Husband’s Alzheimer’s and Cancer: We Spent $500 a Month on Uber Rides Until We Found a $3 Alternative

A life of travel together

Colborn and William retired and spent eight years traveling full time in an RV across North America. They visited every U.S. state, every Mexican state and every Canadian province, then traveled to 29 countries.

William first showed signs of illness through forgetfulness. For four years, he had mild cognitive impairment, which later progressed to moderately severe Alzheimer’s.

Cancer changed their care needs

Their situation became harder in July 2025, when Colborn was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had surgery in September and spent four days in the hospital. Her daughter and William’s daughter temporarily cared for him, but both lived in other states. Colborn and William considered assisted living, yet did not want to leave their home.

Costly rides kept them home

Colborn wondered how she could care for William while also looking after herself. They paid $30 to $40 per ride, and the expense eventually kept them at home most of the time.

They missed Mass and time with friends, while restaurant date nights became unaffordable. Colborn also described navigating Medicare as exhausting, saying she felt she had to fight for each benefit.

Support brought outings back

A caregiver-support program appointed Colborn a health advocate, called a guide, who helped her through the qualification process. The article does not name the program or specify the alternative transportation service. They now use the service for grocery shopping and medical appointments, including Colborn’s cancer maintenance therapy, as well as date nights. She said dining out again had strengthened their marriage and described herself as William’s “present companion.”