Financial help...Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[forever24]

My father-in-law was diagnosed with hep C and cirrhosis in december of 07. He has been on peg and rib, but his white cells went down so low that they took him off the meds and put him on neupogen. He is now going to a specialist in Atlanta. Now they want to start him on chemo. He was recently found to have esophageal varices and has to go to the Mayo Clinic to get them removed. They want to do this before he starts the chemo. He can't lift anything over 20 pounds so therefore he is applying for temporary disability through his company because they told him he can no longer work until he gets this situation under control. I personally don't think he will ever work again. They said if this chemo does not work then this is the last option. Even if they do a transplant, he would have to go through three transplants just to live to be an old man. My question is....Is there any help out there financially? some kind of organization that will help for co-pay, gas to doctor offices, daily living expenses, ect? We need help. Please does anyone have any info?

[nygirl7]

Unfortunately it usually takes years to get any real help from disability and it's a lot of work.  Our country does not take good care of it's own and I agree it is an absolute disgrace.

I agree that a good place to start would be your local support groups which you can probably find through the hospitals in the area.  If anyone would know whats out there it would probably be them.

Getting the meds if you are cut off of insurance is one thing but gas money and stuff...I just don't know of anywhere that would do that I'm very sorry.

[Mary4now]

I am so sorry to hear about your situation.  I would look into support groups in your area and any of the surrounding larger areas for those answers. I do not know.  I do know that this country needs some kind of universal health care coverage, it is a disgrace as to how much we spend on destruction (war) while Americans are dying or suffering because of inadequate or non existent health care.  
I wish you good luck in finding help, I think the support groups would have some answers.

[Trinity4]

I'm so sorry your father-in-law is having such a hard time. Perhaps there are organizatons associated with the liver foundation or cancer foundation that will help in his situation.  The social services department of most hospitals can provide lists of assistance programs.  I am only familiar with the drug assistance programs for those needing to treat for hepc.  I wish I had more to share with you and hope some help becomes available for him soon.  Best of luck.
Trinity