The Assistance Fund (TAF)

I just received my Kiss Off letter today after five months of back and forth. They said they would pay my deductible for my hospital stay, that's all I was hoping to get. I went into heart failure, I was in the hospital for three days, I almost died and I was out of work for two months. They said in my letter I was denied due to non FDA approved medication. WHAT!?! How is that possible!!?!! This was my hospital deductible!!!!!! $2,600.
Sure okay. Thanks for making me spend money just to deny me.

As a two-time cancer survivor, most recently being an almost 15 year survivor of Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer, I am eternally grateful for the assistance I've received from the TAF Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program for several years. Following my original six rounds of chemotherapy, which included Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin, I've remained on a regiment of an infusion of Herceptin once every three weeks. As expected, the Herceptin has had a negative effect on my heart, resulting in Pulmonary Hypertension. As of this morning, February 11, 2025, I have now been taking Opsumit once a day for 6 years, 2 weeks and 5 days. However, the combination of Herceptin and Opsumit have allowed me to live my life to the fullest! Slightly more than halfway through my 26th journal, my entries are a daily reminder of how fortunate I've been to be a recipient of the TAF Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program for the past three years. I am a huge advocate for TAF and the many ways they continue to make a difference in the lives of so many people.
Sincerely, Judith Ann Bambas, M.S.

When I was first diagnosed and told I needed weekly treatment for the rest of my life, at significant expense, I was completely overwhelmed-- not the least of which was my concern with how I would be able to afford my monthly copays. Without the assistance from TAF, I may not have been able to afford my copays for my life sustaining treatment. I am SO thankful for TAF!!

I am a person who's been living with multiple sclerosis for over forty years. I have been prescribed most all of the treatment modifications and am now on a very expensive medication. Although I have insurance it still would not be possible for me to acquire this treatment without the assistance of TAF. I am forever grateful for TAF allowing me to participate in their program. What an AMAZING ORGANIZATION this is- and a very special group of people that make this organization as wonderful as it is!
Kevin Grimes

I am so thankful for TAF. My Doctor stated I was the first person to take my medication after clinial trials were completed and the medication was approved. This medication gave me quality of life back. I started noticing positive improvement in 2 weeks. I can't thank TAF enough for their continuing assistance through the years. I could not be able to take this medication without your assistance. God bless you.

Ron and I are so thankful for assistance from The Assistance Fund (TAF).

We are going through a very difficult time and this helps us SO much

Thank you Thank you Thank you

Ron and Karla Stitt

If getting a cancer diagnosis is not life changing enough, finding out that your insurance/medicare does not cover the cost of the very expensive scans and medicines is devastating also…

Luckily the medical center assigned me a social worker… and she told me about The Assistance Fund (TAF). We registered and I was accepted.

The emotional benefit of having a resource like TAF in my corner cannot be defined by words. It’s like having a great weight lifted off your shoulders.

My original assistance was most of 2024, and unexpectedly in November, TAF sent me an email asking if I needed additional help in 2025. I said yes, and the sent me a link to a website to register in December.

I took the short survey, and at the end of the surgery, was told I would not know if I was accepted until mid January.

The fear of starting a new insurance year, meant no deductible had been met, and I would have to meet the number again, with both scans and expensive medication, January was going to be a very expensive month, for several reasons, I knew I was realizing what so many people have warned me of. One major sickness can wipe a family out.

God, again, has heard my prayers, and late December I received an email from TAF saying my application had been approved, starting January 1st, 2025.

Tears of joy, and the relief of stress I can not quantify, my appreciation to TAF cannot be measured. I do know one thing - if I hit Lotto or Powerball, I am making a huge contribution to TAF, so other in my financial situation can be spared the stress of not knowing where or how they would be able to cover their treatments.

I since have become Facebook friends with TAF, and I read the posts of other grateful recipients of this generous foundations benevolence.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my feelings on TAF, my gratitude for their help, is preceded only by my gratitude to God for lining us up.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

No words can adequately express my gratitude for the help you have been giving me and your continued support. You have made a tremendous impact on my life!!

Once again I would like to say thank you.
MS is bad enough, but trying to figure out how to pay for this really expensive medicine is a nightmare.
Thank again for all you do for me and everyone else that have medical bills that far exceeds what we can afford.

Frank

I just got my approved re-enrollment. I appreciate all you do for me (and all the others!)! You help me cut out a huge amount of stress and help me keep up with my so important medication. I can’t say thank you enough!

Dear TAF Staff,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the lifesaving financial assistance you have provided. Your support has made an incredible difference in my life, ensuring I can put food on the table and maintain better nutrition for myself and my family. Because of your help, I no longer have to make the impossible choice between skipping meals or skipping medications.
The copay assistance program has been a tremendous help, lifting a heavy financial burden from my shoulders. Throughout this process, your customer service has been absolutely top-notch – professional, compassionate, and understanding.
I am truly grateful to all staff members who have helped me along the way. Your dedication to helping others during their time of need makes a real difference in people's lives, including mine.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do.
With sincere appreciation, QB

The staff here are great. But the way it is managed and run is terrible and borders on unethical.

Like most orgs of its type, this is a pass-through entity that works on behalf of drug companies. They won’t help you unless your drug maker donates to them. This helps drug companies multiply their investment by paying/reimbursing you the low premium amounts (few hundred per month) and then getting paid by insurance the tens of thousands per month that they charge for their drugs. Congress has tried to crack down on this but it’s still happening.

