Mark’s Modern Medical Miracle Shortfall Fund
Seriously, who gets cancer during a pandemic?
Baffling.
Hi. I’m Mark. I was named in the 70’s when single syllable names were really popular.
I have two small children, both of whom have infinitely cooler names than I do. The wife keeps threatening more, but... I mean, we’ll see, is all I’m saying. She also has a cooler name than me.
I was diagnosed with stage IV non-hodgkin’s lymphoma approximately 3 months ago. Believe it or not, this is not my first go-round with lymphoma. Previously, many years ago now, I had been diagnosed with stage IV-b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
I’ve had the panoply of lymphoma. AMA.
So, stage IV cancer, small yet adorable and precocious children, a full time job I have to take disability from, whole shebang. With me, so far?
But wait, there’s more. I wish I was joking about that.
Turns out there’s a pandemic on. That my wife lost her employment in during a mass layoff at her org. Like millions of folks across the entire country. Fortunately, I am currently insured through my job. Fortunate, right?
This insurance carries a deductible, for just myself, of $4,750. This does not count the total out-of-pocket cap, which in fact is ABOVE this, and is apparently a thing. This is significantly less fortunate.
What this really means, in real world terms, is that despite my insurance plan, I am currently responsible for well over $6,000 in bills. So far. Treatment for what I have will stretch out over years with monthly scans at a fearsome copay for each. That’s literally best case scenario. Next year when the deductible resets I’m in for a world of hurt. On many levels.
So here’s the ask:
In order to not break my family financially, I have to create this go fund me campaign because my insurance simply does not cover enough of my treatment to also pay for things like, y’know, food. And rent. Also gas. Sometimes electricity. Cat food. You get it. This is my shortfall.
If you’ve read this far, thank you. My family thanks you. My cats thank you.
I thank you.