Peddling Once Again: Susi Rides On
Susi didn’t always have the travel bug. She moved to Boston from Connecticut in the 1970s as an art student. Forty years later, Beantown is still home. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, Susi worked for the American Council for International Studies, an educational travel agency. It fulfilled her passion of working with people and brought the world to her doorstep.
“Through work, I’ve been to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Chile,” Susi said. “And I did a global teacher conference in Costa Rica. That was so much fun!”
In 2020, with bags packed and sights set, Susi eagerly awaited her next trip: an Italian adventure. Although the pandemic delayed the trip, Italy remains at the top of her destination wish list.
“It was going to be my first trip to Italy,” she said. “Unfortunately, 2020 was such a crazy year.”
On top of the world-class travel, Susi’s job also provided her with excellent health benefits. It wasn’t until she lost her job in March 2020 that Susi realized how expensive her primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) medications were.
“I took for granted my monthly $30 copay,” Susi said. “Without my job, I didn’t know what to do.”
When Susi’s liver numbers spiked several years ago and she was diagnosed with PBC, she was referred to a liver specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Thanks to her specialist’s quick thinking and effective treatment, she remains symptom-free. But without her employer-based coverage, Susi faced the horrifying prospect of going without treatment.
“I don’t know what would happen if I didn’t take my treatment,” she said. “When you’re on your own facing it, it’s difficult.”
Susi’s doctor made sure she knew she was not alone. Since her diagnosis, Dr. Lai has looked out for Susi, answering her questions and providing critical support. When Susi’s copay skyrocketed nearly tenfold, she knew where to turn.
“I’m so grateful that my doctor always goes above and beyond to keep myself and others living their healthiest lives to the fullest,” Susi said. “She’s my hero.”
Dr. Lai suggested Susi contact The Assistance Fund (TAF). Through its Primary Biliary Cholangitis Financial Assistance Program, patients like Susi have financial assistance for many of their out-of-pocket expenses for PBC, including copays, deductibles, premiums, and ground travel costs. When Susi learned TAF had approved her participation in the program, she felt an incredible sense of relief.
“It just took a load of pressure off of my shoulders,” she said. “If it weren’t for TAF, I would have had to stop taking my medication.”
For her 60th birthday, Susi finished an 80-mile bike ride in Vermont, cycling alongside women half her age. Looking ahead, Susi has a booked full schedule of cycling and camping until the pandemic subsides and she can travel abroad again.
“Thanks to TAF, I can continue following my passion,” Susi said. “I’m able to keep photographing my cycling travel adventures as well as the people I meet along the way!”
