I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in January 2020. I had just quit working, but had COBRA health insurance for 18 months. When this insurance expired, I was too young for Medicare, so I had to pay for the ACA health insurance with very high premiums to get the best coverage for medical expenses. I applied for financial assistance from Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and was granted a monthly stipend that covered my health insurance premiums. I was so grateful for this financial assistance, so I now donate regularly to Blood Cancer United. I also joined their First Connection Program a couple of years ago, in which I speak with other people who have AML. When I was first diagnosed, a patient advocate who was an AML survivor came to see me in the hospital and shared his experiences during his AML treatments and bone marrow transplant. This was so helpful for me, so I wanted to do the same for others, and Blood Cancer United gave me that opportunity. I have also utilized some of their educational articles, videos, etc. I am very thankful for everything that Blood Cancer United has done for me and for others with blood cancers.
Elaine
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
