Dear Friends and Family,

Most of y’all know our family often does not ask for help especially when it comes to money. We always find a way. However, recently our Dad has been unable to get decent insurance since having to retire due to Covid. He worked contract jobs as they came through to get extra money coming in the last couple years. As we all know insurance can be very expensive and typically runs the show for everyone that determines the healthcare you will receive.

Saying that, Dad has agreed to let us share his current health struggles. The backstory of how this all came about isn’t a long one so here it goes.. In August, he felt a lump in his throat that he just couldn’t shake, went to the doctor, who prescribed an antibiotic and sent him on his way. Fast forward to November, he had a cough that he just couldn’t get rid of and starting to get frustrated after 3 weeks of having this cough, the continued “lump” in his throat, and an ear ache that would come and go in waves, decided to make another appointment with his PCP and this time there was concern with signs/symptoms and referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat Dr.).

During his visit with the ENT, a scope was performed and found a large mass at the base of his tongue that extended down his throat. With the tough news setting in, he began to wonder “How much will this cost? My insurance doesn’t cover anything major until 2/22/24.” With that being said, the biopsy was set for 2/22/24, as the thought of having to pay for the scans and biopsy out of pocket made him hesitant to get the suggested CT scan and biopsy done sooner. Following some research about the possibilities of what may be, the decision was made to get the CT scan and biopsy done sooner. The out of pocket/self payment route was taken because it was cheaper than using the insurance due to the poor coverage it provides. So in total so far with the ENT, CT Scan, and Biopsy it will have come to a total so far of approximately $6,000 out of pocket..

The CT scan showed lymph node enlargement, which suggests this battle may be tougher than hoped for. The biopsy on 12/19/23 confirmed the mass is cancer and determined the type of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma.

During all the craziness of trying to figure out what the plan to fight this will be, it came to our attention that it is open enrollment and found an insurance that has great coverage for what will be needed but comes with a price… The insurance will become effective January 1st, however a hefty $7,000 deductible is required prior to full coverage and a payment of about $900/ month will add up quickly. For December and January alone the out of pocket payments, deductible, and monthly insurance payments come to an approximate total $14,000… Unfortunately, this has been during the holidays and of course life doesn’t just stop there with having to spend money. Dad turns 65 in October, when Medicare will kick in, but until then the bills will have drained down some of his retirement savings approximately in total, for the 10 months of health insurance and medical coverage, a little over $21,000…

Chemo AND radiation therapy will be necessary in recovery as well as lots of appointments with specialists, procedures, speech therapy to focus on swallowing and speech, and the list goes on.

As his daughters, we feel like our dad is so undeserving of having his hard work life savings drained because of poor insurance coverage and the unfortunate, unexpected diagnosis of dreaded “C word”. So, I’d like to do my best at helping him take a load of stress off his back financially so that he can focus on the important part of all this… his life and fighting for all these damn years he’s got left.

If you know our dad, you’d know that he is one hell of a guy and of the most selfless men alive. He is kind, funny, smart, and a pain in the ass all at once. All jokes aside, he wouldn’t be asking for help to this extent if it weren’t his last option. He is motivated and determined to fight this battle and has an army that will have his back throughout this entire journey.

**Please refrain from bringing food items as he may have changing restrictions with diet, but if interested in donating a gift card, Dillon’s, QT, Walmart, would be greatly appreciated**

With that being said, any donations that are made will go straight towards the medical bills and insurance payments for the duration of this journey. We don’t know what lies ahead, but we sure as hell know our dad is gonna fight like hell to get through this.

We know the holiday season is here and money is tight for everyone with cost of living, food, etc. so if you can’t donate, prayers are MOST welcome. Thank you in advance to anyone who prays and donates! We will provide updates as we get them!

Love,

The McDougald’s