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Vietnam Veteran needs help

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My name is James Pappas and I am a Vietnam veteran. When I was young, I left high school to join the Marines and fight for our country. It was difficult coming home to a hostile environment, with a shrapnel injury to my ear. I was given a short term disability and was told this disability would not bother me until I was in my 50's. Since they took away my disability payments, I have tried several times to reinstate my disability for hearing loss and ringing in my ear. I keep getting turned down.
               
I am 67 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 esophagus cancer. This type of cancer is treatable, but not curable. During my tour of duty in Vietnam, I was exposed to Agent Orange. This cancer could be a result of my exposure. I have already been through 15 rounds of radiation and I am currently receiving chemotherapy. It will take 5 months to determine if the therapy is working. I am unable to work as an over the road driver due to my treatments and pain medication. I have no retirement benefits or 401K. I own a home with a mortgage and without me being able to work, my wife, Patricia, is struggling to make ends meet.  Not only does she work in retail for low wages, but she has also had to take time off to take me to my treatments. My wife is also caring for her elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s, since we cannot afford to hire help.  We are on the verge of losing our home, where we have lived for 24 years and have raised our children.

Our children have been helping us to the best of their abilities, but have their own homes and families to take care of as well . My son was married in June and I am
thankful  I was able to attend. It was the best day of my life.  My daughter is now planning her own wedding next year.
I have reached out to Rep. Steven Lynch for help from the VA. We are still struggling to keep up with our medical bills and mortgage payments. We would like to thank everyone for your donations.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $200
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Ashley Pappas
Organizer
Brockton, MA

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