Raymond Johnson, a 26-year-old man from Charleston, SC has breast cancer, something that rarely afflicts men. Mr. Johnson, who is employed laying tile was unable to afford health insurance BECAUSE IT COSTS TOO DAMNED MUCH.

Susan Appelbaum, an angel working in disguise as a patient advocate at the Charleston Cancer Center, tried to help Raymond get into a state program providing Medicaid for breast cancer patients. Mr. Johnson was denied the coverage because he’s a man and the program is only for women.

The SC Department of Health and Human Services has asked the federal government for help. But Raymond Johnson needs the treatment NOW. From WCIV ABC-TV news in South Carolina:

“Each treatment is probably roughly around 10 grand,” said Susan Appelbaum, the patient advocate for Raymond Johnson. She says, Raymond still needs several more chemotherapy treatments.

“Right now I’m stuck with these bills and I’m trying to find a way,” said Raymond, who just underwent his second round of chemotherapy at Roper Saint Francis Hospital.

Breast cancer in men may be rare, but it does happen. Statistics show one in 1000 men will get it, roughly 2,100 cases a year.

Susan Appelbaum hasn’t given up.

“He’s young. He’s working and he’s worried this could be financially devastating to him.”

She is now contacting lawmakers, trying to get the medicaid program changed. Raymond Johnson calls her his new best friend.

“I don’t know where I’d be without her,” he said.

 
Best wishes to Raymond Johnson. May he live long and thrive. The only thing he did wrong was not being born in Canada. Ms. Appelbaum is a fine human being for not letting him slip through the cracks of our horrible healthcare system in this country. I do hope this story has a happy ending.