Do it for Danny

My name is Janna Farthing and I'm going to tell the story of my father. 

Daniel Farthing, of Salem, Illinois, is the husband of Felicia Farthing and the fun-loving father of four. Near the end of August this year Danny found out he had colon and prostate cancers, both of which were removable. Shortly after, a follow up appointment in October brought through some more life changing news; he also had a large mass in his abdomen that was tested positively for a rare form of Mesothelioma- a cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos that only affects 200-500 people annually.  The Mesothelioma is too advanced to operate on and has also metastasized to his lungs. A visit to the Oncologist revealed that at this rate and stage of cancer Danny only has a life expectancy of 6 months, at most. With this news we, as a family, have decided to not put him through the sickness of chemotherapy and instead to focus intently on his comfortability, pain management, and quality of life.

This curveball has affected the family ten-fold, with multiple stays at the hospital, steep medical costs, and not to mention facing the facts of this harsh reality. Felicia has taken a Family Medical Leave of Absence to stay home to watch over and take care of him. She has worked as a Registered Nurse her whole life and is of course the number one candidate as caretaker for her own husband. Sadly, we have recently learned that our insurance will not cover Hospice, which would be the most ideal in-home care for my father. Without the coverage of insurance, Hospice costs are 1400 dollars per week, and with Felicia out on FMLA those payments will become next to impossible without a steady income. As far as Daniel's disability approval, he has to wait a law enforced 5 months before a check can be recieved, even under these circumstances.

We have incredible family and friends that have been helping us through these trials, but there are some things that will continue to be out of our control. The unending medical expences are exhausting and these laws and insurance restrictions are so frustrating. Anything that can be done to help sustain the comfortability of Daniel and his family will be so greatly appreciated, words could never describe our gratitude.