Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Battle Zones

As if it's not enough to be fighting stage four breast cancer, Altadena resident Megan Jones is up against a David versus Goliath battle against her insurance carrier, California Blue Shield.
At age 36, and without a family history of cancer, Megan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that had already spread to her liver, brain, and bone. Everyone was shocked.

Treatments began immediately, and chemotherapy and targeted therapy have started to shrink her tumors. Everywhere, that is, except for in her brain. When her doctor prescribed additional, cutting-edge treatments that could eliminate the brain tumors and prevent new growth, her insurance company, California Blue Shield, denied coverage.


She appealed, but the insurance company is still in denial. Megan has elected to receive the treatment, with or without the insurance payments, and her family and friends are trying to raise $100,000 in 100 days to cover the costs.


I received the following email from City of Hope research scientist Dr. Susan Kane:


You might know Megan Jones from political or city circles. What you might not know is that she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and is currently undergoing costly therapy. Please go to http://megansfund.chipin.com/megans-fund and consider making a donation. As a breast cancer researcher, I know that Tykerb is a cutting-edge therapy that holds great promise for the treatment of breast cancer. Megan is a young, energetic and caring individual. Let’s help her fight the fight of her life.
Cancer isn't fair. Insurance companies aren't fair. I hope you'll consider leveling the playing field a little by either making a donation or spreading the word about Megan.









12 comments:

Trish said...

I could rant about "business model" for denying coverage, but am not sure even Blogger has the bandwidth to handle all my words.

Have posted and linked on my blog to the fund. It is so simple to do and hope it helps. If every blogger does the same perhaps Megan's bills will be paid soon.

Susan C said...

Thanks for helping to spread the word, Trish.

I know, unfortunately, that there are thousands of similar stories out there.

Anonymous said...

Susan! Thank you so much for posting my story. I'm going to go back and read some of your archives. You sound like a great inspiration and I'm glad to know you! The fundraising efforts have yielded a great response, which is helping me sleep at night. Now I can relax a little and try to heal from these current rounds of chemo! By the way, I love your "wig and wigless" pics! You rock!
Warmest regards,
Megan

mikec said...

I have a stepfather that is dyeing of 4th stage lung cancer and cannot found anyone, that is willing to help me raise any money for him, to help him with his medical bills. I opened a benefit account at fifth third bank for him. Bernard c bobo. So if there are anyone out there that can help please do so. Thanks mikec

In Games We Trust said...

i have cancer

kingads said...

Thanks for helping to spread the word!!
---------------------------
i know u love travel
visit http://www.hspt.us now!!

Anonymous said...

You can go to http//mikecfund.chipin.com/bernard to make a donation for Bernard C Bobo, to help him pay for his treatments for cancer. He has 4th stage lung and prostate cancer. Let's help the living, while they are alive. Thanks!!

mikec said...

Check out mikecblogs.blogspot.com

mike c said...

Trish, can you help me get my story out there?

Susan C said...

I know for every Megan I hear about in my own home town, there are thousands of others, like Mike. The unfairness of it all really gets to me.

Dev said...

I admire your courage. Keep up the good work.

mikec said...

Susan C would you Please check out my comments on mikecblogs.blogspot.com Thanks!!