On October 29th my brother, Zach Girdner, was admitted to Canyon Vista Medical Center for health complications.  A routine blood test showed that his white blood cell count was exceptionally high.  A few tests later, and a night in the hospital, earned him the news that he is to be transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson.  Canyon Vista was concerned that Zach may have Leukemia.

After 5 days of testing, doctor consultations, and treatments for the original hospital visit, he was hit with an $8,000 discounted medical bill due to not having insurance.  Zach was discharged from St. Joseph's on Saturday November 3rd with a diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. 

Zach has been referred to an Oncologist to obtain further testing to determine the stage of Leukemia and treatment options.  At the moment, there are concerns with the oncologist's office and that Zach has no insurance.  We were informed that he has to come up with 50% payment, up front, to start any type of treatment without insurance.  This could easily be as much as $6,000.

Zach is 33 years old living with his partner Heather and their four children, Leela, Dylan, Jo'lynne, and Charlie.   He is an amazing father, brother and friend. Zach and Heather are both full time employees and attend Cochise College.  Caring for four children and paying for two college degrees is not an easy task for anyone. 

They are doing the best they can at the moment but any help would be greatly appreciated.