Even if you are a lucky patient who they serve because your drug company donates - like me - their processes are laughable. There’s no instructions on what your paperwork needs to include that you submit for reimbursement. Then if you submit paperwork that is missing something - they don’t call you. It’s up to you to contact them after you don’t hear back and you might have to call 3 different times & talk to different people before they figure out WHAT what was wrong with your paperwork (this explanation can change, giving the impression they never looked at it at all, and just made up an excuse when you call). And then, if it’s past their deadline when they finally give you an answer, you’re out of luck. No chance to amend or correct your paperwork to their obscure standards which aren’t posted anywhere and change each year without notice. They won’t reimburse you because “you were late,” even though your initial submission was on time. They take no responsibility and give the impression they don’t WANT to send you money. Presumably, anything they do reimburse you eats into the $$ they get from the drug company and so eats into their profits (yes, nonprofits do make a profit, they just have to keep it within the company). This has happened to me even when the error was THEIR mistake. They never reimbursed thousands of dollars because THEIR mistake was discovered after THEIR deadline.

IF they do reimburse you, there’s no explanation or statement of what they did or didn’t reimburse. Just a series of deposits in a prepaid account you have access to - so it’s up to you to add up the small amounts and if that’s less than what you submitted/requested, you have no idea what to ask about or dispute.

This place would never survive as a business. They are run horribly, They’re only here because drug companies need a way to keep us patients on insurance. Please don’t rate them highly just because they sent you money. It’s all drug money and part of an overall scam. Please evaluate them instead on how they do at the job they are given. Based on that, TAF barely gets 1 star in my book,

After having pneumonia for 2 months and no more medicines to give me my Dr. did a biopsy finding what he called non -contagious TB. I was on medicines for that 15 pills a week, for a little over 2 years and still not better. I also get an infusion for a low immune system once a month along with about 5 other medicines. When my Dr. finally told me I needed to try Akirayce I thought well here we go with another medicine, more bills and I am still sick. I was so glad and pleasantly surprised when I was told I was able to get help with The Assistance Fund. We just had our 2nd great-granddaughter being 4.5 pounds so I would like to be healthy enough to enjoy both of them, as well as my other family members without always being a financial burden. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I would like to thank the assistance fund for helping me pay for my medicine if it weren't for you guys. I'm not sure if I I'd still be alive today. You guys are wonderful and I really appreciate all you've done for me. Thank you for the bottom of my heart. Sincerely Rick Berg

they have helped me to pay for an expensive Multiple Sclerosis drug ; Greatly appreciate

I am fortunate to receive copay assistance from TAF. I was born with Primary immunodeficiency and infuse IGG weekly. Without TAF I would not be able to afford my infusions I have had to contact TAF several times and I must say someone answers the phone, not an automated phone system. You get a real person, and they show empathy and go out of their way to help you.

There is nothing that can replace the human contact when you are searching for answers. Any time that I contacted The Assistance Fund, I spoke with very nice people who were able to answer my questions without hesitation. Also, the financial help that I have received from The Fund has been a God send. I don't know what people do who do not have this kind of help. I am very glad that I found this agency and the people that have helped me with the application and this assistance in obtaining my prescriptions.

TAF has helped me with copay assistance when when the medical facility denied assistance after waiting almost a year to be told and to keep getting my infusions. I do not know the advocates name but was very helpful and in emailing confirmation with a follow-up letter. I would much rather speak to a real person. Without the assistance provided I would/could not get treatment. So thank you very much for all of the help.

I submitted my re-enrollment on the first day it was available, November 29th 2023. I was advised it was received and heard nothing else from TAF. When my specialty pharmacy called me to refill my Gelynia the 2nd week of January 2024, I was advised there was no money left in the TAF find and I would be responsible for the co-pay. I still have received no communication from TAF about this. I cannot afford my co-pay as I'm on disability due to my Multiple Sclerosis. It's irresponsible of TAF to let this happen and to NOT reach out to patients.

I'm responding to the story on CBS. Every time I have called the assistance fund, everyone has been so helpful and so friendly. I hope you don't get AI telephone operators, like in the story. I like to talk to a person. The assistance fund has helped me so much in my life. I can never thank you enough. Thank you very very much, Christina Wolford

MAOJO8
I was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2023.
The two chemo medications my doctor recommended, tecentriq and mvasi, are very expensive. Even
with my medical insurance.
Thankfully, TAF was there for me all the way through 2023 and when I reapplied in 2024 I was
approved for the entire year.
You'll never know how grateful I am and appreciate all that TAF is doing for me. They have truly
taken a big financial burden off of my mind and enabled me to concentrate on getting well. THANK YOU.

I have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The medicine for this is very, very expensive. If it weren't for the
Assistance Fund, I would not be able to afford it. 40 to 45% of my lung function is gone, but this
drug has seemed to stabilized my situation. See doctor every 6 months, with breathing tests etc.
I try to walk at least 5 days a week at the mall, at 5:00 am(when it is empty), which the doctor thinks is
helping. Just trying to keep a good frame of mind. Am in the mid 80s

I have never had a negative experience in calling TAF Customer Service. The people are always more than helpful, pleasant and knowledgeable. They go above and beyond to make sure that my questions are answered and that I’m comfortable with the outcome. I’ve often wished that other organizations I need to could have customer service department as well managed as TAF.

Without TAF I probably would not to as well I saw my Pulmanary Dr he said with out the Adempas I would in bad shape , without your help I could not afford the co- pay I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I have Gaucher’s disease and the medicine treatment for this is very expensive. My previous help ran out of funds so when I was searching for help TAF was there for me. They are so wonderful and easy to work with. Thanks to there help I could continue on with my treatment. They helped save my life and for that I am grateful.

