“Fighting for My Life… and My Home”

Fighting Cirrhosis After Prison Neglect – I Need Help to Survive

Hi, my name is Gary Chronister, and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write.

In 1991, I entered the Missouri prison system. While incarcerated, I contracted hepatitis C—a condition the prison doctors knew about but refused to treat. They told me it was “too expensive.” I was left to rot with a virus slowly killing me from the inside out.

Now it’s 2025. I’m no longer behind bars, but the damage was done. I’m battling an advanced case of cirrhosis of the liver, a direct result of their medical neglect. I’m in pain every day. I’m exhausted. And I’m terrified—because I’m running out of time, and I’m also running out of money.

I’m on Social Security now, but it’s not enough. My monthly check doesn’t cover the basics—mortgage, water, electricity—let alone medical costs. I’ve done all I can, but I’m drowning. The bills keep coming, the liver keeps failing, and I’m just trying to hold on.

This isn’t how I imagined the end of my life going. I’m not asking for much—just a chance to stay in my home, keep the lights on, and maintain a little dignity while I fight through this.

If you’ve ever believed in second chances, in justice, or in helping someone who got left behind by the system—please consider donating. Anything helps. Truly. Even sharing this with someone else can make a difference.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. I didn’t want to ask—but this is where I am.

With gratitude,

Gary C