New York — For years, Heather Candrilli endured severe bloating and abdominal pain, attributing her discomfort to dietary choices and the physical toll of motherhood. However, her life took a shocking turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 36. Striving to defy the grim prognosis, which typically shows a 13 percent survival rate, Candrilli began an intensive chemotherapy treatment regimen in May 2024.
As she battles the disease, Candrilli grapples with debilitating side effects and a mounting stack of medical bills that could surpass $500,000. Her husband, Corey Candrilli, a disabled veteran, expresses a deep concern for his wife’s hardships. “I can’t fully grasp what she’s experiencing, but I understand pain. The highs and lows are part of this journey,” he shared, emphasizing his wife’s incredible resilience.
Since her diagnosis, Heather has undergone 20 rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries aimed at tumor removal, but her fight continues. Corey highlights the struggles they faced with medical professionals, noting several dismissals of her symptoms, which delays in diagnosis could have prevented. He advocates for legislative changes requiring insurance companies to cover colonoscopies for younger patients exhibiting concerning symptoms. This kind of screening, the most effective method for detecting colon cancer, is becoming increasingly vital as cases in younger populations rise.
Typically recommended for individuals starting at 45 years old, the recommendation for colonoscopies comes every decade if results are clear. However, confusion over insurance policies has led many individuals to postpone screenings or face immense out-of-pocket expenses.
Patients report shocking bills for colonoscopies, some exceeding $20,000 even when insured. New York law mandates insurance coverage for the procedure only for those aged 45 and up, forcing early-onset patients into a predicament. “It’s unbelievable. These are the people raising our children and building our future,” Corey stated, expressing frustration at the system’s limitations.
While Heather initially sought medical advice for potential chronic autoimmune diseases, she never received a recommendation for a colonoscopy, despite her troubling symptoms. An ultrasound eventually detected an issue with her liver, leading to the critical colonoscopy that revealed a quickly advancing tumor.
Following surgery to remove a portion of her colon, Heather faces an uncertain future as she awaits a liver transplant. The chemotherapy sessions, which take an exhausting four hours every two weeks, are showing positive effects by shrinking the tumors. Nevertheless, the financial burden remains daunting, with Corey lamenting that despite insurance, medical costs could easily reach $500,000.
To alleviate their mounting expenses, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. Heather had previously halted her work as a nanny to support Corey after his traumatic brain injury suffered while serving in Iraq. “She’s the greatest medicine I’ve ever had,” he added, fully recognizing her impact on their family.
Awareness around screening adherence is crucial, as roughly 67 percent of adults follow current recommendations, falling short of the governmental target of 70 percent. Early-stage colon cancer often shows no obvious signs, making routine screenings essential. Symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or prolonged digestive issues should never be ignored.
Medical professionals worry that escalating costs may deter patients from scheduling necessary screenings. Dr. Glenn Littenberg, a physician, warns, “If patients delay colonoscopies due to financial concerns, it increases the likelihood of serious health issues. Early detection through screening can prevent the progression of polyps to cancer.”
Continued advocacy for accessible healthcare coverage and early intervention is critical as families like the Candrillis navigate the challenges of severe illness and financial strain.