benefit for my dad
as many know, my dad has been battling throat cancer for a little over a year now. he doesn’t have a completely clean bill of health per se, but since his last doctor’s visit, they couldn’t detect any more cancer. having said that, though, this past summer he had to have a permanent trach put into his throat since the scar tissue from chemo left him with compromised breathing. he’s been on disability with the city of belleville (his employer) since then, but sadly, we don’t know if he’ll ever be able to return to work. if that’s the case, he’ll lose disability coverage with the city and go on social security. the biggest bummer? he’ll lose his amazing health coverage that has tackled an insane amount of medical bills, but he won’t qualify for medicare for two years (the reasons, i’m not completely sure of). and this not only affects him, but my mom and sister as well.
i hate playing the woe-is-me or woe-is-my-family card, but this is the stuff that people are talking about when politicians are running around the country trying to win votes. i try to be an optimist, but i’m pretty sure health care isn’t going to change enough to make this better for my family’s immediate situation.
so, a benefit is being held for my dad at the end of this month. all proceeds will go to my mom and him as they prepare for whatever the future holds. naz and i won’t be in town for this event since we’ll be hopping on a plane in december for early holiday festivities, but i think it’s great the community is coming together to rally around my dad and his medical needs. they’ve already done so much as it is with donating sick leave to him for his initial treatments, and i continue to be amazed at the support network he has received. it’s actually a bit humbling if you really think about it.
but even as much as everyone has done, it’s never quite enough. so with that, dear interwebs, if you are so inclined, feel free to contact peggy (or me, and i can direct you as well) from the flyer below to donate items for a silent auction or money for the event. thank you.
