Patient With Kidney Cancer Flies to Life-Saving Care
Discovery and Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer
In 2017, Ethel went to her doctor because of asthma problems. The doctor ordered a CAT scan of Ethel’s lungs, but the technician misread the order and performed the CAT scan on Ethel’s entire body.
The technician had made a mistake, but that mistake very well may have saved Ethel’s life. The CAT scan showed a tumor on her kidneys.
“That’s how the cancer was discovered,” said Ethel.
Referred to Mayo Clinic
Ethel’s doctors couldn’t effectively treat kidney cancer and the issues that came with it. They referred her to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The specialists at Mayo Clinic could provide the best possible care for her.
Pulled Down...
However, another set of problems stomped on Ethel’s hope for a better life. Mayo Clinic is more than 100 miles away by air. Driving, on the other hand, would be more than 130 miles and 3 hours each way. Ethel couldn’t afford round-trip airfare, let alone so much gas in her car.
“I live alone,” said Ethel, “so traveling to and from medical care is a tremendous financial burden.” She added that she has many other expenses; medical bills are some of the highest.
How would Ethel access the care she needed?
...Then Raised Up
That was when Ethel found out about Mercy Medical Angels. Mercy Medical Angels partnered with Delta, United, American Airlines, and Southwest to provide Ethel with charitable medical flights. The Hogan Foundation helped by funding the flights.
From 2017 to 2023, Ethel has needed follow-up appointments at Mayo Clinic. Mercy Medical Angels has helped her multiple times. The travel assistance raised her up, high above the problems that tried to pull her down.
"You Have Been Very Supportive..."
Ethel knows she may need more aid in the future. However, she trusts that Mercy Medical Angels and its partnerships with the commercial airlines will continue to help her.
“You have been very supportive,” said Ethel, “by assisting me in getting to and from Mayo Clinic. The help you provide has lessened the financial burden.”
“I am so grateful for your support!”
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