My experiences have always being very professional and they have always exemplified much patience and concern. I feel very happy when I get someone who speaks plain English. I am already calling with insecurities, not to mention there is a language barrier there, to go along with your call. My last representative was wonderful.

The staff member of TAF that I spoke to was virtuous and very helpful. She actually told me that I was chosen for a grant and to watch the mail for the papers. I am very grateful!

Your staff whom I have had the pleasure of talking to a few times have been lifesaver for me a few times. Since I was finally recieving a diagnosis after a few years of strange and sometimes debilitating symptoms, I finally had an answer. But the costs for treatment were beyond my abilities. You, those who donate and your staff have made my life a bit easier.
Thanks from my heart.

I am a very grateful patient who was able to work with The Assistance Fund for over 3 years to cover the copay for a medication I was prescribed by my Gastroenterologist, but could not afford on my own. This medication was Gattex. I called them sometime in 2020, with the diagnosis of Short Bowel Syndrome since May of 2019, after having 2 bowel surgeries for a blocked bowel due to torsion/volvulus of the intestine. I had also had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery back in 2002. It is not known if the gastric bypass had anything to do with my eventual bowel blockages, but it is suspected because my gastrointestinal system operated abnormally after that surgery. After talking with TAF, I was very encouraged because they were able to help me. In February of 2023, I was able to discontinue taking Gattex, but I don't know what would have happened to me without TAF helping me. Thank you !!! Karen Lee Olsen

When I heard that my rare eye condition needed a $75,000 medication, I was very alarmed! Fortunately, this assistance fund made medication available to me that I otherwise would not have been able to afford, but in addition to that, the Customer Service with a real person, has been outstanding! no one understands talking to another human being like another human being. I can’t say enough about this organization as they are filling a definite need.

I was referred to TAF through one of the pharmaceutical companies. I applied & was approved. Each phone & email was met with the most helpful & friendly responses. The ease to upload documents & receive reimbursement was both easy & efficient. My monthly insurance premiums were reimbursed & that monthly expense was so financially helpful to me & my family. I am so humbled and thankful for TAF.

I was having a problem getting information from Florida Blue regarding confirmation of my insurance status. Gineris Ortiz was instrumental in helping to solve the issue. She stayed on the phone while I connected to Florida Blue and patiently explained the issue to Floria Blue. Thanks to her involvement, the issue was resolved in a matter of moments. Gineris was very patient and considerate through the entire episode.

I am a stage four prostate cancer patient. I was diagnosed 5-1/2 years ago. at that time the doctors told me that I would not survive another 90 days. But they prescribed medications and radiation, all of which were very expensive, beyond my means to pay for. I found out about The Assistance Fund. I applied, thank God I was accepted. The rest is history. Those medicines and support from The Assistance Fund are why I am alive today. I am so grateful to the Lord and The Assistance Fund. The best part of my story is that I know The Assistance Fund is doing the same for many others. Thank you Assistance Fund.

I have Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and am a PiZZ. My med cost way more than I can afford. The out of pocket maximum is achieved every year by the 2nd month of claims. TIF has been excellent in helping me with that until now. We all reenrolled back in November as we were instructed and were given a January 18th day to hear back. Since Jan 5th, I have been dealing with reauthorization from the doctor and insurance with my infusion appointment on Jan 12th, tomorrow. I have no meds. Problems with the pharmacy and insurance will make it happen in the future. I got information yesterday that TIF denied me and everyone else because of lack of funding and instead of rolling our reenrollment over to the wait list, we had to reenroll onto the wait list. Had we had more time, we could all have explored other assistance programs and not have a clue how to pay for our meds this month. As well in the past, I had surgery at NYU on my right lung because of A1AD and TIF denied my travel expense reimbursement from 2022 which was significant after approving the travel as a reimbursable expense prior to surgery. I and many other Alphas need help according to your rules and requirements posted and in place. I hope your administration improves in the future. Thank you. Michael Crews 90000225339

My story is very simple... were it not for The Assistance Fund, I could not receive the medication my doctor has ordered. Literally, The Assistance Fund is the difference between life and death...in my situation it is that simple.
How does anyone adequately say "thank you" for the gift of time?
Phil Hamilton

I have Crohns Disease and have been sick most of my life. I was one of the first on GATTIX. It has changed my life. My co-pay is 1200! I could never afford this medicine without TAF. The people at TAF are so caring and are always trying to help me. God Bless them for working so hard. I hope that I can continue to get TAF help. Without their help I can't afford Gattix. Thank you, Jacqueline Egidio
.

Just saying thank you to The Assistance Fund seems
so small compared to the assistance provided.
Fourteen years ago , I was diagnosed with stage-4 metastatic
prostate cancer. It's been a long haul , with earlier than
planned retirement and mounting expenses but my wife and I
managed. She continued working , until three years ago
when she was diagnosed with cancer. At that point , we
fell back on retirement savings.
In early 2023 , I was prescribed a drug that was simply
far beyond reach of paying ---- that's when The Assistance Fund
stepped in and it's difficult to describe relief from the financial
stress I felt that it provided.
The Assistance Fund is a wonderful organization. The only way I can
repay is to again say thank you.
Sincerely ,
C.A.B.

I have had nothing but great success with the personal that has answered my calls . I appreciate their willingness to help and listen to my needs and clarification on my questions. Thank you to the support team!!!!

