"LIGHT of SWFL has been such a blessing to our family. It was a shock when we learned that our daughter had leukemia two years ago, and that she would have to receive chemo treatments and spinal taps for 2 1/2 years. We have had so much love and support from our community, but were having difficulty keeping up with the medical bills. Thankfully, we do have insurance, but we still had to meet our deductible and out-of-pocket expenses each year, which added up quick. LIGHT stepped in and has covered many of our larger medical bills, as well as one of our daughter's monthly medications that is not covered fully by insurance. We are so thankful for their assistance, as we "fell through the cracks" of qualifying for financial aid from other services. Our family is so grateful to this organization that has helped see our family through a very difficult time!"
- The Kilpatrick family
This page is dedicated to testimonials from patients and families LIGHT has been able to assist in their fight against cancer.
Dale is a four-year Air Force veteran who was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. He worked as a waiter and ran his own business before taking ill, but now his melanoma and treatments have left him unable to work. He is undergoing an experimental treatment program that has produced a 30% reduction in his tumor. LIGHT was able to help him meet his $5,000.00 annual insurance deductible. Dale is an extraordinary painter, and graciously allowed us to feature this photo of the mural he has been working on at his home.
Maria is a single mother in south Ft. Myers, a real estate agent in a bad market, and a breast cancer patient with only health insurance for catastrophic coverage. "It was bad upon bad upon bad," she says of her financial situation. "I had maxed out all my credit cards. I had even gone to the church, and they helped me a little with reducing costs through the hospital." Her ordeal began in October 2007, when she was diagnosed. Her maximum deductible was $7500, which she reached by the end of December. As of January 2008, she faced another $7500 of personal expense. When told she needed radiation treatment, she told her doctor, "I can't go. I don't have the money." Then she heard of LIGHT through Susan G. Komen For The Cure. After she filled out the paperwork, and the group checked her medical status and financial situation, she was accepted for grant money. "I sent them my bills, and they were paid within a week," Maria says. To date, LIGHT has paid about $3000 on her behalf.
Judy Keller battled breast cancer for five years, before she passed away on August 14, 2008. "She had a sense of humor, and a dry determination to beat it," Bill Keller says of his wife. "She wanted to be an inspiration to others, and she was an inspiration to others." Judy fought through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and an expensive regime of medicines. She had stopped working immediately after her diagnosis, and her treatments wiped out the couple's retirement savings and 401k plan. Bill stopped working in 2006, to provide full-time care for Judy during her last two years. Fortunately, LIGHT was able to help. "It was financial relief for an already stressful situation," says Bill. "They stepped in and helped out when we really needed it." Judy is remembered with love as the first cancer patient to benefit from LIGHT's efforts.
