Medical Related Expenses

Hello, My name is David Richardson. March 20, 2024 will be the fourth anniversary of my esophageal surgical procedure, and I have not fully recovered from that surgical procedure.

On December 21, 2023, I received the unfortunate news that the insidious disease (esophageal cancer) returned. The second episode resulted in the disease spreading to an adjacent thoracic lymph node. The diagnosing physician said, “The cancer is incurable.” What a surprise! The bad news sent icy chills vibrating through my now frail 130-pound frame. My wife, Alma, was devastated. She reviewed internet testimonies of individuals who miraculously survived terminal cancer. Recognizing that it is in the hands of God, she is optimistic about the possibility of complete recovery from this insidious disease.

My daughter, Kym Anderson, encouraged me to seek treatment at the Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI). The physicians recommended that I go through two medical protocols - an aggressive form of chemotherapy that involved oral ingesting of Capecitabine (Xeloda) tablets and infusion via a portal using oxaliplatin. Also, the physicians recommended an immunotherapy protocol using Pembrolizumab injection.

Following an arduous procedure, Medicare approved the medical services of an oncologist, Dr. Ahmed Abdalla (USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and a native Sudanese), to coordinate the medical procedures. He is an assistant professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at MCI.

My wife, Alma, decided to use a series of naturopathic medical protocols to fight the disease. The procedures include a vegan diet and daily doses of black seed oil, essiac (an herbal tea), turkey tail mushroom, Boswellia, elderberry, sea moss, soursop tea, and soursop juice. A former student (now a physician), Dr. J. Michell, recommended that I take a daily dose of L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and ubiquinol (reduced Coenzyme Q10). These natural procedures positively impact my state of mind and physical well-being.

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are attempts to improve the quality of life and increase my lifespan. They say that the procedures are palliative, i.e., there is no cure. That is man’s assessment, but God (an omnipresent and omnipotent Being} perhaps has other plans.

Because of my fixed income ( I am retired), the costs of chemotherapy and immunotherapy are expensive. Despite my Medicare insurance, I will pay a significant portion of my medical expenses. Also, I have mortgage payments, utility bills, and diverse expenses that impact my ability to pay for my unanticipated medical bills. I estimate that the outcome of my expenses over the next six months will be approximately $35,000.

So, I am soliciting your financial assistance and prayers through these uncertain times. I am optimistic, and I will rely on God’s guidance and blessings as I navigate this process.

If you wish to help, please help me reach my goal for support via this GoFundMe Account.

Thanks a million for your support, and God bless you for your support.

David Richardson

02/06/2024