I was diagnosed with stage 4 Mestastic prostrate cancer 3 years ago. After undergoing chemotherapy and hormone shots I found my PSA rising to unacceptable levels. My oncologist prescribed Xtandi but I was unable to afford it. Along came TAF to the rescue. With their assistance I was able to start treatment with Xtandi and today my PSA is down to .21! TAF generous assistance has enabled me to enjoy more of life with my family

Thank you so much for all the help TAF gives us! It would be impossible for us to buy this medication were it not because of your generosity.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Thank you so much. I am so grateful for this assistance. It is very appreciated!

Hello everybody, my name is Ira. Some of the things of interest to me include art, architecture, music, and yes, at times, opera. Oh, about 17 years ago something took an interest in me, not at times, but full time, and that would be Parkinson’s Disease. My attitude towards PD has been I’ve got a life to live, art exhibits to see and operas to attend. So I don’t have any time for your nonsense. Something else I want to tell you is that I used to call PD the monster. But then it dawned on me that that was giving it too much respect. After all what it really is, is annoying, bothersome and a royal pain in the neck.So I decided to rename it appropriately, what you call someone who is bothersome and annoying: a big dummy!

About 18 years ago my mother was diagnosed with PD. Little did I know that not a year later I too would face the same diagnosis. Yes, it was quite the coincidence. You might say that PD is becoming a family tradition. It started with a realization that I was getting fatigued earlier than normal - and it persisted. I dismissed it as just getting older. But then while sitting at my desk the tendons around my left ankle would pulsate uncontrollably. It was like my ankle couldn’t relax. I thought it was time to get serious, so I made an appointment with a neurologist. With the appointment a few weeks out I did little research on my own so I had a strong suspicion of what was going on with me. Of course I wasn't happy about the diagnosis. But I didn’t cry or feel sorry for myself. My mother, on the other hand, couldn’t believe that her sonny boy had PD. She insisted that I get a second opinion. So I and was examined for a few hours. I come down into the lobby where my family is waiting for me. My mother asks, “what did they say?” I said they said I’ve got PD. My mother then said “oh too bad, let’s go have lunch.”

Most of the time during my career as an architectural photographer I worked without an assistant. It was a very physically and mentally demanding job. I continued to work for several more years, until even with medication, I didn’t have the strength or energy to continue. It was difficult to leave a job I loved, but the enemy I was fighting didn’t take a moment’s break. It continued it’s rampage until my right arm tremored so bad it would induce pain, sometimes severe pain.

In addition to tremors, I had trouble walking during my “off” time when I felt as if I were frozen. Then my pulsating left ankle would join in. During those times I felt awful. I can only describe it as feeling like a zombie. I didn’t want to live my life that way. Eventually it got to the point where my doctor and I decided in July 2014 to try Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The DBS helped control the tremors. But PD isn’t only tremors. It can also be the jerking and gyrating movements known as dyskinesia.

My dyskinesia symptoms first appeared about five years after I started taking levadopa. My doctor had warned me about this happening around the five year mark. Don’t get me wrong, levadopa has helped me manage my Parkinson’s symptoms, and I’m grateful for that. In the beginning stages, during my “on” time, my neurologist said my movements looked almost normal. But after five years, taking levodopa had taken its toll, the horrible jerking and gyrating known as dyskinesia set in.

In the beginning stages of dyskinesia, people I knew would tell me what was going on. I didn’t realize until later that I was as animated as much as I was. But then I couldn’t hide from the fact that my body was out of control. Now I’m the kind of person that doesn’t care much about what other people think, but I could tell people were a bit taken aback at my strange gyrations.

Let me tell you about the time I was in a cutlery store, I’ll never forget it. I was talking to the owner about going on a purchasing trip to Japan, when the dyskinesia got the best of me. I was vibrating and bouncing all over the place. My whole body was completely out of control. I felt so embarrassed. I had just made a connection with this guy and I blew it. He didn’t know I had PD. His reaction along with the rest of the people in the store was a real eye opener. On that day, the big dummy got a good belly laugh at my expense.

Between “freezing” and “off” times and dyskinesia my ability to walk was getting worse. I fell frequently, and it got so bad that my neurologist recommended that I use a walker or a cane at all times due to freezing.The thought of having to use a walker or a cane was really depressing - even more depressing than my initial Parkinson’s diagnosis. My ability to travel, and do all the things that I wanted to do, seemed to be slipping away.

It was around this time that my doctor told me about a treatment for dyskinesia called Gocovri. We discussed the most serious side effects including falling asleep during normal activity, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, feeling dizzy and unusual urges, and decided I should start on treatment. Everybody is different and I encourage you to talk with your health care team to make the right decision for you. From the start Gocovri onboard provided great support. I talked with the reps and the program helps me access Gocovri at a lower cost. The Assistance Fund was also an invaluable help in helping with the cost of Gocovri.

Before starting Gocovri, dyskinesia threw off my balance, and I would stumble and have to lean on the walls to get to the kitchen. But with my dyskinesia reduced, I have more good “on” time when I could just get up and walk there. I still fell from time to time, but after talking with my doctors, we decided I could use the walker at my discretion. I was able to walk from my living room into the kitchen without thinking about it. It wasn’t until I was standing in the kitchen that I realized that I hadn’t struggled as much to get there as I had in the past. What a marvelous moment that was, indeed!*

Today, I am experiencing less dyskinesia and reduced “off'' time. I used to struggle to get going in the morning. But now I look forward to my morning routine. I even plan my activities, because I feel more confident during my good “on” time. In the summer, I can work in the yard when I feel up to it. By the end of the day, I may feel tired and just want to rest.

