I do hope the surgery and radiation do the job and your wife recovers quickly. With challenges like that, it’s always good when suppliers are responsive and don’t erect barriers.

We had a similar experience with a trip SMF-BGI return and cruise out of BGI. My wife became quite ill, and AA refunded the full fare to the original FOP, though the fares weren’t fully refundable. The insurer promptly refunded the cruise. (I’d mention the insurer, but they’ve been reorganized out of business.)

You also were smart in not purchasing Road Scholar’s offered insurance IMO, as most travel suppliers’ offered products generally do not pay in cases of supplier failure.

Which insurance company did you use? Some members might prefer to do business with a company that has demonstrably customer-friendly practices.

Best thoughts and hopes your wife’s way!