[NFBMT] Christie Briggs

[BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER]

I found this information by putting go fund me for Christie Briggs in a
search field.  This might be something individuals of us would like to
contribute to.  She is beloved by many of us.  Joy  

 

Charlie & Christie Briggs

 

Christie Briggs, Helena, Montana, was diagnosed in 2015 with Neuroendocrine
tumor cancer (NET).  She received specialized chemotherapy and radiation
therapy at the time, and has attempted to manage the cancer with a monthly
infusion.  However, in the last 12 months the tumors have grown. 

 

 In January 2018, the FDA approved a new treatment for this type of cancer.
Christie underwent tests in February and was approved for this treatment.
However,  how much Medicare will cover delayed treatment for several months.
Only recently did Medicare, Christie's primary insurance, indicate they will
cover some (an undetermined amount) of the treatment. She received approval
from Seattle's Virginia Mason Medical Center's Nuclear Medicine Department
and was given one of only four open slots to begin the first treatment (out
of a total of four) in early August.  Each treatment must be eight weeks
apart. 

 

The cost is not only significant (the facility, staff and two IVs
administered each time cost over $60,000).  It's still unclear how much of
the bill will be the patient's responsibility. Christie was encouraged to
fundraise to help cover her share, which is on top of her existing financial
responsibilities encumbered since 2015, as well as numerous hotel and travel
expenses to and from Seattle.  As yet, Montana has no facility that offers
this treatment.

Christie dedicated more than 20 years directing and advocating for the
Montana Talking Book Library for the Blind (and partially sighted).  Her
beloved husband, Charlie, worked nearly 40 years in community services,
committing himself to protecting vulnerable children, disabled adults and
seniors.  Both retired in 2017 and live in Helena, Montana. Christie would
appreciate being able to spend more time with her soul mate Charlie, four
daughters, one son, four grandsons (soon to be five) five granddaughters, her
church family, and many friends, near and far.  She feels extremely fortunate
to be eligible for this new treatment.

The goal of the fundraising effort for Christie is: $50,000. 

  

Joy Breslauer, President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

 

Live the life you want

 

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.