Since getting my diagnosis, a number of things have changed in my life. I maintain a good relationship with my doctor. During my visits, every three to six months, I try to make the most of my appointments. I will bring up any new treatments or research to start the conversation. Of course I have concerns about my future? Where I will be health wise years from now. Will I have other conditions along with PD? But I can also tell you what hasn’t changed: I still have the same thoughts and goals I had before PD. I still want to travel. I still want to succeed and I believe I will.

Thank you!

I'm telling this story for my husband, Peter Boudreaux, who has had Parkinson's for over 23 years (he was diagnosed in 1999 with Early Onset Parkinson's at the age of 45). Fast forward to the year 2018 when our pharmacist suggested we get in touch with The Assistance Fund, Inc. It was the time of year where TAF was gearing up for enrollment for the following year. We applied and he was approved the same day! The process was seamless and we have been with TAF every year since then! We are so grateful for their service to so many people who are affected by so many different diseases. It was very easy to go their website and navigate around to do the application process correctly. We are reminded each year of when the enrollment process begins and ends. When we refill his Parkinson's meds each month, all we have to do is let the pharmacy know we are refilling the meds with a secondary. We would definitely encourage anyone going through any of the diseases listed on their website to apply!

TAF has been such a blessing to me. I was diagnosed with IPF disease in Feb 2020. Any foundation assistance with expensive prescriptions if wonderful; and, TAF goes beyond most by committing to pay my copay for an entire year at a time. What a relief this has been to me. THANK YOU TAF.
Rex H.

My Story;

Back in late 2007, I began to feel pain in my left foot. The feeling was like stepping on a sharp rock. I would come home at night and work on my foot, removing calluses, adding moisturizers. I did everything I could but the pain remained. I went to my GP and he said he could find nothing. I told him I shake once and awhile and he said nothing to worry about. He said to take Tylenol for the pain. He then suggested I see a Podiatrist. I went to a very talented and popular Podiatrist near my home. He examined me, took x-rays, ultrasound, etc. He could find nothing. He then made a custom orthotic because he noted I had a slightly inward left ankle when I planted my foot. We tried it and it felt a little better but the pain was still there. I went to another Podiatrist for a second examination to see what he thought and he gave me a shot of Cortisone after examining me. I told him about the other doctor and he knew him well. I went back to the first Doctor and after re-examining me he told me something that nearly knocked me off the exam table. He said, “Gary, I think this could be a neurological problem“ possibly Parkinson’s disease”. He had noticed the slight tremor of the left hand a few times. He then said he knew a good Neurologist and he would like me to see him. I went to the Neurologist and he thought it was something called ”Charcot-Marie Tooth” disease but wasn’t sure. I then went to another Neurologist and he thought it was Huntington’s Disease. I finally went to the Head of big group of Neurologists. This Doctor asked me a bunch of questions did a bunch of hand movement tests, eye hand tests, finger movement tests and some others. He then had me go out into the hallway where he made me walk down and back 2 times. He actually video taped me doing this. He then gathered up as many fellow neurologists that he could and asked them all what they thought after conferring with them and watching me walk. They all agreed It was early onset Parkinson’s Disease. This is a very difficult disease to diagnose. It took me 2 years to get the right diagnosis. The Doctor prescribed some medication. It did seem to help a bit. The medications were giving me other problems. He finally put me on Carbidopa-levodopa and that helped but it would give me Dyskinesia and Bradykinesia. He then gave me a new drug-Rytary which worked fantastic. It lasted long, minimal side effects-Great! One big problem was the cost. Rytary was very expensive. Having recently retired I could not afford this drug. It was just too much. The Doctor who diagnosed me helped me with company samples the drug company sales Rep would give the group. This was only a short term fix. I had to get this drug on my own. That’s when I found The Assistance Fund. I happened to be talking to a friend who was a Pharmacy Tech and she mentioned this Fund that helps people who cannot afford their drugs. I applied to this fund and got word back that I was approved and covered for a whole year! I could not believe it! All of my meds were covered by these angels! That was around 2 years ago. I recently was informed that I am covered for 2023! I sent them e-mails, letters, called them and thanked them so many times. I am so grateful to this group. They enabled me to have a quality of life much improved then before I knew of them. I will always be in their debt. If you know of someone who is having problems affording their medications, please get in touch with The Assistance Fund. You won’t find a more caring group of people.

Thanks guys, Gary from NJ

Thank you so much for the continuing support of The Assistance Fund for my husband. With the escalating costs of medical equipment, medication, and support services, it is a blessing to have this approval for 2023. May the good work you do and patients’ lives you impact serve as a reminder of how important your organization is to so many of us.

Cancer, like most serious afflictions, is not something anyone would want during their life's journey. My journey has been made profoundly better knowing I have top notch doctors and the Assistance Fund to help me through this chapter in my life. The Assistance Fund has helped in a huge way to relieve me and my wife from the financial impact of this terrible situation. When I first applied for assistance we prayed that an positive response would arrive. When we are informed that we (I say we because anyone who has a life partner knows all to well that this journey affects both parties) were accepted and enrolled in the TEAL group!!!!!! I am starting my third year with the Assistance Fund angle on my shoulder and am extremely grateful for all they have done for me and my family. Many financial and emotional worries have been softened for us by the amazing folks at the Assistance Fund. We are so thankful and truly blessed by their support. TEAL is more than a wonderful color to us!!!!
Yours truly,
John and Janet Sanner
Three year TEAL members

TAF:

I can’t stop giving God the Glory for having been blessed by organizations such as yours! Over the years, you’ve been a blessing to not only me but also to others that are being blessed by your assistance. Please keep up the good work, for your assistance is truly needed!

