Patient: Mr. Michael Hayes

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Age: 61

Income: Below Poverty Level

Disorder(s): Blood & Immune; Cancer; Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders Elderly Health; Chronic Condition: Yes

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two and a half years ago. I had my prostate removed, recovered and went back to my 2 jobs, In July of this year, one of my jobs, at Famous Dave’s here in Tallahassee, closed suddenly owing me and other employees a month’s salary. In August of this year, I was laid off of my other job. I worked both of these jobs for approximately six years. When I encountered both of these job losses, Dr. Verday also told me that my cancer had returned. I do experience side effects from my radiation treatments. I am extremely tired and feel strange sensations. Still, I am looking for work, but right now I am faced with the possibility of becoming homeless. If I just had a little help, I could make it through.

ANY DONATIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIEATED!

Patient: Ms. Gloria Collins

Location: Laurelton, NY

Income: Below Poverty Level

Disorder(s): Cancer; Women’s Health Disorders; Blood & Immune Disorders

Chronic Condition: Yes

My name is Gloria Collins. I am from Jamaica, West Indies and I worked as a dental assistant. I am now a citizen of the US. At this present moment, I am not working so I am seeking assistance because I was laid off. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer & I need help with paying both my medical bills & rent. Please help by donating today.

Sincerely,

Gloria

Patient: Mr. David McQuerrey

Location: Sierra Vista, AZ

Income: 250% of Poverty Level

Disorder(s): Cancer; Transplants; Blood & Immune Disorders

Chronic Condition: No

2011 has been a struggle to say the least. I am a 32 year old man living in Sierra Vista, Arizona. My wife and I have almost been married and we are now facing lives that neither of us would have imagined. I am a childhood cancer survivor and have been in remission for almost 24 years. When I was8 years old, I was diagnosed with an undifferentiated sarcoma of the liver, had ¾ of my liver removed and then followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. I wasn’t supposed to make it through surgery, and I DID! I wasn’t supported to make it past the age if 10, and I DID! I went on with life cancer free until now.

Almost 24 years later, I am again faced with having liver cancer. The doctors have confirmed and assured me that it is not the same cancer re-occurring, but it is a cancer that is caused by the treatment that I has when I was a child. I underwent such extensive treatment to keep me alive back then, that my liver now is fertile ground for malignant tumors. For the past 24 years, I have had a pretty good life. I got married in 2006, and my wife and I bought a house in 2007. One of the unfortunate side effects of my treatment is that I am sterile and unable to father a child. It has been very hard on my wife and I, as we so desperately want kids. We thought that saving money for AI or adoption would be our greatest obstacle in life, until this March, when our world was turned upside down.

I was suddenly having a lot of stomach discomfort and bleeding issues, so I went to the ER in late March of this year. It has been non-stop since then. The ER doctor did a CT scan and discovered a mass on my liver. My wife and I were devastated, scared and clueless as to the long road ahead. Shortly after, I was released from the 5 day hospital stay; I was diagnosed with portal hypertension and now have to have endoscopies and colonoscopies every 3 months. I also had 14 polyps removed from my colon, which is very rare for someone my age. I later found out that they didn’t get it all and was diagnosed with Hepatecelluar Carcinoma, type of liver cancer. After several months of an extremely hard recovery, endless doctor’s appointments, procedures and scans … it is confirmed that there is no treatment that will reverse my condition. I need a new liver. My liver doctor informed me that my liver disease is quite unique and that I would need to find a transplant center of excellence that is willing to accept my case, given the risk of yet another abdominal surgery. After detailed research and insurance compatibility, my transplant hospital will be the University of California San Francisco in San Francisco, CA. I live in Sierra Vista, AZ, so it presents quite a commuting challenge. I have been out there twice already and underwent transplant evaluation and recently was accepted to be on the transplant list! They fully expect me to receive a liver within a year, given my serious condition and the fact that I have AB+ blood type, (A very good blood type to have as a transplant patient.)

I haven’t been able to work hardly at all due to my recent surgery and numerous doctor’s appointments and procedures. My job pays pretty well, but obviously doesn’t pay if I’m not there and having little to no income has taken a toll on our bills. We are behind 2 months on our mortgage and behind on some other smaller bills. Between travel expenses to UCSF and all other monthly bills, my wife’s salary just isn’t enough to compensate me being almost completely out of work. The doctors have reassured me that I will be able to fully recover from the transplant and be able to go back to work eventually and continue with my life. We have just fallen behind because of our unfortunate circumstances and need some assistance to help us catch up. I will be working part-time until I am called for a transplant and my job is secure and will be waiting for me after I fully recover from the transplant. This program is exactly what we need to get back on our feet and anything you can do to help is appreciated more than you will ever know. Its going to be a long road ahead for my wife and I and knowing that we will still have our home after all of this is said and done will provide us with constant comfort and peace along the journey.

Thank you again for your consideration,

David McQuerrey

This opportunity to write comes at a very good time. I am a single mom of 3 and experiencing baby daddy drama … as if being diagnosed with breast cancer wasn’t enough. In addition, the day I started my new job, I received my diagnosis. What did I do to deserve all of this at one time?!

I have always tried to be a good person, mom, humanitarian, and a faith believer. Also, I have been the one who tells everyone facing adversity that, “God never gives us more than we can bear.” I believe that, so this is a great time to share my message of hope to anyone going through a similar situation.

I am behind on rent, utilities, and almost everything else and yet I still believe! My kids look at me like I am crazy. Hopefully, this testament will be what I leave for them and you! Please help if you can.

Thanks,

Margaret McGriff