Seven years ago, my brother was diagnosed with glioblastoma — an aggressive form of brain cancer. We were living in the Seattle area, and like most people, we trusted that his traditional health insurance would help us get the best care available.
But what we experienced was the exact opposite.
We quickly learned that the system wasn’t built to support patients — it was built to control costs. Every time we asked about new or alternative treatments we had researched, the answer was always “no,” “not covered,” or “not in-network.”
Eventually, the lead doctor at the brain center at University of Washington came into the ER and told us:
“There’s nothing more we can do. Take him home.”
We were devastated. But we didn’t give up.
Days later, I got a call from one of the top surgeons at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center in Phoenix, AZ. He told us they could operate and were testing a promising new clinical drug. I remember standing on the sidewalk, waiting for a coffee, and breaking down in tears. There was hope again.
We did everything right — contacted insurance, submitted paperwork, followed their process. It took them over two weeks to respond. Their answer?
Denied. “Out of network.”
Even in his fight for life, the system said no.
Eventually, through an ER admission and the help of a patient advocate, my brother was able to get surgery and begin the clinical treatment. But it came with more battles, more stress, more fighting with insurance over bills and coverage. He passed away 2½ years ago. And I truly believe — had the system been designed with him in mind, instead of cost savings — he might still be here.
That experience changed everything for me.
It’s why I now work with Impact Health — a new kind of healthcare alternative that puts people over profits, with no network restrictions, wellness-focused incentives, and the freedom to choose the care that aligns with your values and needs.
If you’ve ever felt like a number inside a broken system — or you never want your family to face what mine did — I’d love to show you how this works.
Let’s talk.
Because everyone deserves care that cares back.
