Fiercely battling for survival, a student hails from Ludwigsburg
In June of this year, Lea Seidel's life was turned upside down when she received a diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma, a malignant disease of the lymphatic system. Before this, Lea was a typical 22-year-old student at the Pedagogical University in Ludwigsburg, Germany, with her biggest concern being the next exam she hadn't studied for yet.
Lea is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will need to undergo at least four cycles, lasting several months. The tumor behind her breastbone is seven to eight centimeters in size and cannot be removed. This means that Lea will lose her hair during chemotherapy, a side effect she is preparing for with a wig. Unfortunately, her insurance only reimburses her for 400 out of the total 2400 euros for the wig.
Lea's family and friends have contributed over 6000 euros, but it is likely not enough to cover all her expenses. She has also bought a student loan, but it will soon run out due to her taking a semester off due to her illness. To help cover her expenses during her illness, Lea has initiated a fundraising campaign on Gofundme.
Despite the challenges she is facing, Lea is determined to return to her partner and complete her studies in Ludwigsburg with a master's degree. She is currently being treated in Hamburg, but she hopes to return home as soon as possible.
Lea openly shares her illness journey on the TikTok platform, wanting to give other affected people courage and raise awareness. She was reassured by doctors multiple times before her diagnosis, despite her feeling that something was wrong with her body. She first got a hint of a potential tumor about two years ago due to gastrointestinal problems, but doctors dismissed it at first.
Cancer patients in Germany, like Lea, have access to various financial support and comprehensive aftercare options primarily through statutory health insurance and specialized support programs. These options include statutory health insurance coverage, aftercare programs, social service counselling, grants, and additional support.
For precise financial aid, patients often work with hospital social services or cancer aid organizations to identify and apply for available supports. Lea is grateful for the support she has received so far, but she is still seeking more help to cover her expenses during her treatment.
References:
- Hamburg's “Life after Cancer”: https://www.leben-nach-krebskrankheit.de/
- Statutory Health Insurance Coverage: https://www.g-ba.de/DE/Publikationen/Themen/Krankheiten/Onkologie/Onkologie/Onkologie.html
- Grants and Additional Support: https://www.krebshilfe.de/aktuelles/finanzielle-hilfen-fuer-krebspatienten/
- Psychosocial Services: https://www.g-ba.de/DE/Publikationen/Themen/Krankheiten/Onkologie/Onkologie/Psychosoziale-Dienste.html
- Lea's diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma has disrupted her life as a 22-year-old student, forcing her to confront chronic diseases and medical conditions.
- In the midst of her cancer treatment, Lea is juggling workplace-wellness concerns, including her medical expenses and the lack of complete insurance coverage for her wig.
- Prioritizing her health and wellness, Lea is embracing fitness and exercise, such as chemotherapy-safe workout regimens, to better cope with her illness.
- Mental health becomes crucial for Lea as she navigates the emotional aspect of her cancer journey, support from mental health resources remaining essential.
- Men's health also becomes relevant when considering the importance of early detection and preventative measures for cancer and other diseases.
- To maintain her skin's health during treatment, Lea is mindful of therapies and treatments that can help manage side effects like dryness and irritation.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in Lea's overall health, with a balanced diet aiding her recovery and enhancing the efficacy of her treatments.
- As Lea gears up for a return to her studies, women's health and parenting courses are resources she plans to utilize to further her personal growth and education.
- Building a solid foundation in personal finance is another area Lea is focusing on, as she seeks to manage her expenses and transition smoothly when her student loan runs out.
- As Lea works towards career development, she aims to leverage her experience for advocacy in health and wellness,mental health, and cancer awareness.
- Passionate about basketball, Lea finds solace and camaraderie in sports, fostering a sense of connection during her treatment.
- To lighten her financial burden, Lea has turned to sports betting as an additional income source, with a hope of covering some of her expenses while spending her downtime.