I just wanted you to know that I appreciate that my 2023 reenrollment has been approved and that I can look forward to receiving your assistance once again. “Thank You” and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your organization with donations, so that you can continue to be a blessing to others!

Again, thanks much,
F. Melvin Franklin
661 Mountain Oaks Parkway
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
770-498-1972
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Everything appears to be smoother. I would like to thank those whom donate to help. It is much appreciated. Thank You for everything

THE ASSISTANCE FUND provides financial assistance for many diseases (many of which I never even heard of!).

You may find it stressful living with a disease (i.e. auto-immune), but if you require a drug(s) that are necessary for you to maintain your disease, it’s even more stressful that these drug costs are exorbitant.

That’s when you may want to request financial assistance for the drug(s) you need.
THE ASSISTANCE FUND (TAF) makes it easy to apply, providing various methods to do so.

I only heard of TAF last year. I decided to request assistance from TAF via mail the first time. After they received my application, weeks later, I was lucky to receive approval for the Multiple Sclerosis Copay Assistance Program for my AVONEX...I've been on this medication since I got diagnosed in 1998.

If you’re lucky to have been approved one year, their RE-ENROLLMENT process is extremely easy. They sent me a postcard, including a personal PIN #, and dates for reapplying. I was able to reapply on my computer. They provided several options for notification – mail, e-mail, text or voice.

Again, I waited a few weeks before being advised that I was approved for Copay Assistance for 2022. Needless to say, I was thrilled and relieved. Thanks to TAF, once again, the stress of the financial burden was eliminated.

THE ASSISTANCE FUND (TAF) staff is always cordial, knowledgeable and responsive with any questions you may have, including the process, timing, etc.

I highly recommend contacting TAF, if you have a disease and want to inquire about financial assistance. Apply to: www.TAFcares.org

Best,
Elise H.

Thank you for your valued assistance. I would not be able to afford my medication without you. Life is hard but you take one issue off the table.

I have been on medication for my MS for over 20 years, during those years I was covered under my husband’s employer’s insurance. After he retired, I found myself looking at an extraordinary large co-pay for my MS medication. I was so worried I would have to stop my medication and take my chances on my health. Thanks to the financial aid from The Assistance Fund, I am able to continue my medication and live life to the fullest. I am so very appreciative and blessed to have your assistance.

Thanks for helping me so much! I cannot thank you enough!!!

To all concerned. Four years ago I found myself in the predicament like so many others, 65, thinking of retirement and then boom, stage 4 prostate cancer. Luckily I was able to take my Medicare and with the help of a friend select a really great, though not cheap Medicare Supplement plan. We had planned fairly well and could survive on my social security and my wife's retirement. Being a teacher, she was not eligible for S.S. We had a small retirement fund for emergencies that we thought would be adequate. I did the normal surgery, radiation, and chemo which held it in check for a while. When it starting coming back I was put on a medication that would cost about $140,000 a year. After Medicare and the supplement plan we were still left with an amount that was not in the budget and over time would deplete a huge chunk of our emergency funds. I was very concerned with the impact it would have on our current economics and more so on my wife later on. There were some funds from another foundation that dried up. Then the pharmacy got us in touch with TAF which agreed to help us through the end of last year and have renewed their assistance for the coming year. What a relief!
As I'm sure anyone in this situation knows, just dealing with the anxiety and uncertainties of the disease itself is hard enough. We still have the unplanned expenses such as travel to and from my doctors about 80 miles away as well as other expenses that sneak up. We put over 8,000 miles on the car during the 5 days/week, 8 weeks of radiation. Getting the financial assistance from TAF has made all the difference allowing us to get back on track in assisting in leveling the field and BREATH EASIER. We are so grateful to TAF! We are able to live another year without dollars hanging over our heads. Thank You so much TAF. You have made a very difficult situation much more bearable.
I am currently trying to publish a nonprofit book of jokes trivia, quotes, feel good stories and anything I've found interesting over the last 40 years. Its intent will be to share a smile, food for thought about life and encourage people to step out of their own situations to share with others through their work, life and charities. TAF will definitely be on my list of suggested places to donate.
Jon and Sonja

Thank you so much for approving and re-enrolling me in the 2022 in the Pulmonary Hypertension Copay Assistance Program. I could not continue at my level of functioning without this medication and deeply appreciate your continued assistance. I wish you all the best in your continued work with all your patients.

Thank you, thank you very much for offering to help me again this year. I truly appreciate it and it relieves a tremendous amount of stress. I am so fortunate to have an excellent MD, who prescribed the new drug for metastatic breast cancer for my 3rd recurrence, now at a phase 4. This drug has been remarkable, along with Letrozole, in keeping the cancer in abeyance.

Thank you. I shall give your letter to my Walgreen's Pharmacy and follow their procedure for letting the AARP United Health Care Rx Plan know.

Tonight, my twin sister was rushed to the emergency room in Wenatchee WA when she was unresponsive to her husband about dinner time. She had a 100o temp but all tests came back negative and she was sleeping comfortably. All of us throughout the nation were called and we were worried. Finally, she was sent home and our hopes are that she will recover well. She is also 78 and "the brilliant, merit scholarship one", but she now has Alzheimer's but still plays the piano and harp from memory. She is still a wonderful person and we are so relieved...and then you brought this terrific news to me. What a Happy New Year! and to you all , too!
Thank you!
Warmest regards,
Gayle

If not for The Assistance Fund I would not be able to continue my treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. Diagnosed 23 years ago, with their help for the last 3 years, I am still mobile and active. That is only possible because TAF subsidizes the incredible high cost of MS drugs for me. I can’t thank them enough for their support of people like me.

