One of my really good friends just got diagnosed with Leukemia this week...

[RoadRage]

I'm 32. He's 33... we've been really good friends since High School. He started feeling like crap about a month ago... his spine & legs really hurt for no reason. Well, the MRI came back with a degnerative disc in his back, but they did further testing, and he was just put in the hospital today to start a hard-core 7 day Chemo Treatment to battle Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Not very common for 33 year old men... ugh.

Anyway, he has healthcare.. but it only covers 50%. He lives in an apartment with his girlfriend... but he's not sure how he's going to pay the bills. He has a job, but it requires heavy lifting, which will be impossible if he can even go back to work. He does a week in the hospital, then a week out for 2 months of Chemo.. then they see where they go from there. He applied for disability today and they told them it's 120 days to review, and IF he's approved he can expect his first check in February. FEBRUARY?!? WTF?

My heart just aches for this guy.. he has his whole life ahead of him, and now what? If he's lucky enough to survive.. he gets to look forward to $200,000+ in medical bills.

No Republicans.. we don't need healthcare reform. My buddy Bryan is totally cool with things the way they are now. Seriously.. why give a shit about him, right?

Screw them all.

Sorry for the rant.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Rant all you want!

I am so sorry to hear about your good friend. Life is so unfair sometimes...

I hope he does well, and the money comes in a lot sooner than February...

Is there some sort of short-term disability he could have to help fill the gap?


K&R, cause this story needs to be seen...

:hug:

[RoadRage]

4. No short term disability...

He's 33.. single (no kids).. and only makes about $35,000 a year.. which sounds like a lot to some, but really doesn't leave a whole lot left over. So, he got the cheap insurance (at least he did that)... figuring he's young and healthy, so he's fine.

I just hope the Chemo gets it fast and quickly.. so he doesn't have to do a Bone Marrow Transplant which is what seems to come next if the Chemo doesn't work.

Eh.. i've had it up to HERE with people saying "Well, I have good healthcare so I don't know why we need to change anything". ASSHOLES: Life isn't only about YOU! Phew.. if people would think about others once in a while.. that would be great - but Conservatives don't seem to have that gene.

Ohh.. and my buddy Bry? He's a HUGE Obama supporter.. so I hope more then anything something happens soon (although it probably won't happen in time to help him financially).

rr

[Jennicut]

2. Totally understand. I am 33 and have diabetes. Without health insurance I would be screwed.

When Rethugs, their followers, insurance companies and Conservadems are willing to throw even young people who get sick down the drain you know something is seriously wrong with this country.

[bluethruandthru]

3. I'm so sorry for your friend.

I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. This is yet another example of why we need Single Payer NOW. No one should have to go bankrupt because they get sick. No one should have to think twice about seeing a doctor when they don't feel well. No one shoudl fear losing their job because they get sick. No one should even have to think about how much it costs to try and get well.

Our country's approach to health care is a disgrace.

[1Hippiechick]

5. Rant away! We are a safe haven for ranters about the RW Republiklans. So sorry for your friend.

Is he part of a church or other network of people who can "pitch in."? What about fund-raisers? And that is a serious question. I have a friend whose husband was part of a small local band in the 70s, and they have had 2 or 3 "reunion fund-raisers" for his rising medical bills. I don't know where you live, but where I live, people are willing to pitch in for a good cause. Pancake supper, spaghetti supper, bake sale, yard sale, etc.--you name it, people will show up and contribute for a good cause.

[RoadRage]

8. Great Idea's!

I already told him I can afford to give him about $100 a month when he needs it.. but we'll see how things go in the next couple of weeks. We have a bunch of friends in bands, so we could definitely get them together to do a few shows to help get some donations - great ideas!

Thanks!

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Just found this site tonight

http://sickforprofit.com/stories/

Send in your friend's story.

[Lars39]

7. Disability ought to be automatic for situations like this.

Review and evaluate after a certain time period, sure, but immediate funds is what's needed.

[Atticus]

9. Please, no apology necessary for a heart-felt rant.

My Dad, (MUCH older than your friend) died of leukemia six years ago. I read enough (everything!) during his ordeal to say that there is hope for someone that young. It CAN be beaten. A classmate of my daughter's is now 20+ years in remission.
Let's hope hearts trump wallets in Congress---SOON!

[crim son]

10. Don't be sorry for the rant, be sorry that this grotesque situation exists and

inspired it. I saw a survey today that suggested that 2/3 of the respondents were happy with their health insurance and it makes me wonder, had any of them really put their coverage to the test? I know when I was married I had what my ex called "the cadillac of insurance plans" so I was covered for every damn thing under the sun. Most people are not, but most people do not contend with a major life-altering illness or accident & once they have, it's too late.

My sincere wishes that your friend responds well to chemo and that he finds a way to manage the cost. His story makes me even more furious at the fucktards who oppose health care reform. I have no understanding, empathy or tolerance for those selfish assholes. None.

[madmax]

11. This helped me

Jonathan Alter has cancer, stage IV. The money part is definately a problem but, getting thru the chemo and getting well again is more important.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/35765