Beaverton Teacher’s Cancer Treatment Unblocked After Community Pressure on Insurer
Niki Taylo, a Beaverton high school teacher with Stage IV endometrial cancer, faced a critical treatment gap after Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield denied coverage for ENHERTU, a targeted cancer drug recommended by her oncologist. The insurer rejected the request twice, leaving Taylo without treatment for seven weeks as her tumors progressed. Her husband, Rob, noted that the out-of-pocket cost exceeds $63,000 every three weeks, and financial aid applications were also denied due to income thresholds. In response, the couple launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $75,000 in a week, aided by donations from former students and an email campaign organized by Taylo’s sister’s coworkers. This public pressure led Regence to agree to work with OHSU to cover the medication. Taylo’s first treatment is scheduled for Friday, while the family plans to use the raised funds for additional care abroad.