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
