An Unexpected Setback in Chicago & The Weight of the Fight
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The Jamison Family
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The Jamison Family
We are reaching out to share an urgent update on John’s care, where things stand with his treatment, and the heavy load our family is carrying right now.
John recently completed 50 grueling rounds of chemotherapy. In the past, we were told his MRI looked clean—only to have the rug pulled out from under us when a follow-up PET scan revealed the cancer had spread. Because of that experience, John’s oncologist made it clear: he must rely on a PET scan to safely determine the next course of treatment and decide if John can finally take an earned break from chemo.
Over the past few weeks, the universe has tested us in every possible way. On top of the emotional weight of Stage 4 cancer, we hit an overwhelming string of bad luck at home—a fender bender, a smashed window from an attempted car break-in, and my car’s engine completely dying.
Through it all, City of Hope stepped in to fly us out to Chicago this past week for an MRI, a PET scan, and a crucial consultation. We traveled out on a thread of hope,
for clean results and news that chemo could be paused.
for clean results and news that chemo could be paused.
Instead, we hit a brick wall. Our new health insurance company denied authorization for the PET scan at the last minute.
I immediately went to work. I fought tirelessly from every angle—contacting HR benefits, insurance advocates, local and federal representatives, and even reaching out to news stations. Despite endless phone calls, we were met with bureaucratic finger-pointing, delays, and empty "thoughts and prayers" while sitting in Chicago without answers.
Because the insurance company continues to stall the authorization, we had to make the difficult decision to head back home to Pennsylvania today without the PET scan completed.
While John’s latest bloodwork and preliminary markers remain stable and strong, the financial, physical, mental, and emotional strain on our marriage and family has reached a breaking point. Travel costs, daily living expenses, car repairs, and incoming medical bills are piling up faster than we can manage on our own.
We are not giving up. We are continuing to push insurance from home so John can get the vital scan he needs.
If you are able to donate, share this page, or keep John and our family in your thoughts, it means the world to us. Your support helps cover the mounting household expenses, travel costs, and basic needs that allow us to keep fighting for John's life.
Thank you for standing by us through the darkest parts of this journey.
With love and gratitude,
Crystal, John, and Family
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