Rough Journey with Colon Cancer

In 2008, Richard began experiencing back pain. He saw several doctors, but none of them could figure out what was going on. Richard was frustrated with the lack of answers, and finally went to his primary care physician, Dr. Altman.

Dr. Altman recommended a colonoscopy - a recommendation that made all the difference. The tests came back with results nobody wants to have: colon cancer. He had a rough road ahead, but the difficult journey was just beginning.

Complications Arise

"I credit Dr. Altman with saving my life," said Richard. Richard had a surgery to remove the cancer. He was in remission for 5 years.

But the relief didn't last. In 2013, it came back and spread to his liver. Then, in 2021, doctors found out that the cancer was in his bile ducts - requiring even more surgery and other treatments.

No Way Through It...

During the spring of 2023, the situation got increasingly worse. Richard was hospitalized for 7 days in April, then 5 days in May. The doctors said that Richard would need more treatments throughout the year.

Richard's wife drove to and from the hospital every day - a total distance of almost 100 miles. She also paid for parking. As if gas prices weren't high enough, Richard's medical bills were higher.

"This caused us financial hardship," said Richard. The outlook was bleak. If he couldn't afford to travel, he would likely die. It seemed like there was no way through it.

...Except Around It

That was when Richard found out about Mercy Medical Angels' ground transportation program. The nonprofit sent him free gas cards, so he could drive to and from the hospital for treatment.

With the charitable travel assistance, Richard didn't have to worry about going through the obstacles to care. He could go around them.

"Thank You, Mercy Medical Angels!"

Richard says that his experience with Mercy Medical Angels was "great." He adds that the free gas cards helped him maintain physical and mental wellness. The charitable travel assistance also increased his quality of life, and allowed him to gain financial stability.

"If it weren't for Mercy Medical Angels," said Richard, "I wouldn't have been able to receive the care I needed." He adds, "I couldn't do it without their help."

"Thank you, Mercy Medical Angels!"