Hey there guys, my name's Sam Sparrow and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma about 2 weeks ago.
I was privileged enough to be able to get into a doctors appointment as soon as my healthcare hit at my new job. Literally a day after my CT scan, I got a call with the beginnings of what is now my official diagnosis. The severity and type of cancer has a high cure rate, but it still requires intense treatment and care.
While I am so incredibly lucky to have a great support system, amazing doctors and healthcare through work, the cost for not only my treatments but: Travel/board expenses, medications to help with side effects, proper nutrition/hydration, vitamin supplements, possible surgeries and more have already put me in over 3k of debt. I haven't even finished up my pre-chemo tests/exams and I know my healthcare provider wont be able to cover much of this. Plus trying to still keep paying my regular bills.
That, paired with me having to miss work in order to go to these appointments and exams is not helping in the financial department. I'm working extra hours where I can and I'm going to start doing side work to earn extra money. I'm also actively applying to financial aids wherever I can. Moffitt has a lot of options from what I'm being told, so I'm hopeful.
I'm due for about 6 month minimum of chemo and possible radiation depending on how the chemo does. I don't have exact numbers yet(i will share those as soon as i get them) for those bills but from what I've searched online and asked my doctors/insurance about, it's minimum 10K.
Now, if you don't know me, I'm not one to easily ask for help, and ESPECIALLY not without giving something in return as a thanks. While I can't give physical gifts right now, I do plan to donate a portion of what I get through here to help someone else in need or to a local charity like: Bread Of The Mighty Foodbank, St. Francis House, Planned Parenthood or even to Moffitt cancer center. (I'm open to ideas!)
I'm actively working on making a print to mail out to those that donate and I'll keep you guys posted on that as well as keeping everyone posted on the progress of this whole thing. I've been documenting what I can and I hope to post it one day or as the days progress, in hopes to help someone in a similar situation.
Words will never be enough to express my continual gratitude to everyone who supports me and to those who donate.
If you would rather donate in another way I have a few options:
(Sharing this is also extremely appreciated! Don't feel like you have to donate!!!!)
-Ko fi Donations
-My Etsy Shop (I have t-shirts, stickers, mugs, pillows and more!)
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- Venmo: @ ASleepySparrow
- CashApp: @ $SamASparrow
Again, thank you so much.
If you have any questions or suggestions for me or others, please feel free to message me or comment.
All updates will happen here and on my Twitter handle @ASleepySparrow
(will post more social handles here soon)