Health Insurance Premiums
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We wanted to let all of our family and friends know what is happening with Jeff’s health and to ask for your help.
Last year, Jeff was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer (synovial sarcoma). We have no idea how this has occurred. Synovial sarcoma is a genetic mutation of chromosome 18. Thankfully, it is not hereditary. In February of this year, Jeff underwent a leg amputation and though this was an extremely difficult surgery, we were thankful that Jeff was then cancer-free. We believed his challenge would be to patiently wait for a prosthetic, learn to use it well, and move forward with his life.
A few months ago, we were told the cancer is back; that it had traveled through the bloodstream and is now in his lungs. There is no cure. The only thing Jeff’s oncologist would confirm for us is that chemotherapy would extend his life. The goal is to slow it down as much as possible.
Jeff has been through two rounds of chemo with four more to go. He has not worked since April 2016 (and is now on disability) and I have not been working since September of this year. We have insurance through my previous employer but the monthly premium is $1752. We have managed to make the payments thus far, but, will not be able to moving forward.
Though it is so very hard to ask for contributions on his behalf, we have exhausted all our options. Jeff is not old enough to qualify for Medicare, and will not be able to apply until mid-2019. Obviously, he cannot wait until then. Due to our income for this year, we do not qualify for Medicaid, and even though our income has severely dropped, they only look at current tax returns, unfair as that may be.
We want to end on a positive note. Our family has some wonderful events coming up in the near future. Blake and Jessica are expecting their first child in May, and we will be grandparents for the first time. (In the most recent ultrasound, the baby appears to be waving.) Taylor and Dan are to be married next November and we are so very happy to have him join the family. Troy is a straight-A student and on track to graduate high school with high honors in June 2019. We have no desire for new cars, expensive jewelry or trips around the world. We just want Jeff to be here for these major events.
A separate account will be set up for any contributions received. Every last dollar will be used to continue health coverage in the months to come. Love and wishes to all for a happy, healthy holiday season. -Lori and Family
Last year, Jeff was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer (synovial sarcoma). We have no idea how this has occurred. Synovial sarcoma is a genetic mutation of chromosome 18. Thankfully, it is not hereditary. In February of this year, Jeff underwent a leg amputation and though this was an extremely difficult surgery, we were thankful that Jeff was then cancer-free. We believed his challenge would be to patiently wait for a prosthetic, learn to use it well, and move forward with his life.
A few months ago, we were told the cancer is back; that it had traveled through the bloodstream and is now in his lungs. There is no cure. The only thing Jeff’s oncologist would confirm for us is that chemotherapy would extend his life. The goal is to slow it down as much as possible.
Jeff has been through two rounds of chemo with four more to go. He has not worked since April 2016 (and is now on disability) and I have not been working since September of this year. We have insurance through my previous employer but the monthly premium is $1752. We have managed to make the payments thus far, but, will not be able to moving forward.
Though it is so very hard to ask for contributions on his behalf, we have exhausted all our options. Jeff is not old enough to qualify for Medicare, and will not be able to apply until mid-2019. Obviously, he cannot wait until then. Due to our income for this year, we do not qualify for Medicaid, and even though our income has severely dropped, they only look at current tax returns, unfair as that may be.
We want to end on a positive note. Our family has some wonderful events coming up in the near future. Blake and Jessica are expecting their first child in May, and we will be grandparents for the first time. (In the most recent ultrasound, the baby appears to be waving.) Taylor and Dan are to be married next November and we are so very happy to have him join the family. Troy is a straight-A student and on track to graduate high school with high honors in June 2019. We have no desire for new cars, expensive jewelry or trips around the world. We just want Jeff to be here for these major events.
A separate account will be set up for any contributions received. Every last dollar will be used to continue health coverage in the months to come. Love and wishes to all for a happy, healthy holiday season. -Lori and Family
Organizer
Lori Brody
Organizer
Encinitas, CA
