How You Can Help
"When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in anyway."
Help, The Beatles, 1965
Mr. B has always been about service. Whether it was volunteering to pack meals for those who need help, volunteering at a dog rescue while living in Mexico, or finding time to help out Austin Street Shelter and the Dallas Food bank, Mr. B was one of the first to say, "How can I help?" And now, we are asking you to help him.
Mr. B has a GoFundMe page setup to help with medical costs that are not covered by insurance. He is very determined to keep those who donate informed of how the donations will be used. To date, very few bills have been received, and we have been fortunate to pay those from a grant received from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
As always, prayers are appreciated and Bo and his family are very grateful for all the love coming their way in this ongoing battle. If you can and would like to donate, please go to Mr. B's gofundme page .
Why Help?
According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. More specifically, Leukemia Texas predicts 4000 Texans will be diagnosed with Leukemia in 2021. Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children. Most leukemias are diagnosed in adults age 55 and older. More than 1800 Texans will die of the disease this year. And if you are like I was, you probably don't know a lot about the disease.
Cancer is expensive, especially as an inpatient. Even if you have great insurance, which many of us don't, it's expensive. The American Cancer Society estimates that families supporting family members with cancer will spend 20% of their total income on cancer related medical expenses.
If you are like us, you probably think you are protected from cost increases in your plan by pre-existing conditions. Not if you add or change plans. You probably didn't know that if you don't have supplemental Medicare insurance prior to a diagnosis, you are not eligible for tier 1 (regular rate) supplemental insurance after diagnosis. You are bumped to tier 2 coverage at about 150% of the regular cost. Whether you are on Medicare or not, you should rethink your supplemental coverages now. Think it couldn't happen to you? So did we.
Yes, I have a GoFundMe page, but I am not asking you for money. I know I am no more worthy of your donation than thousands who are in similar situations and definitely less than the tens of thousands in worse situations. I just want to remind you that there are so many in need of help. Winter is a terrible time the homeless and the food insecure. Many of our elderly and those who are chronically ill must choose between paying their bills, buying food or refilling prescriptions. It is especially sad when a child or a veteran falls into either of these categories. If you are able, please help those who are in need. If you are not, please keep them in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Some Charities to Consider
North Texas Food Bank American Cancer Society
Feeding America Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Austin Street Shelter Leukemia Texas
austinstreet.org leukemiatexas.org
St. Jude's Hospital Texas Oncology Clinics
Barb's Dog Rescue DKMS - donor registry
Want to Help Raise Awareness About Luekemia?
Leukemia is a blood disorder. Give blood. Transplants save lives. Register to become a stem cell donor. Money helps. Donate to research. Be aware of the symptoms. Share awareness: invite a spokesperson to present at your school, church, temple or mosque.