"As we all know the bills for cancer and its treatments are astronomical!" the fundraising page reads. "She (Antonella Nester) has tried to offset all of it by using their (Antonella and her husband Chris) savings. 401k and selling their house. They are trying so hard!"
"Having done so much for those around her and always taking the time to ask how others are doing and what she can do to help them. Now is the time for us to help Antonella and Chris," the page reads. And fans are stepping up to the plate to help. The fundraising page, which was started in March 2021 by Antonella's friend, Jayne Hansen, set a goal of $150,000 to assist with Antonella's medical bills, and that goal is within reach. About $1,700 stands between Antonella and her fundraising goal, as of the time of this report (Monday, April 25). To donate, click here. The 57-year-old and her husband, Chris, were met with financial difficulties when Chris lost his job. Then, in July 2020, Antonella was fired from her job at QVC along with many other popular hosts. The couple sold their home and moved onto a 42-foot sailboat together.
But the trials and tribulations didn't stop there. Antonella was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma shortly after being fired, which was followed by a breast cancer diagnosis. Once the couple moved onto their boat, they sailed to Philadelphia, Penn., where Antonella began treatment. Treatment for her breast cancer required surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy and 16 radiation treatments, all of which she's finished.
Antonella finished radiation treatment in September 2021, and her husband filmed as she proudly rang the bell, marking the end of her radiation treatments. She left the cancer center in Philadelphia with a smile on her face, singing the Rocky theme song (since they were in Philly, of course).
"I love you guys. I don't ever want to see you again," she said to the hospital staff. "Let's blow this popsicle stand."
She still has treatment ahead of her, though, in the form of chemotherapy pills that she'll have to take for the next five years. Needless to say, Antonella Nester has been dealt a handful of health obstacles as of late, but she knows she's not alone with the support of her husband, friends and fans.
How to Get Help With the Medical Bills
Medical debt is something most cancer patients, like Antonella Nester, (and people, really) struggle with. However, there are resources that you may not know about. SurvivorNet has complied this guide to help you get the resources you need to pay the bills and keep them from going to collections.
Advocating Oncologists
It's common for doctors to get on the phone and advocate on your behalf with your insurance company. Many drug companies and clinical trials also offer patient assistance programs.
Paying for Cancer Find Someone Who Will Advocate for You
Dr. Allyson Ocean, a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet she's on the phone with insurance companies nearly every day, trying to make sure her patients can get the treatment they need, and get it paid for.
"My best advice to work around the system of whether or not drugs or tests can be covered for cancer is to make sure you have an advocate in your field working for you," Dr. Ocean said. "The frustrating part for me is that sometimes we even have to educate the insurance companies and say, 'There's a reason why I want to use this medicine.'"
Connect With a Social Worker
Dr. Nina Shah, a hematologist at the University of California San Francisco, previously told SurvivorNet that when it comes to the high costs associated with cancer treatment sometimes called "financial toxicity" it can be helpful for patients to speak with social workers.
How to Get Help With the Cancer Bills
The social workers at your cancer care clinic can help guide you through the various options.
"The best way to look at this and find the resources that are available is to speak with the social worker associated with (your cancer center)," Dr. Shah said. "Because that person usually knows what resources are available and what you can do to access them."
Patient Assistance Programs
Physicians and the navigators who help patients have said that when it comes to the cost of a specific cancer drug or treatment, the assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies can help those of us who can't afford the full cost.
Most big drug companies have programs like these in place. While there may be maximum income thresholds, it can be useful to simply ask. In the case of newer medications, drugmakers often will make exceptions as they want as many people as possible taking their products.
Navigating approval criteria can be very tricky an example of a circ*mstance in which social workers can be a big help.
Get in Touch With Foundations Set Up to Help With Bills
There are a number of nonprofit and advocacy organizations that have programs in place to financially support those who can't pay for the costs associated with their care.
One example is the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. This foundation reimburses patients for the costs associated with clinical trial participation. Other organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Cancer Support Community may help patients secure lodging and travel for their care.
There’s also the option of setting up a crowdfunding page, as Antonella Nester’s friend did for her, so others can donate to your cause.
While it may seem impossible in the moment, just remember that paying off your medical bills is possible, especially with help.
Contributing: Abigail Seaberg & Constance Costas
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
