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My brother Nick and I are raising money for our dad, Frank Callanan.
Never a smoker, he somehow contracted emphysema/COPD, diagnosed in 2010. Dad may have picked this up as a side-effect of earlier chemotherapy for melanoma in 2001, but the source may never be verified. Regardless, it's a chronic, life-long disease that only gets worse.
Nine years ago, five years after the successful 2001 treatment, Dad had become self-employed. Catastrophic insurance was the only option available, but COPD patients manage symptoms with medicine and life-style, and by 2013, Frank and wife Susan had become veteran practitioners of good diet, daily exercise, and positive thinking.
But later that year, it all hit the fan; his symptoms went from "inconvenient" to "disabling" in a few weeks. In September 2013 he did chain-saw work in the woods with his local nature center. By mid-December he was admitted for treatment during a weeks' long hospitalization. His company virtually closed from October through January, cutting income to almost zero. And this was all complicated by the self-employment insurance picture, which left an ugly pile of bills under the Christmas tree.
In 2013, the scale of Dad's catastrophe outstripped the catastrophic coverage by almost three times. By May, it has also gobbled up their savings.
Dad heard from friends, "If I can do anything to help..." My dad and step-mom Susan are amazing people, and we love them dearly. So we set up this website to help connect those willing with those needing.
At the confluence of the Dad's health, medical, and financial situations, there are rough waters indeed. The Affordable Care Act makes the path forward smoother as Dad's health deteriorates. New medical services continue to be available. But the past debt threatens to be overwhelming.
Please make a donation if you can.
We have also taken some other measures to help.
I am participating in the Trek Across Maine, and dedicating my ride to Dad, and fundraising for both the American Lung Association and my Dad's medical bills. I'll bike from Sunday River to Belfast (164 miles). The Trek starts June 12 and finishes on Father's Day just a half hour from home, where I'll be able to spend the rest of the day with Dad and the family.
Nick is organizing a four-team benefit basketball tournament called the Pickup Game All-Stars on June 25, where 40 players on 4 teams will play a simple bracket, final four style, in front of hopefully a full house of spectators. The goal is to raise some money and have some wicked fun times playing and watching hoops! Get tickets here. Sponsor the event here.
Come on out!
Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of the summer (hopefully more!).
Nine years ago, five years after the successful 2001 treatment, Dad had become self-employed. Catastrophic insurance was the only option available, but COPD patients manage symptoms with medicine and life-style, and by 2013, Frank and wife Susan had become veteran practitioners of good diet, daily exercise, and positive thinking.
But later that year, it all hit the fan; his symptoms went from "inconvenient" to "disabling" in a few weeks. In September 2013 he did chain-saw work in the woods with his local nature center. By mid-December he was admitted for treatment during a weeks' long hospitalization. His company virtually closed from October through January, cutting income to almost zero. And this was all complicated by the self-employment insurance picture, which left an ugly pile of bills under the Christmas tree.
In 2013, the scale of Dad's catastrophe outstripped the catastrophic coverage by almost three times. By May, it has also gobbled up their savings.
Dad heard from friends, "If I can do anything to help..." My dad and step-mom Susan are amazing people, and we love them dearly. So we set up this website to help connect those willing with those needing.
At the confluence of the Dad's health, medical, and financial situations, there are rough waters indeed. The Affordable Care Act makes the path forward smoother as Dad's health deteriorates. New medical services continue to be available. But the past debt threatens to be overwhelming.
Please make a donation if you can.
We have also taken some other measures to help.
I am participating in the Trek Across Maine, and dedicating my ride to Dad, and fundraising for both the American Lung Association and my Dad's medical bills. I'll bike from Sunday River to Belfast (164 miles). The Trek starts June 12 and finishes on Father's Day just a half hour from home, where I'll be able to spend the rest of the day with Dad and the family.
Nick is organizing a four-team benefit basketball tournament called the Pickup Game All-Stars on June 25, where 40 players on 4 teams will play a simple bracket, final four style, in front of hopefully a full house of spectators. The goal is to raise some money and have some wicked fun times playing and watching hoops! Get tickets here. Sponsor the event here.
Come on out!
Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of the summer (hopefully more!).
Thank you so much for your support. All of it is felt in all forms.