in Boston, Massachusetts, and fell into a coma for three weeks.
“We thought we were going to lose her,” Bob said.
Barbara’s doctors knew the next few hours and days would be critical.
“I’ll never forget that day as long as I live. I felt so alone,” Bob said.
When Barbara finally woke up from her coma, she and Bob were sure their faith played a significant role.
“She was saved by the love of Christ,” Bob said. “It was just a blessing.”
For years, Bob relied on his employer-based health insurance to cover their out-of-pocket medical costs. When he switched jobs, his new insurance didn’t offer the same benefits. They were shocked by how expensive Barbara’s medical bills were.
“I said to her doctor, ‘I can’t afford this,’” Bob said. “I want my wife to keep getting it [her treatment], but I don’t know what to do.”
Barbara’s doctor referred them to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Multiple Sclerosis Copay Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for prescribed FDA-approved treatment, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“TAF accepted her, and it has been a lifesaver,” Bob said. “It’s just a true blessing.”
Having access to treatment allows Barbara and Bob to continue living their life and doing the things they love, particularly riding around on Bob’s motorcycle.
“You’d never know that Barbara has had multiple sclerosis for 41 years,” Bob said. “We’re in that pool, on that motorcycle, living our life. We just never give up.”
