Carolyn Crist's Cancer Recovery

Hi, my friends! For my 36th birthday this year, I'm taking a big leap of faith and launching a GoFundMe to help with my medical recovery and finances.

Given last year's cancer treatment plan — with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation — I'm incredibly lucky. My health insurance through the Healthcare exchange (Affordable Care Act/Obamacare) has been fabulous, believe it or not. All in all, I've only had to cover about $10,000 in costs.

Looking at all the medical bills, I'm beyond grateful. The chemo alone was more than $100,000, and the surgery was more than $150,000 with all of the specialists involved. I still haven't seen what the month of radiation was billed at. And this doesn't include the $25,000 in diagnostic tests, scans, biopsies, port placement, and so on. I could be in a devastating, life-altering financial position, but I'm not!

That's partly why I feel strange posting a GoFundMe link. I don't face the deep financial toxicity that many cancer patients face, and I didn't pay that much for a year of life-saving treatment. I was also able to do enough work to cover nearly all of my bills and everyday expenses. In fact, I don't quality for any charity or foundation grants for cancer due to my income!

But a few friends have nudged me recently about ways they can help going into this year, and I figure this is perhaps the one time in life when it makes sense to ask for some help! I've ended up with a few medical bills and some credit card debt during the past year (totaling about $30,000), so any contribution would be marvelous. I sincerely appreciate your kind support in helping me to start 2024 in a strong, positive manner as I wrap my final treatments and look forward to a year of cancer-free possibilities!