Providing Game-Changing Financial Planning for Elvirra When 46-year-old Elvirra was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, she had just taken out a high deductible with her insurance and had to take time off work due to treatment demands. She had rainy day funds, but the financial impact of her diagnosis hit hard and fast. “I never imagined how financially hard cancer was going to be,” she shared. “I pushed through the ‘chemo brain’ that made it hard to focus, and I was fortunately able to find Family Reach.”
Through their phone calls and emails, Suzette further validated, encouraged, and empowered Elvirra. “When we first met, Elvirra didn’t know where to begin. She felt frozen, but I wanted to give her a path forward through her treatment that would alleviate the financial pressure,” shared Suzette. “Sometimes even simply saying ‘You can do this and I am here to help’ went a long way.”
Family Reach quickly connected Elvirra with Suzette Rothberg, one of our volunteer Certified Financial Planner™ professionals. Suzette’s advice included questions to ask about unemployment and disability insurance, which bills to prioritize, methods to reduce debt quickly, and ways to increase cash flow during treatment. A specific insight even included asking billing companies to send letters rather than calling Elvirra so the phone wasn’t constantly ringing.
I thought I was going to lose my home but Suzette helped me gain clarity around my finances Before I talked to Suzette, I thought I was going to lose my home but she helped me gain clarity around my finances and that made me feel physically better so I could focus on my health,” Elvirra said.
Financial Planning for Cancer
Elvirra (right) on vacation with family Feeling more prepared to manage her finances while going through treatment, Elvirra described the Financial Planning for Cancer program as a “game changer” that allowed her to breathe and focus on her health. She continued, “preserving my dignity, knowing I can take care of myself without needing handouts, and being able to make wise financial decisions — these are the gifts this program gave me!”
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