I survived the layoffs
We lost about a dozen people to the big layoffs at Gannett today. Rob and I survived, but a few friends didn’t
The one I’m most upset about is my colleague, Jennifer. Her boyfriend lost his job last summer, then was diagnosed with cancer. He doesn’t have health insurance and he’s been told he’ll have to repay all the unemployment he collected after he was diagnosed. He hasn’t gotten disability yet and he hasn’t gotten Medicaid.
They have almost $200,000 in medical bills now, they have gone through their savings and now some of his doctors are asking for payment in advance.
They’re trying not to let any of the bills go into collection because Medicaid won’t reimburse for bills that have gone into collection.
Today she lost her job.
I’ll be damned if I’m going to watch someone else I know die because he can’t get treatment for cancer.
A couple of colleagues and I plan to hold a fundraiser for them next month to try and keep their heads above water until he gets Medicaid and disability.
Keep Aug. 23 free if you’re in or near Asheville.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
Post a comment