The Assistance Fund has helped tremendously with the copay assistance for my MS drug “ GILENYA”. The drug retails for over $9000.00 a month, which is something I really can’t believe. Prior to this oral medication, I was doing daily injections which I paid out of pocket between $400-$500 every month. I was doing this for about 6 years. I’ve had MS since 2002. Then I joined a 2-1/2 year drug study program to bring an oral medication to market. I was happy to help with this as “GILENYA” is the drug I am now taking (better than injections). I am truly blessed that I was turned onto The Assistance Fund for help with the copay assistance. The people at TAF are and have been available to answer my questions and resolve any issues. They are professional, courteous and very caring!
Thank you

My original diagnosis of Prostate cancer was in 2008. I had the necessary surgery and was followed closely by my Urologist. As the years went on, each PSA test confirmed that my testosterone levels were staying low. Over time, I just about forgot about cancer and went on with my life.
About a year ago, I had some discomfort in my pelvic area and hip. X-rays taken, CAT scans done. The result was that cancer has returned and metastasized in my bones.
After more testing and seeing a doctor of Oncology, I was put on Erleada, a medicine just for Prostate cancer. The cost is $12,000.00 and my co-pay was $639.09.THUD.
For the first few months on this new medicine, I searched franticly for grants that may be available for this situation. With the help of the CVS Specialty Group and others, I found funding from month to month. The stress was overwhelming worrying from one month to the next where I could find financial help.
Then I found The Assistance Fund. I believe it was sometime toward the end of 2021 and they covered me for the month of December. Then I received a letter from them informing me that I would be covered for the entire year of 2022. I sat and cried. It's tough enough to deal with the return of this disease but to try and figure out how to find the necessary funds was even more difficult. Now I can tell everyone. Tell someone you may know that may be in a similar situation. There is financial help out there. All you need to know is The Assistance Fund, Inc. They can and will help you.
Both my wife and I are extremely grateful for your assistance.

I want to thank you for helping me. I have MS. I do not know where I would be without your help. It is muchly appreciated for all you do for so many in need.

Thank you again,
Rita Young

Thank you so very, very much. The MS medicine is so costly even with insurance. Kat

Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful news! I would not be able to afford my medication without this assistance. This message has helped me breathe a sigh of relief. The Assistance Fund is truly a lifesaver!

The Assistance Fund has been there for me for many years and I am forever grateful. Not only they have been providing the assistance needed but they are very easy, professional and very smooth to work with. They take the stress of managing the financial side of my medication away so I can focus on my health. I am very thankful for their support. Thank you TAF!!! And have a great, happy and healthy 2022!

I am so grateful for the financial assistance I have received from The Assistance Fund. Unfortunately my husband and I were both forced to retire because we had each contracted medical problems that prevented our being able to work. Prior to getting sick, we each worked hard, but we were living pay check to pay check. Consequently, when we had to retire, we were in a desperate financial situation. We had health insurance, but we were barely able to pay our copays. Some months we had to choose which medications we would do without because we just didn't have the money for the copays. My health declined to the point that I was near death. In fact it was to the point that I was expected to die at any moment. Thank God, I recovered to the point that I could at least go home, but I needed medication to keep me alive. We were desperate because there was no way we could afford the copays.. I started looking for help and heard about The Assistance Fund from a lady on Facebook. I immediately applied for help and in just a few minutes the fund had approved my application. I couldn't believe how fast and easy it was. The help I received was amazing. Not only didn't they immediately start paying my copays, but they also paid my previous copays retroactive to the beginning of the year. I owe my life to The Assistant Fund because without their help I would have passed away. My husband and I are thoroughly grateful to The Assistance Fund for helping us and giving us more years together. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you to The Assistance Fund for all the help with travel expenses and insurance premiums that allow my wife to live her best life following a debilitating and near-fatal encounter with an ultra-rare condition. The chemo she receives is one of the most expensive in the world (!!) and would not be possible but for the insurance that we continue with TAF's help on the premiums. TAF's Patient Advocates are always kind and helpful, even when overwhelmed with requests for help from so many.

Just had my retirement insurance terminated and have to find new, drug and health. Drug costs are unbelievable. You are needed more than ever!
Thanks to all of you who work so hard to help us! We appreciate you beyond words!!

Dear Mark,



No need to thank us. It is you and your organization that need to be thanked. The way we came to learn about TAF was a real surprise. Normally our insurance company allows us to use certain regular pharmacies. But for this drug, Nuplazid, which is very expensive, we were asked to work with CVS Specialty Pharmacy. In completing our registration with them, they informed us of the opportunity to be considered for the TAF program and were very instrumental in getting us enrolled . I remember the agent who initially assisted us saying that TAF was great to work with and very generous. Again thanks to you and your organization for your support and assistance. We are very fortunate.

