Support Terry's Battle Against Leukemia

Help Terry Fight Leukemia and Cover Everyday Expenses

Hello, my name is Terry, and I was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Reaching out for help is not something I usually do, but I am left with no other option to survive.

I am currently undergoing chemotherapy. After spending a week in the hospital receiving IV chemotherapy, I was sent home to continue treatment with oral chemotherapy pills. My immune system is severely compromised, and I must avoid contact with people, which means I cannot work.

Before my diagnosis, I worked as a CNC programmer for an aerospace company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Unfortunately, I have only been with the company for four months, so I do not qualify for FMLA, short-term, or long-term disability benefits.

The past few years have been incredibly challenging. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the aerospace company I worked for over a decade laid off many employees, including me. This forced me to dip into my savings. I found a few temporary jobs to make ends meet, but they were outside my field. Eventually, I secured a position as a production manager at Renishaw, which allowed me to support my family. However, three months into the job, the company announced it was closing the facility and moving operations to the UK. The severance package I received lasted only a few months.

I continued to search for work but was often told I was overqualified. Just as my severance pay was running out, I was offered a programming job at GE Aerospace in Cincinnati. My family and I decided to move from northern Michigan to Ohio for this opportunity. Despite assurances from my supervisor that I would be hired permanently, I was let go after 11 months. We had already sold our house in Michigan and relocated, so I was back on the job hunt, using my savings to cover expenses.

I eventually found my current job, and thankfully, my employer has continued my insurance coverage while I am on medical leave. However, my insurance does not cover the cost of the chemotherapy pills I need. The drug, Venclexta, costs $25,000 per month. While my insurance agreed to cover the first month after an appeal, I need to find a way to pay for the second month. Additionally, I may require a bone marrow transplant, which my insurance has already indicated is not covered.

I am reaching out to ask for your help to cover the cost of my treatments and everyday expenses. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in my fight against leukemia and help me support my family during this difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and support.