For these people, autumn will now be a lot
more colourful and full of hope than it might otherwise have been.
A 43-year-old family man from Tallinn is suffering from lung
cancer. His three-month treatment regime costs more than 17,000 euros, a
quarter of which he has to contribute himself; the rest is covered by the fund.
We’re also supporting a 70-year-old pensioner in their fight
against stomach cancer. We’re contributing almost 9000 euros to the three
months of treatment they’re undergoing.
Then there’s the 51-year-old man with cancer of the nasal
passage. Three months of treatment for him costs more than 18,000 euros, a
third of which he is contributing himself.
The fourth person we’re helping is a 62-year-old woman from
Pärnu whose treatment for kidney cancer we’re contributing almost 14,000 euros
to. She first received our help back in July.
Her life changed last spring when she was rushed to Pärnu Hospital
with a severe nosebleed and from there by ambulance to Tallinn. Following
comprehensive tests she was diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer of the kidney with
a number of secondary sites.
“I’d never had any problems with my kidneys,” she wrote to
us in July. “The news came as such a shock. I just couldn’t believe it. Then
the treatment began – a nose operation, radiation, my kidney was removed,
capsules and tablets… Through all this I felt well, until this May, when my
doctor told me that while the secondary sites were in remission, a new primary
site had developed. To my dismay, the Health Insurance Fund was no longer
prepared to pay for further treatment.
“At that point I felt that both myself and my family had
been left to cope with this terrible situation on our own. I was in a very dark
place for a few days. Thanks to the support of my family and friends, however,
I was able to look at my situation clearly again. Dr Peeter Padrik gave me new
hope, and the ‘Gift of Life’ is helping me keep that hope alive.”
Now, in September, she writes:
“Your help has been invaluable. My first six months of
treatment have seen a marked improvement in my health and in how I feel
generally. I’m enjoying the good things in life again with my family, my
children, my grandchildren and my friends. My heartfelt thanks to everyone
behind the ‘Gift of Life’ – the people in charge, the volunteers and everyone
who has so kindly donated.
“Writing this has brought tears to my eyes, and not from
sadness but from happiness. Thank you for being there!”
Contribute to the treatment of these and other
“non-cost-effective” Estonian cancer sufferers by making regular donations
of as little as one euro a month: www.kingitudelu.ee/annetajale.