We have a 30-something carrier at work who's been with us for maybe two years. A pleasant, very quiet Mexican fellow I'll call Martin. Martin went to the doctor a few weeks ago with a sharp back pain that he suspected was kidney stones. But Martin was passing blood, and they discovered that he has stomach cancer, and it has spread. The doctors started him on chemo immediately. He's married, has two kids, and was the sole breadwinner for his family.
Insurance will cover his treatment, but he will be out of sick leave and annual leave long before he comes back, if he ever does. His family won't have any income for rent and food and similar luxuries. Being a federal employee he won't get state disability. We have taken up one collection to help out, and we'll take up more, but the well won't be all that deep. This isn't a wealthy bunch, and you can only expect people to give so much. We'll be able to contribute some of our own leave to give to him. It's tough. One of the carriers is checking with a couple of charities, but I have no idea if they will be willing to help. |
