Insurance Gaps, Delays, and a Family’s $500,000 Battle With Cancer
Since her diagnosis, Heather Candrilli has fought for her life—and now also battles skyrocketing medical bills. Even with insurance, the cost of care could exceed $500,000. “It’s ridiculously expensive,” Cory said. A GoFundMe was launched to help, as Heather had stopped working to care for Cory, who suffered a brain injury in Iraq.
Their story highlights a growing issue: colon cancer is increasing in younger adults, but colonoscopies are typically covered only after age 45. “You can’t get it. It’s unbelievable,” Cory said, calling for insurance reform to protect people with early symptoms.
Colonoscopies usually cost about $79 out-of-pocket with insurance, but some patients report being charged up to $20,000. Delays in screening often lead to late-stage diagnoses, making treatment harder.
Colon cancer’s early signs—changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or chronic discomfort—are often ignored. Cory urges more awareness: “These are your teachers, your parents… our future.” He says Heather remains strong: “She’s the greatest medicine I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
