From Patient to Donor: Jim’s Journey with CML
More than a decade ago, Jim found Accessia Health during one of the most challenging times in his life after a diagnosis of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). Today, he is in remission and continues to enjoy the life that once felt uncertain, embracing time with his family, giving back through volunteer service, and supporting Accessia Health Foundation as a donor. Jim’s story is a powerful reminder that when one person gains access to the care they need, the impact can extend far beyond a single life, reaching families, communities, and creating opportunities to serve others.
We are honored that Jim chose to share his journey and grateful for his continued support of our mission. We hope his story inspires you as much as it has inspired all of us.
When you were diagnosed with CML in 2013, you were suddenly faced with both a serious health challenge and the cost of treatment. Can you share what that experience was like for you and your family, and how Accessia Health’s support helped you navigate that chapter of your life?
In 2013, at the age of 70, I retired, and my wife and I were looking forward to traveling and enjoying this new chapter of our lives. During my annual physical, my longtime physician noticed my white blood cell count was unusually high and immediately referred me to an oncologist. After additional testing, I was diagnosed with CML.
The diagnosis was devastating. I worried about my wife, my family, and what the future would hold. Although a promising new treatment had become available, it cost more than $150,000 a year, far beyond what we could afford in retirement. While there was hope, there was also uncertainty about whether the treatment would even work.
A hospital social worker encouraged me to apply for financial assistance through Accessia Health. When I was approved for help with the cost of my medication, it lifted an enormous weight from our shoulders and allowed me to begin treatment without the overwhelming financial burden.
Within six months, my white blood cell count began returning to normal, and many of my symptoms, including the constant fatigue, started to improve.
Thanks to that support and the treatment I received, I have been blessed with more time to enjoy retirement with my wife, travel, welcome my grandchildren into the world, continue volunteering with children and adults with disabilities, and even return to playing tennis. Accessia Health made it possible for me to receive the treatment that gave me my life back, giving me more time with the people I love, and for that I will always be grateful.
Today, you are in remission and have been able to enjoy many of life’s moments that once felt uncertain. Looking back, what experiences, memories, or milestones are you most grateful to have shared with your family over the years?
It is almost impossible to put into words everything this journey has meant to me. Thanks to the support of Accessia Health, I was able to receive the treatment I needed and embrace life with hope instead of uncertainty.
The greatest gift has been time with my family. I have watched our three children grow into successful, happy adults, welcomed grandchildren into our lives, and shared moments that once seemed beyond reach. My wife and I have also been able to fulfill our dream of traveling together, visiting places throughout the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, where our family’s history began.
When I was diagnosed with CML in 2013, I never imagined I would be here 13 years later, enjoying retirement and making new memories with the people I love. Every year since then has been a gift, and I remain deeply grateful for the compassion of the Accessia Health team and the support they provided, which helped make those years possible.
Having experienced Accessia Health’s support firsthand and now choosing to give back as a donor, what inspires your continued support, and what would you want others to know about the impact Accessia Health has on patients and families facing rare or chronic health conditions?
Accessia Health made it possible for me to receive the lifesaving medication I needed, but the impact of that support extends far beyond my own health. Because I was able to receive treatment, I have been able to continue volunteering, giving back to my community, and enjoying precious time with my family.
One of the things that means the most to me is knowing that many of the people whose lives I’ve been fortunate enough to touch may never realize that behind my ability to serve them was the support I received from Accessia Health. The compassion of the Accessia Health team not only changed my life but also made it possible for me to make a difference in the lives of others.
Becoming a donor was simply my way of saying thank you and giving back to the organization that stood beside me when I needed it most. I also believe that sharing my story is another way I can give back. Whenever someone asks about my journey, my volunteer work, or the life I’m fortunate to enjoy today, Accessia Health is always part of my answer. I hope my story helps others understand the incredible impact the organization has on patients and families facing rare or chronic conditions. I am living proof that when you help one person, the impact can reach far beyond what you ever imagined.
