
JONSTRONG -- support Jon's fight with leukemia
Donation protected
In the Summer of 2020 I discovered that I have not one but two cancers. (Of course. It is 2020.) Melanoma and CLL Leukemia (stage 4 if you are keeping score). One pathologist is outside my insurance network and the bills were instantaneous and extraordinarily high. Plus, the treatment for the leukemia will go through October, 2021. New insurance years. New deductibles. New surprises.
I started with non-chemo infusions to build my immune system, and then it took six weeks for the chemo pills to get worked up to the full dosage. I feel no pain from this -- but I have never known such exhaustion as I am learning about from the chemo. I have had to leave work when it gets unmanageable.
There are approximately $16,260 of outstanding bills right now between the pathologist, two hospitals, and one dermatologist. That is after insurance. (Insurance is picking up the $6,200/week for the chemo....) I am currently trying to negotiate that total figure down with the relevant providers. I will have to take a loan for whatever isn't covered by the generosity of my donors.
In the event that donations exceed the final billed amount at the end of next summer, I will donate any excess funds to The American Cancer Society and/or other similar organization. (I really haven't thought that all the way through. But that would be the easy part if we get there.)
So thank you, my friend. There is NO SUCH THING as too small of a donation. Every dollar helps. (Really.) No one plans for this and with retirement on the horizon, the timing presents a variety of challenges. I will keep everybody updated as we go through this together. I can't tell you how much the amazing support has meant to me. I am trying to grok (to go all Robert Heinlein on you here) it all.
Thank you. All blessings to all beings. Be safe and BE VIGILANT. I found both cancers initially on my own.
I started with non-chemo infusions to build my immune system, and then it took six weeks for the chemo pills to get worked up to the full dosage. I feel no pain from this -- but I have never known such exhaustion as I am learning about from the chemo. I have had to leave work when it gets unmanageable.
There are approximately $16,260 of outstanding bills right now between the pathologist, two hospitals, and one dermatologist. That is after insurance. (Insurance is picking up the $6,200/week for the chemo....) I am currently trying to negotiate that total figure down with the relevant providers. I will have to take a loan for whatever isn't covered by the generosity of my donors.
In the event that donations exceed the final billed amount at the end of next summer, I will donate any excess funds to The American Cancer Society and/or other similar organization. (I really haven't thought that all the way through. But that would be the easy part if we get there.)
So thank you, my friend. There is NO SUCH THING as too small of a donation. Every dollar helps. (Really.) No one plans for this and with retirement on the horizon, the timing presents a variety of challenges. I will keep everybody updated as we go through this together. I can't tell you how much the amazing support has meant to me. I am trying to grok (to go all Robert Heinlein on you here) it all.
Thank you. All blessings to all beings. Be safe and BE VIGILANT. I found both cancers initially on my own.
Organizer
Jon Marks
Organizer
Pittsfield, MA