July 2009 Quarterly e-News
Welcome to the new edition of the Pulse - we hope you like our new look! In addition, we're excited to announce the launch of our new and improved website.
The site is easier to use and was redesigned with our network of patients, family members, providers, advocates and partners in mind to help you access the information you need. We added more comprehensive information about our program, our process and how to apply for assistance. You'll also find up-to-date announcements, media highlights, resources and information about how you can help us spread the word and support our work. We invite you to take a closer look by visiting us at www.healthwellfoundation.org
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In May, the HealthWell Foundation launched a new fund for Glioblastoma Multiforme and Anaplastic Astrocytoma. These two conditions refer to advanced-stage brain tumors known to penetrate the surrounding brain tissue. Surgical removal is not usually an option with these types of tumors. Unfortunately, the average lifespan of patients coping with these tumors is approximately one year. While the typical peak incidence occurs between the ages of 45-70, Glioblastoma Multiforme and
Anaplastic Astrocytoma may also manifest themselves in children and younger adults.
The National Brain Tumor Society is working with HealthWell to spread the word about our newest fund and is actively referring patients over for assistance. "Each year approximately 190,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor," said Harriet Patterson, MPH, and Director of
Patient Services of the National Brain Tumor Society. "Enhancing the quality of life for people with brain tumors requires access to quality specialty care, clinical trials, follow-up care and rehabilitative services, and we fully support the HealthWell
Foundation in its desire to help minimize the financial strain on these patients in any way that they can.“
As with our other funds, we appreciate the generous donations that allow us to help patients access treatment instead of worrying about affording it.
The HealthWell Foundation continues to be featured in media across the country. Here are a few of the latest highlights:
In June, 2008, I had my yearly physical and was in great health. Then I had a mammogram and discovered things weren't so great. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My husband, 80 years young, and
I had no doubt we could get through this spiritually, mentally and physically, but didn't know how we would manage financially. We decided that if we had to declare bankruptcy, so be it - but I would get well. We laughed our way through the bald head and fatigue - and the fact that he was 80 years old living with a 72 year old bald headed woman.
My surgery was a success, but the cancer was aggressive and recurrence rate is high. When I was ready to start chemo, we met with the finance department and made the first payment. When we went to make the second, the finance manager thought we might be able to get some help and sent our paperwork to you. When I got my first letter from HealthWell, I cried - then came the second letter and I couldn't believe we had been so blessed. I didn't know what we had done to deserve the kindness of
HealthWell. Needless to say, it is almost a year later and I am healthy once again. I can't begin to thank HealthWell for all the help we have received, not only with my chemo, but now with my medication as I enter the Medicare Gap. We have been truly blessed and pray that HealthWell will also be blessed.
The Star-Ledger - HealthWell Foundation board member David Knowlton discusses the need for health care reform and resources that are available to underinsured patients who need financial relief (" Expert looks at future of health care reform,"
06/26/09 ). Kay, Bedford, TX
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at support@healthwellfoundation.org
or call 1-800-675-8416.
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Specialty Pharmacy News - HealthWell Foundation board member David
Knowlton provides commentary on the rising costs of specialty drug prices and the increasing cost concerns for patients who need them (" As specialty drug costs continue to rise, patients are still filling scripts - for now" 06/01/09 ).
NewsRx .com
- Information on the HealthWell Foundation's newest fund, designed to help patients coping with aggressive brain tumors, is featured on this health news website (" The HealthWell Foundation Launches New Fund for
Patients with Aggressive Brain Tumors." 05/13/09 ).
Just Cause Magazine - The HealthWell Foundation is profiled as being one of the organizations doing its part to help combat the growing crisis of the underinsured in this story on the ever-increasing costs associated with health insurance (" <>The
Doctor is in and Insurance is Out" 05/01/09).
WOW! Your organization is awesome! I received a heart transplant in 2001.
Through 2008, my job has always been able to provide affordable insurance.
That changed in January 2009. The new plan we were given had a HUGE deductible attached to it. I was at a loss as to how I was going to be able to pay for my meds and keep a roof over my head and food on the table for my daughter and I. tried to get assistance from a few places to no avail, and then was referred to HealthWell by my doctor's office. You all were so helpful and kind!
The application process was simple and painless. The response was quick. I was approved for the help I so desperately needed. A huge burden and mountain of stress was lifted from my shoulders when
I received the news HealthWell was going to help me. I can't express in words the depth of my gratitude. But for what it's worth....Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Did you know that you are free to change the following at any time without affecting your eligibility for assistance?
•the type of medication you are taking specifically for the medical condition listed in your application
•your physician
•your pharmacy
•any other of your providers
Philip,
Missouri City, TX
___________________________
Due to high demand, we are unable to accept new applications at this time for our
Hodgkin's Disease, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) funds. Please follow up periodically to check on the status of these funds. In the meantime, please contact the following organizations for assistance:
There are no words to express how grateful I am for the help you have given me toward breast cancer treatment. After finding out there was no generic form of my medication, I felt my only alternative was to take it every other day. Thank you so much -
I can only promise to pass this kindness on as I can.
• Hodgkin's Disease: National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD)
(866-924-0100)
• MDS: Patient Access Network Foundation (866-316-7263), the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society (877-557-2672), or the Chronic Disease Fund
(877-968-7233)
• MM: Patient Advocate Foundation (800-532-5274), the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society (877-557-2672), or the Chronic Disease Fund (877-968-7233)
If you would like to support our funding for any of these disease areas, please email us at support@healthwellfoundation.org
or call our Development Office at 888-508-
7466.
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at support@healthwellfoundation.org
or call 1-800-675-8416.
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Mary,
Green Bay, WI

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic, inflammatory arthritis. Ankylosis means "fusion" and spondylitis means
"inflammation of the spine". AS causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and in the joints between the spine and pelvis. Chronic inflammation may lead to complete cementing of the vertebrae, which results in a loss of spinal mobility. It is classified under the specialty of rheumatic disease, which refers to diseases affecting the joints and connective tissue. AS specifically affects the spine, although other joints and organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys can be affected. The cause of AS is unknown but it is believed that genetics plays a key role. Approximately
129 out of 100,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with AS. There is no known cure for AS, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce the symptoms and manage pain.
The HealthWell Foundation assists AS patients with their monthly insurance premiums or copayments for prescription medications associated with the disease. To date, HealthWell has awarded over $1 million to patients with AS thanks to the generous support of our donors. We invite you to help AS patients access the care they need by donating to
HealthWell Foundation today . Every donation counts!
Support HealthWell Every Time you Search the Web
GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that gives back. Every time you search the Web with
GoodSearch.com, a penny will be donated to HealthWell! To begin searching, visit http://www.goodsearch.com/ and be sure to enter the HealthWell Foundation as the charity you want to support. And please help spread the word!
Has HealthWell made a positive difference in your life or in the lives of the patients you help? If so, we want to hear from you! We invite you to share your HealthWell story by emailing us at support@healthwellfoundation.org
[please indicate if we have your permission to share your story with others anonymously].
The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization working to reduce barriers to medical care for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases.
For more information, please contact us at support@healthwellfoundation.org
or call 1-800-675-8416.
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