Douglas O’Neal

Doug was diagnosed with multiple myeloma while in prison for 24 years for a crime he did not commit. Treatment was significantly delayed due to his complaints being ignored by prison staff. He was finally admitted to the hospital after he fell to the floor. After much advocacy, Doug was able to begin treatment while in prison, but the staff was not faithful in getting him to his chemotherapy appointments. He received an autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant in November 2014. While inpatient, the chemotherapy he received caused him to remain in the hospital much longer than anticipated, bringing about expenses not covered by his insurance.

As one can imagine, this journey has not been easy on Doug and his family, both financially and emotionally. For his family, visiting him around the state for 24 years has been very hard. While they all have suffered immensely, Doug has held such undeniable and contagious faith. His numerous letters to family and friends always contained uplifting verses from the Bible, even as he suffered horrendous pain from body aches.
Now Doug’s own family is taxed financially. He has been unable to earn an income for the last 25 years, and social security disability turned him down because he has not worked long enough to earn it. Doug now lives with his daughter, who is the sole provider of their family, and two teenage granddaughters, trying to contribute as much as he can towards her rent and living expenses, but has to save funds for his medications. Doug’s phone bill is being paid by a volunteer helper, who can no longer continue making payments. Additionally, Doug has co-pays at all his doctor visits. His co-pays for pain medicines, blood pressure medicines, medicines for reflux, antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications are all “out-of-pocket”, but his pockets are empty. Doug is supposed to drink two to three Ensures daily but they are too expensive for his tight budget. He has no money to buy clothes for every day wear yet he never complains.
Presently, Doug is making strides in his health but still has a long way to go. He will continue to receive medical management and remain on prescribed medication. Doug is an incredibly kind and humble man. Many have been eminently encouraged by his strength and deep faith. His family and friends hope to get him the best medical care possible and to lighten his financial burden. Doug’s story is compelling in so many ways and it remains a challenge to communicate how much your contributions are needed.

Doug, his team of advocates, and his family have decided to team up with the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation through their One-to-One Funds program. Any donations that can be made will directly assist Doug with the costs of transportation, living expenses, co-payments, and medical expenses. Your generosity is very much appreciated and needed!
Click here to contribute to Doug’s One-to-One Fund
Or you can send a check, payable to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation.
Be sure to include Doug’s name on the front of the check.
Send check to:
the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation
515 Madison Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, New York 10022