Help- Unable to Work- Sasa Dordevic

Hello everyone,

My name is Sasa Dordevic and I have serious health problems that threaten my normal life.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, stage III and underwent chemotherapy for 6 months. I went for regular six-month check-ups and everything was fine. Then, over time, certain symptoms began to appear, which indicated to me that something was very wrong with my state of health again.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and Gaut, which I was able to control with medication. Although it seemed to me that I was living in prosperity and extremely happy circumstances, over time, due to the increase in the number of necessary analyses, examinations and medications, the costs became higher and higher, and my working abilities began to visibly decrease so that it has come to the point where I have presently been unable to work for three months. Now the doctors tell me that for the next three to five months I will have to devote myself to my health and that I will not be able to work. This year alone I have been hospitalized several times.

My diagnoses were established as follows: Atrial flutter, DOE (dyspnea on exertion), NSTEMI (non-ST elevated myocardial infarction) CAD native (coronary artery disease), SOB (shortness of breath) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which brought with them new expenses.

I am cabinet maker for over thirty years. All the health problems that I have, which gradually increased over the years, made it impossible for me to work and earn money on one hand, while, on the other hand, the costs of treatments have been steadily increasing.

Then, due to suspicions that the cancer has returned, the doctor ordered me to visit an oncologist, where a CT scan was performed, the CT scan was inconclusive, so the oncologist ordered a PET scan. The oncologist told me that in many cases the insurance refuses to pay for the PET- scanner. I have hope that the insurance will accept to pay for the PET-CT scanner because they agreed to pay for the CT scanner. Considering that during the treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer I did not have any health insurance that would even partially cover my expenses, nor any other type of help, it cost me a lot and my savings were wiped out.

I don't like asking for this kind of (financial) support because I know that I'm not the only one who needs it. However, I believe that I am in a situation where I require this kind of support, because since May of this year my health has been getting worse and worse. I was prescribed a Sleep Apnea machine, which my insurance won't cover, as well as blood thinners, which alone cost $500 a month. I have to pay full price for medication because my health insurance won't cover it. The financial demands of the situation I am in are huge, so this assistance would mean a lot to me, as the father of two minor daughters, as well as to my family. I am extremely grateful for all the love, encouragement and support given to me by my family, community and close acquaintances. But all of it falls short of the actual costs.

The funds provided to me through financial assistance that I am applying for would be used on medical expenses not covered by insurance, recovery, future scans, and more.

That is why now, when I have many more diagnoses and when my state of health has greatly deteriorated, this type of support I am asking for would be extremely important to me.

In addition to all the diagnoses I have faced, the fact that I am not alone in all of this makes me feel extremely grateful. I believe that all this is an unexpected obstacle to achieving my lofty goals, but also, I know that with the right help and support, everything can be overcome. My sole wish is to witness my children graduate and embark on their own journeys.

Please know that I already feel great gratitude and that I love you.