Donate to Ease Ed Kovach's Medical Burden

After Ed was feeling a little under the weather for a couple of months, Ed and Karen decided to go to the emergency room on July 5, 2024.

Ed was having balance issues, involuntarily dropping things and knocking things over, as well as tingling and numbness in his fingers.

What they thought to be a low glucose level or blood pressure issue, or something really benign and easily fixed, turned into a true nightmare.

After doing blood tests, taking x-rays, and some other initial testing, Ed was admitted to the hospital. The CT scan showed 76 lesions on his brain, and because of their sheer number, they were inoperable. The doctor said he had never seen anything like it. Ed stayed in the hospital for about a week. He was put on a regimen of steroids, and the doctors started full brain radiation (10 treatments) a week later.

The x-rays also showed a spot in his lungs and after a lung biopsy, Ed was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.

Ed had a PET scan in late July, where they found out that besides having the lesions in his brain and the tumors in his lung, the cancer had spread to other parts of his body.

Ed started chemo and treatment on August 19 for rare mutation (EGFR 20) tumors in his femur, his hip, a lymph node in his neck, and in his chest.

He did have a consultation at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for a second opinion, where they were told that the treatments he's having right now are the exact same path they would follow.

My sister-in-law Karen, who is a dental hygienist (part-time), wasn't able to go to work for about 6 weeks since she needed to bring Ed to all the doctor appointments, tests, and radiation therapy. And also, she just wanted to be there for him.

Ed has worked for Holman for 28 years, but his vacation days, sick days, and overtime are starting to run out, and he'll be on disability soon.

As you can imagine, the financial stress they are under, besides all the emotional anxiety, is hard to bear. Although Ed does have health insurance (AETNA), we all know it only covers a part. So along with the shock and insecurity caused by their situation, they are going through the usual difficulties and frustrations that seem to come whenever dealing with health insurance companies. For example, the hospital where Ed is being treated (HonorHealth Scottsdale Medical Center) is “in network,” but they are receiving bills from doctors treating him at the hospital that are “out of network." As treatments progress, they are finding unexpected gaps in coverage. He was almost denied the PET scan because he had an unpaid emergency room bill (which they didn’t even receive yet!!!). Luckily, they were able to pay that bill right there and move forward with the test. These are just a few examples …

As a new American, coming from Europe, this is so hard for me to understand. People who work hard, follow the rules, pay their taxes, and have their insurance shouldn’t have to face the risk of financial ruin because they have the misfortune of getting sick. I find that very difficult to grasp.

Ed turned 59 on February 7th. They started their new journey two years ago with the move to AZ. They just purchased a home last year. With Ed being unable to work and Karen's ability to earn being compromised by their situation - they are obviously in a tough spot. If you are able to help by donating any amount, or even just a prayer, or sending positive vibes, it would be greatly appreciated. Any and all donations received will go directly towards his medical expenses.

Thank you so much!