Man seeks funding to cover mesothelioma treatments

When people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, they and their loved ones can be shocked. This illness is somewhat rare and it is linked to exposure to asbestos, a toxic material, which victims may have come into contact with decades before a diagnosis. People may also be surprised with how aggressive the cancer is and how difficult it can be to treat.

But one of the most upsetting facts that people learn in light of a mesothelioma diagnosis is how expensive treatment can be. Because there is no cure yet, victims often require ongoing care, testing, medication and operations to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the illness. With effective treatment, people can significantly increase their life expectancy, but all this comes at a high cost. Many victims choose to work with an attorney to pursue compensation from a negligent party responsible for the asbestos exposure. But one man is choosing to take a different route in securing the money he needs to treat his mesothelioma.

The man is only 33 and was recently diagnosed with the asbestos-related illness. But the husband and father of two intends to stay strong and fight back with aggressive treatment including surgery and chemotherapy.

But all this comes a price that most people, including this man, cannot afford without help. According to reports, he needs $50,000 to complete these procedures and is reaching out to others for support. He has set up a fundraising account online that allows people to make a donation to support his care. So far, he has been able to collect $22,000 in just one month.

Hopefully, these efforts will pay off and the man will be able to raise enough money to get effective treatment. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for victims of an asbestos-related illness to be unable to cover the cost of treatment on their own. Besides the already-high cost of medical care, people are often unable to work when they are sick, which can only make money problems worse.

But people in North Carolina who have developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos may be able to take legal action against a negligent employer, manufacturer or property owner to pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit can help victims get the financial support they need to access effective treatment and take care of their families.

Source: Norwalk Daily Voice, “Norwalk Man With Mesothelioma Seeks Help Online For Surgery,” Nathan Bruttell, Feb. 18, 2014