The National patient Travel Help Line

[Celina]

Hi Everyone,
We recently found out that my sister's clinical trial expenses will NOT be covered under our Ontario Health plan, nor my brother-in-law's private insurance. The cost of their first visit last Wed. was 10 thousand US. In our attempts to look into some financial support, I came accross a name and phone number of an organization that pays for travel expenses within the US and I thought I would share this with any of you who must travel for clinical trials. The name of the organization is The National Patient Travel Help Line and the contact person is Steve Patterson 757-318-9174.
There is a similar organization in Canada called HOPE AIR (www.hopeair.org)..unfortunately they, too, only cover travel within Canada.
Happy Healing,
Celina

[StephN]

Gosh, Celina -
10,000 big ones is a tough nut to crack for most young families. I sure hope they can find some aid for this expense. As Carole was to get her first dosage today (YEAH!), maybe it will all be worth it. But in the meantime, they could be making payments to Dana Farber for a long time to come.

Thanks for that info as I hope some of the users of this board will find it helpful sooner or later.

All best wishes for Lapatinib to have a miraculaous effect on your sister's disease. ;)

[Celina]

Hi Steph,
Carole was in Boston yesterday again. She picked up the drugs and started them this morning.. life really is worth fighting for!
She received some encouraging news from Dana Farber..they provide a 45% discount to patients without insurance. I hope that she doesn't worry too much about the money and more about recovery. Between eveyone here, we will manage.
She says that the people at Dana Farber are wonderful, kind and the nurses are very encouraging. I pray that this drug, which we know is not a miracle cure, extends her life for many more years.
Hope you continue to be well, Steph.
Celina