Angela,

Let's find the resources you need at this point. They are out there.  It requires research and a lot of phone work.   "google" to find financial and other resources.  Read the Cancer Magazines at the Cancer Center to find more resources. Talk to the Social Worker attached to your specific Cancer area.

Teachers have different benefits than most organization and I am not an expert in that field. So start networking to find someone in the Teaching field that would have knowledge and could guide you. Join a chat discussion with others you have your same type of cancer and ask other teachers specific questions.  I recommend www.inspire.com That website has been very helpful to me when needed answers from other patients.

Your Dr has indicated that you are released to work Part Time.  That documentation should make it possible for you to do that.  I don't see where they can terminate you when you are on disability. Check with your Human Resources department asking them to inform you of your benefits and any external organizations that might be available to help you financially. Be sure to check with our legal group who can advise you.

Are you part of the Teachers Union?  If so that offers you some resources to protect your job.  Read your Union and Employee Handbooks to better understand your benefits and rights.

Your State probably has a State Advocacy department that could help and provide information. You may qualify for a State or Federal insurance plan that has little or no cost. You may qualify for Medicaid and other State Assistance programs.

 Here are a few resources I collected to help other patients.

Cancer Financial Assistance
Coalition, (CFAC), http://www.cancerfac.org/,
is a coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help
cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial
challenges through educating patients and providers about existing resources
and advocating on behalf of patients. Among CFAC's member organizations are the
American Cancer Society, Cancer Care, the National Marrow Donor Program and
nine more. While CFAC cannot respond to individual requests for assistance
group maintains a database of resources searchable by diagnosis, type of aid
(housing, expenses, prosthetics) and zip code. To perform a resource search
visit: http://www.cancerfac.org/

Patient Services Inc. has been providing a safety net for people with a number
of diseases since 1989. The group offers assistance in locating insurance,
subsidizing premium, treatment and pharmacy costs and advocating for patients
with Medicare and Social Security Disability. Check the site: https://www.patientservicesinc.org/ to see if your condition is one of those aided by Patient
Services, Inc.

Patient Access Network Foundation
(PAN), aids people afford the copayments
for cancer or chronic disease medications. Patients aided by PAN have insurance
but lack the funds for out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on their illness,
insured patients can receive amounts between $1500 to $8500 a year in
copayment. To find out if you are eligible visit https://www.panfoundation.org/ or call 866-316-PANF (7263).

United Way, http://liveunited.org/our-work/health/, provides assistance around the nation and advocates on
health issues. The best way to find aid is to contact your local United Way
campaign office. Check their database for information: http://apps.liveunited.org/myuw/

 Partnership for Prescription
Assistance, helps qualifying patients without
prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need by putting them in touch
any one of hundreds of programs tailored for different needs and conditions.
Visit their site at http://www.pparx.org/ or call toll-free 1-888-4ppa (1-888-477-2669) for more
information and to determine your eligibility.

So before you even consider going back to work full time, do a lot of research and find the services that exist to help you.

I hope this is helpfull.

Margot

Hi, Angela,

As I read through Margot's excellent advice, I had one other thought that I wanted to share with you.  Some organizations and businesses have formal or even informal leave banks for just this type of situation.  You may be able to arrange for fellow teachers to donate leave to cover your time off until you are able to return to work full time.

This may be something that is already in place through your union or through your school district.  Or, it may be something that a small group of your friends want to spearhead and get off the ground as a future benefit for all.

In organizations where I have worked in the past, each person has the ability to donate up to 6 hours of annual leave per year and that goes into a leave bank managed by the organization.  Then, when someone in the bank needs the donated leave, they apply, with a doctor's note and justification, and can be granted up to 1000 hours of donated leave, without having to pay that leave back.

Alternatively, a one time leave drive for an individual can yield donated leave that can cover a one time need like yours, and may offer an incentive to the union or the school district to set up a formal program for future needs, if it can be shown to work in one case.

People usually love to help out colleagues when they can, and offering accrued leave is a painless way to help, that can make a huge difference in someone's life.   See if you have such a program available to you, and if not, see if you have friends who may be willing to start a movement.

Wishing you the best in your FULL recovery!

Kathy Flora, Career Coach