Help Save Garrett
Donation protected
Garrett needs help as he undergoes a battle with cancer. Hello, this is Mary Olson. I am writing on behalf of my friend and neighbor, Garrett Vance and his family. Garrett and his wife Deann are wonderful neighbors, who are ready to jump in and help others in the neighborhood, whether it is to help repair a fence or replace a flat tire. He is only 32 years old, and his wife and beautiful daughters, Allie and Izzy, need him to return to good health. I am asking for help to support the Vance family in their time of need.
His story begins with childhood leukemia. Garrett underwent a bone marrow transplant as a child, and has lived a healthy life until he developed a lesion on his lip 2 1/2 years ago. Due to his pre-existing condition, he fell through the cracks in terms of medical coverage. Medi-Cal put a freeze on his coverage; they did not cancel it, which forbade them to purchase health insurance elsewhere until the issue was resolved. Because he could not get the proper medical attention, the lesion became cancerous and has spread into his jaw, bones and lymph nodes. Because of this error/misjudgment within the system, Garrett and his family have had to pay out of pocket for medical expenses for the past 2 1/2 years. He will be undergoing extensive surgery and treatment on April 16, 2019, and the combination of uncovered medical expenses and loss of income from his job is only adding to the stress of focusing on recovery and survival.
Garrett is keeping a positive attitude but is worried about how they will be able to cover all the extra expenses. Because we live in a rural area, he has had to make a 6-hour drive to San Francisco for tests and Dr. visits; now he will be going to San Francisco for surgery and recovery. All of this is draining their finances, and they are struggling to keep afloat with rent and other normal expenses – all while battling to save Garrett’s life.
To my friends, every little bit can help, so let’s do everything we can to help this beautiful family. Please keep them in your prayers and share their story so that we can help ease their financial burdens and free them up to focus their energy on the healing process.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support!
His story begins with childhood leukemia. Garrett underwent a bone marrow transplant as a child, and has lived a healthy life until he developed a lesion on his lip 2 1/2 years ago. Due to his pre-existing condition, he fell through the cracks in terms of medical coverage. Medi-Cal put a freeze on his coverage; they did not cancel it, which forbade them to purchase health insurance elsewhere until the issue was resolved. Because he could not get the proper medical attention, the lesion became cancerous and has spread into his jaw, bones and lymph nodes. Because of this error/misjudgment within the system, Garrett and his family have had to pay out of pocket for medical expenses for the past 2 1/2 years. He will be undergoing extensive surgery and treatment on April 16, 2019, and the combination of uncovered medical expenses and loss of income from his job is only adding to the stress of focusing on recovery and survival.
Garrett is keeping a positive attitude but is worried about how they will be able to cover all the extra expenses. Because we live in a rural area, he has had to make a 6-hour drive to San Francisco for tests and Dr. visits; now he will be going to San Francisco for surgery and recovery. All of this is draining their finances, and they are struggling to keep afloat with rent and other normal expenses – all while battling to save Garrett’s life.
To my friends, every little bit can help, so let’s do everything we can to help this beautiful family. Please keep them in your prayers and share their story so that we can help ease their financial burdens and free them up to focus their energy on the healing process.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support!
Organizer and beneficiary
Mary Connolly Olson
Organizer
McKinleyville, CA
Deeann Hewitt
Beneficiary
