Her oncologist had never seen a patient with lymphoma that looked as hopeless as the case of Susan Rabinowitz. It was difficult to treat because of a five-pound tumor that had grown so unwieldy that “it looked like someone put an implant in my left breast and forgot the right one,” she said. The tumor originated in her chest muscle, and she was told that if she had not gone to a doctor when she did, it would have broken through her skin.
As for why she had not sought medical care sooner, Ms. Rabinowitz was trying alternative medicine, and did not have health insurance. Her husband had been laid off from work and she was too young for Medicare. Now in remission, she and her husband, who is now working, are struggling to pay over $20,000 in debt from her treatment.
I don’t know how we got through it,” she said. “I’m sure there are people way, way worse off than us, but it’s such a shock to go from high income to nothing. You check your pride.”
Her situation is being highlighted by The Neediest Cases Fund, administered by The New York Times Company Foundation, which raises millions of dollars to help thousands of individuals and families in distress. The assistance is rendered by seven New York City social service agencies. The Times pays the Fund's expenses, so all contributions go directly to provide services and cash assistance to the poor. If you’d like to help, contact:
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund
4 Chase Metrotech Center
7th Floor East; Lockbox 5193
Brooklyn, NY 11245
http://www.nytimes.com/neediest
(800) 381-0075