Enjoying Every Moment

The songwriter John Denver once wrote that Colorado was the place, “where the sky looks like a pearl after a rain.” And since Carol has lived in Colorado with her family, she’s seen that pearl regularly.

“It’s best to just enjoy every day,” Carol said. “You don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

After several years as a stay-at-home mom, Carol worked for years as grant specialist at the University of Colorado, Boulder, near her home in Denver. Though she’s now retired, Carol misses the camaraderie of her team.

“I miss working, I really do,” she said. “I don’t feel old in my mind. Not at all!”

Carol is surrounded by friends and family in the Denver metro area, as well as her adult son, who lives with her.

“I’m very, very grateful to TAF. This could have never happened without their help,” Carol said.

“Together, we can do OK,” Carol said. “The mountains here are wonderful, and it is beautiful when the Aspen trees turn.”

It wasn’t until Carol was in the hospital managing a separate diagnosis that she learned her liver enzyme numbers were abnormally high. When tests confirmed she had a chronic liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), she was stunned.

“I remember thinking, ‘I’ve been a vegetarian for decades and I don’t drink. How could I have this?’” Carol said.

People living with PBC have difficulty with digestion and the removal of bile from the liver. Treatment is necessary to slow down the damage to the liver.

“I had all kinds of questions,” Carol said. “I had to research and read and read some more.”

Carol’s career left her with some savings, but most of her limited monthly income goes to her home and living expenses. Carol was stunned to see how much her treatment could cost.

“One of the treatments for PBC costs $9,000 a month,” she said. “I was so, so worried,”

Her hepatologist at UCHealth referred her to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Primary Biliary Cholangitis Financial Assistance Program. The program provides assistance for copays, deductibles, premiums, and ground travel costs.

“The application was so easy to fill out,” Carol said. “Whenever I call, everyone is just so nice and patient.”

Since receiving treatment, Carol’s health has dramatically improved, and her bloodwork has returned to normal. Now Carol is focused on what matters most: her health and caring for her son, who recently started a new job.

“I’m very, very grateful to TAF,” she said. “The whole organization is wonderful. This could have never happened without their help.”