A Walmart employee facing a devastating cancer diagnosis is getting a flood of support from strangers.
Michael DePew, 28, was diagnosed with aggressive testicular cancer and told he had only three months to live. With urgent medical bills piling up and no health insurance, he turned to crowdfunding to pay for the care he needed.
The response has been overwhelming. DePew’s GoFundMe set a goal of $30,000, but it has already raised more than $44,000 and counting.
In an interview with More Perfect Union, DePew said doctors told him his cancer is “survivable,” but only if he gets treatment as soon as possible.
Even getting a diagnosis was a financial strain. DePew said he had to pay $320 out of pocket for a single 30-minute visit with his urologist.
“I do not have that kind of money,” he said, explaining that while he managed to pay the bill, it left him “completely broke.” At the time of the interview, he had just $48.20 in his bank account.
DePew said he was hoping Medicaid or Walmart would step in. But according to More Perfect Union, Medicaid is a long shot in Florida, where most adults without children don’t qualify at any income level, and a family of three earning just over $7,200 a year makes too much to be eligible.
According to his GoFundMe page, the money raised will cover surgery, chemotherapy, scans, lab work, doctor’s appointments and travel to treatment, along with lost wages, rent and other bills while he focuses on his health.
The donations are already making a difference. In an update on the fundraiser, journalist Natasha Del Toro, who reported DePew’s story for More Perfect Union, said he has been able to begin his first round of chemotherapy thanks to the outpouring of support.
There’s more good news. Del Toro also shared that Walmart has agreed to provide DePew with health insurance. Until that coverage takes effect, the money raised will continue to help pay for his treatment and living expenses.
DePew’s story has struck a chord online, highlighting how quickly medical costs can overwhelm young workers facing a sudden, serious illness.
For now, the focus is on getting through treatment. With thousands of dollars raised and insurance on the way, DePew now has a fighting chance.
Hence then, the article about walmart employee s gofundme surpasses 44k after he was given 3 months to live with aggressive cancer was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Walmart Employee’s GoFundMe Surpasses $44K After He Was Given 3 Months to Live With Aggressive Cancer )
Also on site :
- Laura Dern Remembers Late Mom Diane Ladd With Heartbreaking Tribute 1 Year After Her Death: ‘Light of My Life’
- A Gastroenterologist Ate This ‘Healthy’ Snack Almost Every Day for Nearly a Decade—Now She’s Ditched It Completely
- The Strait of Hormuz closure has cost Europe an extra $142 billion for the same energy it was already buying