Living with GIST
November 17, 2022 — Living with a chronic condition or disability is hard enough, then there are the never-ending medical expenses and mental health challenges that can occur; living with GIST is no different. Having a life-changing diagnosis impacts family, friends, and caregivers as well, like Wes, who is caring for his mother. Wes’s mom has been diagnosed with GIST and finding affordable treatment has been a challenge.
What Is GIST?
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTS) occur when cells lining your digestive tract grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, creating a mass of tissue otherwise called a tumor. These tumors can sometimes be cancerous, and some with GIST may have pain or bleeding.
Symptoms generally include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling full after eating a small portion of food
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Finding Financial Assistance for GIST
When Wes’s mother had been diagnosed with GIST, he found out chemo-therapy medication costs were hundreds of dollars just for a single pill, he went on the hunt for assistance. He came upon Accessia Health’s GIST Program, applied, and after two days, was informed that Accessia Health would cover the cost of his mother’s copay. He couldn’t have been happier.
“This funding is enough to cover my mother’s drug copay liability for 2022, making an unaffordable, life-sustaining drug affordable to the average person,” Wes said. “Accessia Health not only helps individuals with the astronomical cost of some drugs, but I would also say they are helping to save lives.”
Giving Back and Giving Hope
Wes’s mother would not be living a healthier, happier life without generous support from caring people like you.
You can change a patient’s life by donating to our patient programs. Click here to make a gift today.
*Please consult with your healthcare provider or seek professional medical treatment if you have any medical concerns. Please do not disregard any professional medical advice or take any delay in seeking medical treatment based on anything you may have read in this blog, on this website or in any linked materials contained within. Thank You.