Riding Into Her Next Adventure
For years, Cyndy and her husband, Artie’s, home was the highway. Married for more than 50 years, they spent the beginning of their retirement traveling across the United States by houseboat, motorhome, and on motorcycles.
“I have seen and done more than people can experience in probably three lifetimes,” Cyndy said. “If you are paired up with the right person, it works.”
Cyndy worked for FedEx for more than 30 years, finishing her career as the Director of Operations in the Indianapolis office. She hoped retirement would give Artie and her more time to ride their motorcycles and connect with fellow-motorcycle enthusiasts.
“I hang on to the memories,” she said. “Being with Artie is an adventure every day.”
In 2009, the couple relocated to Cape Coral, Florida, where they now live with Cyndy’s sister, grandson, and her nephew, Steven, who has Down’s syndrome.
“We’re his guardians,” Cyndy said. “It’s a great support system.”
Her support system was critical in 2017 one day when she took her sister to the hospital. As it turned out, they were both in need of care.
“I walked down the hallway to get a Coke. On my way back I passed out,” she said. “I just thought I was out of shape.”
A pulmonologist rushed in to help. Soon, Cyndy was going back and forth to the hospital every month for four years. She gained nearly 100 pounds and required constant oxygen. Cyndy’s doctors diagnosed her with pulmonary hypertension (PH).
“I was deteriorating terribly,” Cyndy said. “My doctors did not expect me to make it past the third year.”
Cyndy’s doctors told her of a new treatment that received positive reviews. She was thrilled until they told her the copay was nearly $5,000.
“It was hopelessness,” Cyndy said. “I couldn’t think about it. I didn’t even make that much in a month.”
When her doctors informed her about financial assistance resources, she immediately applied. The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program provides eligible individuals with financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for all prescribed FDA-approved treatment for PH, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“There was no way I could have had that lifesaving treatment if it hadn’t been for TAF,” Cyndy said.
Within weeks, Cyndy heard the news that her application was approved and she would have TAF assistance for the rest of the year.
“When my doctor told me, I gasped,” she said. “I had chills. I said, ‘How soon can I start?’”
Since starting her treatment regimen, Cyndy said she’s noticed a dramatic improvement in her health and mobility.
“Instead of being in a motorized wheelchair and not even being able to get into a car decently, I’m walking without a walker,” Cyndy said. “My heart is strong.”
The increased mobility allows Cyndy to give back. When she was unable to get around, Cyndy’s sister stepped in to bring her food and comfort. Now, Cyndy’s returning the favor by making the family breakfast and helping with housework.
“It’s like a little miracle,” Cyndy said.