Bob and Carol Silveri

To the kind generous donors supporting TAF:
My lupus story dates back to 1997 and it took til 2000 for doctors to diagnose and treat me as not much was known about lupus, mixed connective tissue disorders and the many other illnesses under the umbrella of “MCTD.” Modern medicine has now come a long way in diagnosing and treating. Medical science did not know a lot about multifaceted auto immune diseases and hence people like me were treated with meds as “trial and error,” hoping to discover the magic potion of meds that would control symptoms. That in itself causes not only physical symptoms to sometimes worsen, but psychological issues like depression as when u feel so Sick and nobody can figure it out.
Then I encountered my fabulous rheumatologist Dr. Francis Lichon. I have been a lupus patient since 1997 with a trial and error of many dif drugs. The biggest benefit for me with him is he will work with you til he helps you feel better, and if he can’t he will lay the groundwork to help you find answers to get better. A very smart, kind and compassionate MD.
All of this put together also led up to financial burden. Many exams, multiple trial and error of expensive drugs and infusions. Modern medicine has come a long way treating auto immune diseases and all the associated diseases with it; and also the meds and treatment plans have greatly expanded too. That’s where TAF has come into play. I want to express my gratitude and thankfulness to your generous donors in your program funding many. It has alleviated some of my medicine financial burden and im sure it has too for many others. Many thanks too for your awesome volunteers in TAF who work tirelessly to roll out the program and keep it going.
May God bless you all!
Mary Kay Wojciechowski
Oswego, Illinois

It is not an exaggeration to say that I wouldn’t be alive without the help I receive from The Assistance Fund for my medications. There is no way I could afford the patient portion after Medicare has paid and I can’t live without the medicine I take for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Having cancer is rough enough, without having to worry about paying for meds that help to keep you alive. You are such a blessing to those of us you chose to help!
Sincerely,
Deborah Shreckengost

Hello, there. I am so very grateful for The Assistance Fund for helping to pay for my medication. I have (are you ready for this?) Scleroderma-related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. My pulmonologist tells me he has had patients declare bankruptcy and lose their homes because the medication is extremely expensive. One month's medication last year was $9800.....every month! This year it will be more.
I applied to eight other charities, and was told by each one that either there was no money left in their fund for my disease or that my husband makes too much money. That last bit was a "stunner" for me because my 73 year-old husband in his 49th year of teaching in a small Christian school has never earned $10,000 a month. Although we have no debt and our home is paid for, there was absolutely no way we could afford the medication. As Christians, our first thought was to pray and to ask friends and family to pray, but I also set about the task of applying to as many charitable agencies as were suggested by my doctor. Continuing to pray and putting it in the LORD's hands, I tried not to be anxious. The Assistance Fund was suggested and finally my prayers were answered. They have been very compassionate and helpful. I am told that I'm doing well, and I am very, very thankful for The Assistance Fund. I am also happy to tell this story. Hopefully it will be an encouragement to others.

The Assistance fund was a life saver for me for three and a half years. Without them I could not have received my medicine for my cancer. They are a very special organization, who truly goes the extra mile for people who need help.

They have been awesome helping me get my meds. fir years!! Don't know what I'd done without
them!!

I would like to express my gratitude and deep appreciation to The Assistance Fund for the financial assistance I was able to qualify and receive. Last month I received my first benefit and was extremely surprised and elated to find out I did not owe a co-pay for my medication!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease Nov. 2018 at the age of 48. I am one of the primary care takers for my aging parents. I moved back home to help them financially among other ways after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. PD (Parkinson's Disease) has affected my life in many ways and financially is one of them. Even with company medical insurance, I need to pay $200/month out of pocket for a 30 day supply of my medication. Without insurance my medication can cost well over $1,000 a month. The Assistance Fund is going to cover my medication 100% for 2020. This is a tremendous help to me and my family. I can now use my money I would have paid towards my medication to help my parents with their medication and household expenses.

Thank you so much for foundations like yours that care for us and make a difference in our lives. PD is a lifelong chronic and progressive disease, but I'm a very positive person and will continue to work at keeping healthy. Thank you to TAF for allowing me some 'breathing room' to be able to meet our daily needs.
With deep appreciation - Rachel Reyes

The Assistance Fund (TAF) provides financial assistance through donor funding. They cover over 60 diseases helping patients pay for prescribed medications, co-pays and medical insurance premiums. I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in January 2017. TAF has made it possible for me to receive life saving medications and infusions that I could not otherwise afford to pay for on my own. The staff and management team at TAF are very professional and efficient. They always treat me with respect, kindness and make me feel special. Thank you TAF for all you do to help patients Your assistance has made my journey a lot less stressful not having to worry about the financial aspect. God Bless!

Ya all have been a savior for me. With out your kindness and program we would not have been able too fix our furnace when it went out last week. I appreciate everything you do for us thanks again Dennis

I want to thank The Assistance Fund, Inc. for the help it provided in supporting the cost of Nuplacid, the drug developed for Parkinson's patients' hallucinations. It really helped in the beginning and it was a horrible fight with his doctor in memory care to keep him on it. Finally he was taken off it, which still upsets me. He had Lewy Body Dementia, or maybe never had Parkinsons and instead Lewy Body. He died a horrible, horrifying death of insanity in a few short years. The Nuplacid assistance was so very helpful in the beginning as he started his bewildering descent into madness, with terrible support from clueless neurologists. He died in September and our family is still traumatized. A terribly misunderstood disease, punctuated by moments of light, like the assistance from TAF. Thank you and Blessings.

You are part of a wonderful organization - I don’t know what I’d do without all of your assistance!

At a point where I wasn't sure how we were going to manage to pay for my MS medication, I found The Assistance Fund. Not only was it a tremendous help financially, the staff was patient and helpful and kind. I don't have the words to tell you how much of a blessing you have been to me and to so many others. You allow us to again find some security and joy. You all have a huge fan club in your clients and their loved ones. Thank you!

Thank you for always reaching out to help so many people!

Patricia Laughlin

I have spoken many times with different representatives, both through the chat system online and on the phone, and they all have been very knowledgeable, professional, and kind. I truly appreciate everything that they all do. Without this service I would not be able to afford my medicine that keeps me walking, talking and even breathing. So thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

TAF enables me to continue much-needed MS medication!