Beatriz Restrepo Gomez: surviving with support
Beatriz Restrepo Gomez felt better than ever—the healthiest she had in years. How could something be wrong?
The day before she had undergone a routine checkup and blood test. Now, at 7 a.m., her doctor was calling with the news her white blood cell count was extremely high. She urged Beatriz to go to the hospital.
“Can’t it wait?” Beatriz asked, thinking of her busy day ahead.
“No, this is serious,” the doctor replied. “It has to be now.”
On that day in January 2020, the Mercer Island, Washington, resident was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Thankfully, Beatriz’s cancer was caught early and did not require immediate treatment. She was referred to a hematologist-oncologist, who recommended a “watchful waiting” approach with checkups every three months. They assured Beatriz she could live like this for many years.
And she did, all through the COVID-19 pandemic. Beatriz continued working as a trusted housekeeper and caregiver for a Seattle family while fully supporting her now 25-year-old daughter Sarah, who lives with ADHD.
This is a miracle. If it had not been for [PAN], I would not have had access to the treatment. I would not be telling my story.
Beatriz Restrepo Gómez
“I pay for an apartment, rent, food, and all the expenses of her education,” Beatriz said. “Everything is on me.”
Then, in September 2023, her CLL advanced. Suddenly Beatriz needed chemotherapy—and the most effective option was also the most expensive. Medicare would cover most of it, but the yearlong treatment was still going to cost her $3,500 a month out of pocket.
Beatriz frantically calculated ways to change her lifestyle so she could afford her cancer treatment. She didn’t have much in the way of savings. Could she pick up a second job on Saturdays and Sundays? Downsize from a three-bedroom apartment to a one-bedroom? Seek out a loan that would mean long-term debt?
As a single mother and head of household, making ends meet has always been difficult for Beatriz. “I don’t have a luxurious life. What expenses could I reduce?” said the 68-year-old.
Then Beatriz got a call from the hospital, telling her she was eligible for a copay grant from the PAN Foundation. Suddenly, the best possible cancer care was within reach. She was able to start right away and, so far, the medication is working.
“This is a miracle. If it had not been for [PAN], I would not have had access to the treatment. I would not be telling my story,” she said.
Life with cancer has put another strain on Beatriz’s budget. A tank of gas used to last her two weeks, but traveling to all her medical appointments means filling up every few days. PAN helped with that, too, giving her $500 a year toward transportation expenses.
Beatriz, who was born in Medellin, Colombia, is also grateful for PAN’s Spanish-language resources and translation services. She can easily access the PAN website or call them in her native language. “PAN has always been willing to help me. They have always treated me with consideration, respect, and empathy,” she said.
If anything, Beatriz is a survivor. This former attorney and judge has made a life for herself since coming to the United States more than 25 years ago. She has survived domestic abuse and supported her daughter on her own. She’s also endured chronic kidney disease. Now cancer poses a new challenge—and she’s ready for the fight knowing she has the support of her daughter, her longtime employer, and PAN.
When her treatment is complete, she looks forward to watching Sarah earn her degree and fulfilling her lifelong dream of traveling to Israel.
“In the midst of everything, I have survived, and I want to live,” Beatriz said. “I want to enjoy the last years of my life with peace of mind.”