[woobola]

Help with travel expenses

by woobola on Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:58 pm

Hi everyone this is my first post, I was diagnoised in 2007 with stage 2 kappa light chain multiple myeloma.
A SCT in 2008 gave me 3 great years of remisson, but alas, it was all to short. multiple myeloma reared it's ugly head just before Thanksgiving '11. So now we are looking at options, I am 53 years old with 3 kids still at home and I need as many good years as possible to raise them. My oncologist is encouraging me to go to Arkansas UAMS, I live in Oregon. My question is does anyone know of grants available for travel, my insurance does not pay anything. Also, any of you had experiences at UAMS to share with me.
Thank you!

[lawcynthia]

Re: Help with travel expenses

by lawcynthia on Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:34 pm

CancerCare offers a $600.00 Door to Door Travel Grant for qualifying patients. http://www.cancercare.org/press/releases/17-2009_07_20
Some airlines offer free flights http://www.angelflight.com/contactus.asp

[RitaB]

Re: Help with travel expenses

by RitaB on Tue Jan 10, 2012 3:54 pm

Hello, Am currently being treated for SMM at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Fred Hutchinson Medical Center. SCCA has been doing SCT since the 1980's and has an excellent reputation for SCT for patients of multiple myeloma. William Bensinger, MD is the head of the SCT section of SCCA and he is a brilliant and capable doctor. Instead of commuting back and forth to Arkansas, I would really consider going to the Seattle area for my health care. Just food for though as the commute would be much easier on you and your family. Best of luck.
RitaB

[BeverlyJean]

Re: Help with travel expenses

by BeverlyJean on Mon Feb 06, 2012 12:46 pm

Arkansas has a team of wonderful physicians and my partner on the west coast has a friend who was treated there with two stem cell transplants. They spoke highly about everything related to their treatment and stay in Arkansas. He is now in remission and being followed locally. We have been to Dr. Bensinger and the Seattle Care Alliance. Dr. and facility was first class and we would probably opt to go there if a SCT is in the future. UCSF also has a Myeloma specialists and they do SCT's. I believe his name is Dr. Wolf. Seattle Care Alliance and the Arkansas clinic should be able to help you with discounted housing. Contact the MMRF or IMF for help with travel expenses etc. I have heard that they might be able to help. Bev