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Fighting thyroid cancer: help Russell afford treatment in Seattle

6 rounds of treatment are planned at Seattle University Hospital; we're asking for help with the costs insurance doesn't cover.

🇺🇸 United States2,233 views
Russell Merritt
Email verified
Seattle
In August I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. My oncology team at Seattle University Hospital has planned 6 rounds of treatment, and the first starts in November. I was told to expect about 12 weeks away from work. I never imagined I'd be writing something like this. I'm 36, I worked as a farmer until August, and I have been the main earner for my household. Treatment is covered only in part. Medication that isn't on the approved list, transport to Seattle University Hospital 3 times a week, and the income I have lost add up quickly. My family is doing everything they can, but we've already sold what we could and are borrowing for groceries. I'll post every invoice and receipt as an update so donors can follow where each gift goes. Where the $5,450 goes: • Household costs while unable to work: $980 • Nutrition and supplements prescribed by the care team: $680 • Chemotherapy and medication not covered: $3,790 Ask me anything below before you decide. I'd rather you were sure.
#cancer#treatment#family#medical

Updates from Russell

  1. Quick update: $706 raised so far (13%). I made the first payment toward nutrition and supplements prescribed by the care team. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

  2. Quick update: $1,175 raised so far (22%). the plan for chemotherapy and medication not covered is now scheduled. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

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    “From my family to yours. Gave what I could this week. - Bangkok”

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    “Good luck. From Kingston with love.”

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    “Happy to help. Only $37 but hope it helps. - Campinas”

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    “Wishing you the best. I'm in Denpasar, thinking of you.”

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    “Thinking of you. Been where you're, it gets better. - Medina”

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    “Hang in there. From Tokyo with love. - Tokyo”

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    “Rooting for you. Saw your post and had to give. - Shubra”

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    “Praying for you. Hope the November deadline works out. - Newcastle”

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  • Anjali Sabina RanaPhoto verified

    Keep going, Russell. Shared it with a few friends. I have a 5 year old who wants to send good wishes too. Love from Çankaya.

    • Mustafa Marwan SolimanQuestion

      can I help in a way that isn't money? I'm near Seattle

      • Russell MerrittOwnerAnswer

        Thank you. If you're in Seattle I'll say if something practical comes up. For now sharing this is great. I'll keep the page updated.

    • Wunmi Popoola

      look after yourselves too, caregivers need rest. My late mom used to say help given quietly counts double. Greetings from Chicago

      • Lily J. Joyner

        Gave what I could, wish it was more. Please keep us posted. Love from Cairo

        • Kezia Yvonne Boateng

          Hang in there. I've been in a tough spot myself and it does get easier. Love from Swansea.

          • Harper M. Valdez

            wishing Russell a smooth procedure and a full recovery. The breakdown of costs made it easy to trust. God bless.

            $1,815 raised of $5,450

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