UPDATE: The day after our story aired, we confirmed that U.S. Airways changed its decision and will grant Lynn McKain and her family a full refund for her tickets totaling $4,200 dollars.
Her story has received national attention, and sparked debate over airline policy and consumer responsibility.
McKain called 9News to inform of the update and said she is very thankful that the company will grant the refund.
She said, "It feels like a lot of stress has been taken of my shoulders."
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WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- A woman claims a dream family trip is being cancelled because of her terminal cancer, and the airline is refusing to refund the money for her ticket.
The McKain family would have been taking off from BWI Airport leaving to Belize in January. But now they aren't going anywhere and they're out of $4200.
These days the closest Lynn McKain will get to her dream destination of Belize is through pictures. Her doctor has ordered she doesn't travel and undergo immediate cancer treatment after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
It's the second time she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. After she was treated the first time and was given the all clear earlier this year, her family planned a trip to Belize. They booked 5 round trip tickets on U.S. Airways totaling $4200. The problem is they bought the non-refundable tickets, and now that the trip has had to be canceled, the airline isn't bending their policy on refunds.
"It's a human thing to do, the compassionate thing to do," says McKain.
An airline spokeswoman told 9News: "Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds on non-refundable tickets, but we'll work with her to waive her change fees and make sure she can use her ticket at another time."
McKain's response to that statement: "Big deal -- I may not be alive. What good is a voucher gonna do me?"
McKain has sent letters and medical documents to the airline as proof of her disease, and inability to travel. She says it has done little to help her cause.
Now, as she undergoes chemo therapy for her rapidly spreading breast cancer, she's hoping the airline will make an exception for her, and refund her money.
In the meantime, she is left with memories of previous trips. hoping one day she may be given the chance to do it again.
"I would like nothing more before I die than to sit on a beautiful beach," said McKain.
WUSA 9 corresponded with a US Airways spokeswoman throughout Monday evening. After several e-mails her last response said: "We have offered to make the vouchers transferable so a family member may use them."
There is still no refund.