Community Chat

[SweetWood Max]

I posted this awhile ago but I'm going to try again.

The father of a friend of mine has cancer. He was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. It started as rectal but has moved to the lymph nodes. At the time of his diagnosis he had been let go of his job of many many years. They downsized and got rid of older employees etc.

The problem is he has gone through chemo and it the tumors have grown. He has tried to get help through the hospitals charitable fund but that hasn't helped. They want him to sell his burial plots and cash in any 401k that he has. He's afraid to do that because he barely has an income and his wife will be left with nothing once he passes.

He has had to pay for his chemo out of pocket due to no insurance. yes, he's tried state fund insurance, he doesn't qualify. He finally got approved for social security but all he has to wait until next month to get the medicare. In the meantime every ct/scan/xray,bloodwork he gets the hospital requires him to pay for it ahead of time. Years ago they would bill you but that doesn't happen any longer. (I understand the hospital's point of view) Right now he's in hundreds of thousands in debt because of this and frankly can't afford to get much of the diagnostic testing he needs.

The last round of chemo damaged his lungs and now he is on oxygen which has to be paid out of pocket. He will be starting another type of chemo because the tumor that is on his aorta is dangerous but can't be operated on unless it shrinks.

I think it's so sad that someone that has worked their entire life and had insurance loses their job and can't get help. I'm helping my friend form a fundraiser to try to raise money but I know it surely won't be enough

anyone know of any organization that can help?

Anyone know of any advice that perhaps she's forgotten. I know i've left a lot out but I can't type every detail of the case. He's only 60!

Thanks and sorry if this story tires anyone, I'll do anything for a friend.