American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:

Carol Marie Geddes Memorial

Together, we stand strong to make cancer issues a national priority.

Team Fundraising Goal: $1,000.00

Total Number of Gifts: 4

Total Value of Gifts: $900.00

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Mr. Scott Doty

Ms. Angelique Mullen

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Mr. Danny Lehmann

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CAROL'S STORY IS ONE OF an uninsured waiting for treatment, compassion and care.

For at least five years Carol got by without seeing a doctor. She was healthy. One day she had pain in her legs and needed to be seen in the emergency room. Nothing was found wrong, she was offered a diagnostic blood test for $1,000. Making little above minimum wage, this simple life saving test was out of reach.

Days later, she couldn't breathe and was admitted to the hospital. Emboli had traveled to her lungs. She received tests and a second chance. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was given an appointment with an oncologist two months in the future! Carol would have started treatment late this October.

More complications and no treatment put Carol back into the hospital with the promise of the urgently needed treatment by the oncology specialist "tomorrow" if not today. Insurance coverage was needed so she had to wait for the County Medical Service Program to authorize her transfer to UCSF. The UCSF oncology department has some of the best specialists in the country for cervical cancer. Every day she was told that "today" she would be transferred to the UCSF oncology department. Carol maintained her hope. At the end of each day, she was told it would happen tomorrow. The hospital said they were just waiting for CMSP to authorize the transfer. On the third day, Carol suffered an emboli, and died with the promise.

NO ONE should die waiting for the speed of State or Federal bureaucracy.

Its time for health care reform. No more lost lives while waiting, no more broken hearts.

Making Cancer Issues a National Priority
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading the way in making cancer issues a national priority. From making cities and states smoke-free to ensuring that all women have access to mammograms, ACS CAN is building the grassroots movement that will help eradicate this terrible disease.

ACS CAN is a grassroots membership organization that will give cancer advocates the opportunity to shape legislators' and candidates’ agendas to ensure that they include important cancer-related issues and to hold our officials publicly accountable for the votes they take on cancer-related legislation.

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James Wed, Jul 28, 2010 I grew up in Canada and had some serious complications as a kid. Never had to wait to get help, just went to the doctor whenever I was sick. I noticed being in a hospital in the USA had slower response times from nurses and much higher hospital bills. For all the people against "socialized medicine", I can tell you that I'm alive because I could see a doctor when I needed to. If you're against medical care for all, I would guess that you've never been sick.
Valerie Mitchell Tue, Jan 26, 2010 There's NEVER an excuse for this, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll do everything I can to make sure people don't forget about the victims in all of this... peace
Shybear Sun, Dec 06, 2009 I feel the goverment should step aside & let the doctors do their job.
Carolann Sat, Nov 07, 2009 The state of health care in our nation is idiotic. I don't care if it is the government or some mysterious appointed panel or the hospitals or the insurance companies or the pharmaceutical industry, but collectively our nation has turned into a bunch of self-centered, greedy, uncaring fools. Today, you think you don't want to have your hard-earned money go to someone else out there. It doesn't matter if it's for health care, or schools, or food for the homeless. Tomorrow it may be you or the one you love who needs help the most. I never knew Carol, but simply the possibility that she could have been helped or even the end of her life made easier if her care happened today and not tomorrow is inexcusable and we are all culpable of having prevented her from getting the care she needed. Do you honestly think that everyone who does not have the insurance coverage they need does so by choice, or laziness, or because they think they can mooch off of your wealth? If so, I can tell you where to keep your money from now on.
Beckie Carrico Hemmerling Fri, Oct 09, 2009 You are loved and missed Carol.
Helaine Mon, Oct 05, 2009 That is a very sad story and I am sorry Carol suffered and passed away. Universal Health Care is not the answer. The same thing will happen. People will have to wait forever to get needed medical attention. There must be insurance reform NOW. So people can afford to pay a premiun for what they need and not for what everyone else needs.
Sharon Otoo Mon, Oct 05, 2009 Supporting the cause all the way from UK & Germany. So sorry to read about the loss of Carol...May she rest in peace.
Denna Denison Fri, Oct 02, 2009 no one should have to go thru this & not have medical treatement right away.
Lisa Boylan Fri, Oct 02, 2009 Being a recent survivor, I know all-to-well, the effects that cancer can have on a person. While having never personally met Carol, she has made me want to appreciate the fact that I'm still here ... and to not take any day for granted.
Dena Pisciotte Fri, Oct 02, 2009 Carol - you were much loved and forever missed.
Kami Anderson Thu, Oct 01, 2009

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