Think back to your high school days for a second. There's no doubt that there was one teacher who was absolutely formative to your life.
Whether they helped you find something you were passionate about or were just really nice, one thing's true: you'd want to help them if they were struggling.
And that's exactly what one Portland, Oregon high school has opted to do. As reported by People, Niki Taylo of Sunset High School in Beaverton was facing some pretty dire health circumstances.
She was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer back in 2024. She opted for chemotherapy, but the results were unfortunately mixed. "The PET scan of tumors showed mixed results: some shrinking, some growing, a couple new ones."
For most, that is devastating news, and they would not have many other options. However, Taylo's doctors were keen for her to try a special drug called ENHERTU.
But there was just one problem with that: Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, her insurance company. They denied her claims for the drugs not once but twice.
They were even turned away from the drug's website as well... "because they said we made too much money," according to Rob, Niki's husband. However, the drug cost a staggering $63,000 per three weeks.
"We would be bankrupt really quick after a few treatments," Rob explained. "So I'm not sure who makes that much money."
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They Set Up a GoFundMe For the Cancer Meds
And then they decided to do something they later described as "difficult" - opening a fundraiser. Rob wrote on the GoFundMe, "We have done the best to carry these costs ourselves... we have reached a point where we cannot do it alone."
It took just one week for them to get to their original goal. And it turns out it was students sending funds to help support her. "[Rob] would read me the names from the GoFundMe and they were past students from years ago."
And then, people supporting her decided to opt for an e-mail campaign, too. "Drafted form letters, the whole process and a lot of people got involved, like let's get this out there."
And it worked. Regence is now reportedly working on a "plan" to get them covered.
What a heartwarming story!
