Inspirational Stories

In 2008, my primary doctor noticed that my white blood cells were high (12,000 range) and referred me to a hematologist. The hematologist decided to "wait and see" for a while. From 2008 to 2018, we watched as my white cells slowly grew from 12,000 to 207,000. The oncologist then prescribed and 8-hour infusion of Rituxan. As I sat in the recliner chair with needle in arm, I got several violent reactions from the Rituxan and they pulled out the needle. The doctor told me that I needed a drug called  Imbruvica (Ibutrinib). I was told it was very expensive, and I was left to my own devices. 

After trying unsuccessfully to get the drug through the manufacturer, I awoke one night with a whisper in my ear: "Chris, you are a veteran..."  I wrote a letter to the pharmacy at my local V.A. hospital. The doctor at the pharmacy got my letter and arranged for me to see the V.A. oncologist. Only prescriptions written by a V.A. doctor can be filled at the V.A. pharmacy. The V.A. oncologist had me go to the V.A. blood lab to prove that I indeed had CLL. After about two weeks, a UPS truck came to my door with a 28-day supply of Imbruvica, and I was charged only $11.   

Some changes have been made, and I now receive a 30-day supply each month, but still the cost is just $11.00. I am being "thanked for my service" in a way I never imagined! This treatment my white cells to about 8100, and they have stayed in that range for about a year.  I am so blessed.  

In August, 2019, at age 78, I had to quit my part-time job as a bus driver for a retirement home. I needed that job to balance the family budget each month, because our 2 social security checks and 3 annuity checks (which are very small) didn't produce enough income to meet our bills. About 6 months later, the oncology clinic I use brought on a full-time social worker, and I was advised to see her. During our appointment, she got on the phone with the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Co-Pay assistance program, and, about 20 minutes later, she almost fully completed the grant application process including getting paperwork from my doctor faxed to LLS.

I was accepted into the program for year 2020 and renewed for 2021 and 2022. The check I get from LLS each month is about equal to what I made as a part-time bus driver. If it weren't for LLS Co-pay assistance program, I would have to start using some of our savings each month to pay all the bills. That would be exhausted in about 12 to 18 months. LLS Co-Pay Assistance program is making it possible for my wife and I to continue living in our home and keep the monthly bills paid on time.

The peace of mind that this gives us is immeasurable. Thank you!