Keeping Traditions Alive
Sue’s favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. The food, the family, and the traditions. And after a recent move to Arizona, Sue and her husband, Bill, can add a warm climate to the list of perks.
“It’s lovely that time of year,” Sue said. “We’re looking forward to having my son and his wife for a week!”
Thanks to the warmer climate, Sue and Bill keep busy, spending much of the year outside.
“We like the sunshine. We can be outside, hike in the desert, and enjoy the weather,” she said. “There is a lot of history and beauty down here.”
For a long time, Sue was unable to stay active. Over a period of five years, she inexplicably caught pneumonia several times. In 2006, doctors discovered the culprit: Sue had mycobacterium in her lungs. Soon afterward, she was diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, which scars lung tissue and makes physical activity and breathing difficult.
“My doctor’s been a great advocate for me,” Sue said.
Sue was able to access treatment for more than a decade, but she found taking many oral pills onerous. In 2019, she asked her doctor if she was eligible for a new treatment.
“When my doctor told me the cost, I said ‘I can’t afford that,’” Sue said. “There was just no way.”
Sue’s doctor referred her to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease Copay Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for all prescribed FDA-approved treatment for the disease, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“I couldn’t have afforded that medication without help,” she said. “I am just very, very grateful.”
And the treatment has been successful. This past year, Sue’s doctor said her lungs have improved enough to no longer need the treatment at all.
“Now, after 14 years, my lungs are free of the bacteria,” Sue said. “The treatment has done what it was supposed to do.”
