Hello, my name is Robert Battaglia. I am requesting your kindness and support of my fundraiser to help me with my medical and other related expenses incurred from my previous and current cancer treatments.

I am currently facing my fourth round of cancer. Previous treatments were successful in curing my prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and initial lymphoma diagnosis. However, the lymphoma has returned and spread to other areas of my body, constituting Stage 3 Lymphoma.

I am in urgent need of treatment, and have chosen the best medical facility with the highest rate of survival to administer my care - MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson). Unfortunately, MD Anderson is considered out of network under my current Medicare Advantage HMO plan, which means it will pay nothing toward my care if provided at MD Anderson. While I continue working with the dedicated nursing and appeals staff at United Healthcare to gain approval for coverage, I must move forward with my care. I've scheduled my initial visit and care at MD Anderson beginning November 25, 2024. All costs associated with this initial visit, including travel, lodging, meals, and all medical care and medications, must be shouldered entirely by me. The consultation fee alone is over $1,000.00.

Meanwhile, the bills for the chemotherapy and PET scans important in the treatment of my initial lymphoma are now coming in. I’m becoming overwhelmed with current bills and the prospect of staggering future medical costs.

I am requesting your prayers and financial support to help cover the medical expenses I have incurred for past treatments, and the high cost of future treatments. There is no guarantee that my insurance will ever cover these medical expenses. Even if they do extend benefits for my treatment at MD Anderson, they will likely cover far less than MD Anderson will charge. Either way, I’m looking at receiving crushing medical bills in the future that I will only be able to pay with your help.

If you would rather donate outside of Go Fund Me, you can contribute using the following:

Zelle: (251) 3278719

Venmo: @robert-battaglia-11

Thank you for your support and prayers. God bless you all.

Update:

I would like to first thank all those who have donated to my Cancer Treatment Fund. Your contributions have already helped us to pay medical bills from my previous cancer treatment and will help to defray future expenses.

I had to cancel the November 25th Medical Consultation and tests at M D Anderson Cancer Center because; I was put into Thomas Hospital for A-Fib. I was in the hospital for 5 days until they got my heart rate down from 155 bpn ti 75 bpm. My Cardiologist working with the Physician at M D Anderson agreed that this situation took priority and the planned consult and tests should be delayed.

M D Anderson rescheduled my initial medical consultation and tests until December 5, 2024. We fly out to Houston on December 4, 2024.

During this time, United Health Care Medicare Advantage Plan approved Out Of Network authorization request and will pay for procedures as in network for one year. I will continue to have to pay all copayments for services and related medical expenses at MD Anderson.