Lung most cancers is the main reason for cancer-related deaths and the third most typical sort of most cancers within the Untied States, in line with the Nationwide Most cancers Institute.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A California man battling lung most cancers is unable to get therapy he deliberate for after being denied by his medical insurance firm Cigna Healthcare.
Daron Wells, a 59-year-old man with stage 4 lung most cancers, is a husband and father of three residing in Santa Monica, California.
He was planning on flying throughout the nation to Northwestern Drugs in Chicago for a double lung transplant, in line with ABC7.
“(Deron) has been medically authorised by medical doctors at each UCLA Medical Heart in Los Angeles and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for a double lung transplant,” his GoFundMe elevating cash for his medical bills says. “This process is his solely path to survival — and the medical groups are able to act.”
The transplant was a part of a scientific trial he’d beforehand been medically authorised for. The outlet reviews that Cigna “authorised him for procedures” that allowed his switch to Chicago, however later “denied protection for each the transplant and medical switch to Illinois.”
Cigna had not but returned a request for remark at time of publication.
“Our protection tips are grounded in nationwide scientific requirements to assist guarantee the absolute best outcomes for sufferers,” Cigna stated in a press release to The Impartial.
The Nationwide Complete Most cancers Community, a nonprofit made up of main most cancers facilities, encourages scientific trials as an choice for most cancers sufferers.
“Everybody with most cancers ought to rigorously take into account all the therapy choices accessible for his or her most cancers sort, together with commonplace remedies and scientific trials,” NCCN’s Pointers for Sufferers: Non-Small Cell Lung Most cancers says.
The scientific trial, which was introduced as a breakthrough in 2022, is described as an “modern various therapy for choose sufferers,” by Northwestern Drugs.
Lung and bronchus most cancers is the third most typical sort of most cancers in america, in line with the Nationwide Most cancers Institute. It’s the main reason for cancer-related deaths, making up 20% in 2025 alone.
Wells and his household at the moment are campaigning to lift $1.5 million to cowl the price of the journey to and completion of the process.
“Deron is likely one of the most loyal, kind-hearted individuals you’ll ever meet. He has given all the pieces to his mates, his household, and his neighborhood — and now, we’re coming collectively to combat for his life,” the GoFundMe says.
The fundraiser has garnered almost $50,000 as of Friday night.
Wells has appealed the denied medical insurance declare, in line with ABC7.
