Its the sacrifices: Manitoba woman recounts financial challenges of cancer care – Winnipeg [Video]

Sandra Hojlo loves her new ‘do.

“I can actually put styling products in my hair now,” she said with excitement.

In April, Hojlo was declared cancer-free after receiving Manitoba’s first CAR-T cell transplant, a revolutionary kind of treatment. Her lymphoma is unlikely to return. But her curly hair has.

“It feels surreal,” she said.

Hajlo lives with her husband Sig Trautwein in Winnipeg Beach. In the nearly 10 years since she was diagnosed, the couple has made countless trips to Winnipeg for treatment.

“We spent a lot of money on gas,” Hojlo said.

Hojlo worked as an airport screening officer, but had to go on disability to pursue treatment.

“I probably lost close to maybe 70 per cent of my wages being on short-term disability,” she said.

Trautwein retired early to be her full-time caregiver. The only reason they stayed afloat financially was due to Hojlo’s medical insurance through work, and the fact they’d already paid off their house.

“That’s why we can afford this,” …