Seizure Recovery And Medical Bills

I’m David Gallaher, and I need some help

Just two years ago, my personal and professional life was thriving. A professional comic book and video game writer, I was living my dream.

Unfortunately, my life was turned upside down when a series of seizures debilitated my life, robbing me of my capacity to maintain an intensive work schedule and heal properly. Having a longtime seizure disorder and subsequent brain damage because of it, I had been very careful to purchase private health insurance (with premiums of over $1100 per month). As a freelancer, I had no idea how insufficient this coverage would be.

I was 29 when I had my first seizure, and started having up to eight seizures a day. I was told that I might not live to see 30. However, I radically changed my diet and my medication, and through a lot of hard work and determination I got the disorder under control for almost 15 years.

Unfortunately last year, at 43 years old, a sudden resurgence of chronic seizures beginning in 2018 caused out-of-pocket and out-of-network medical expenses to grow to over $63,000. I have tried to appeal the expenses and have tried to work with the hospital to lower bills to $25,000. Even then, this is money that I just don’t have – money it will take years to pay off.

To be honest, the stress of this mountain of debt took its toll on me emotionally and mentally. The burden of financial responsibility has been overwhelming.

If you ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you that I’m known for my cheery nature, kindness, generous spirit, and happy outlook. Because of that, and out of pride and privacy, I have hidden my financial and emotional burdens from everyone. Unfortunately, I now see that my silence has caused my stress to grow and fester, and that stress has led to even more seizures and cognitive issues.

It is incredibly hard for me to ask for help. But that’s what I need - help to get out from under these burdens. The toll that my ongoing seizures have taken on my physical, mental, and emotional health has isolated me from those who care about me the most, and I feel very alone right now. Plus, insurance will only cover so many of the expenses incurred by the aggressive treatments that I must continue to endure.

All funds will be used them to offset as many of the incoming medical bills, as well as the new treatment program I began last month.

If you are unable to donate, but have the time, fortitude, and resources to help me navigate the appeal process with his health insurance company, please reach out directly. The process is so overwhelming, and I could use a hand.

Thank you for your support,

David