Coach Thomas McKay of El Paso, Texas has been battling aggressive cancer for some 15 years. Tom is a Marine Corps Veteran, a former policeman, a science teacher for twenty five years, a boxing coach for 45 years, and an author. He is the man who formed a 501 c3 hall of fame to raise money for children with cancer, a family man and a cancer speaker. Originally given less than a few years to live locally and by M.D. Andersen Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Tom sought out a novel treatment. He got extremely lucky in finding Dr. Robert Leibowitz of 2080 Century Park East in Los Angeles. Dr. Bob, a graduate of Harvard, had only a couple of years prior to Tom’s visit, created his patented ‘Triple Androgen Blockade’ treatment. When it did work and most of the time it did for all patients, Dr. Bob would follow up three or four years hence with low-level chemotherapy specially designed for each individual patient. After that, maintenance on really severe cases involved a special cocktail that Dr. Bob also created for each individual patient. Assisting Dr. Bob is the very capable oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey Turner.
In Tom’s case, he has done wonders on Dr. Bob’s protocols and his main two cancer drugs the past few years have been Revlimid and Leukine. They have been so beneficial that Tom has been able to train some boxers even though he is 77 years old come October 2nd, 2011. However, TRS Healthcare (For retired teachers of Texas) has suddenly done an about face in helping provide for these drugs, likely due to the insane rise in pharmaceutical cancer drugs, and some kind of a less then qualified board or a director concerned over costs, and sent Tom a letter advising him that TRS was no longer going to pay for his cancer drug Revlimid. A few months ago Tom was cut off of Revlimid and a month ago Tom received another TRS letter, this time stating that he will only get Leukine until February of 2012. Of course, that could change as his oncologists are always ready to fight for their clients. Those letters are mean, cold calculated and insinuating that Tom might have to face the consequences of the return of aggressive cancer. In short, that is like a judge passing a death sentence on a sick person who with his oncologist has fought this deadly disease in a manner that should help change the standard protocols that most cancer patients receive. But no, the entrenched profiteering wealthy and supposedly risk-taking insurance companies don’t plan on recognizing a possible cure for aggressive cancer and have their own little Inquisitions to deal with long-time cancer survivors.
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The bottom line seems to be: “ Hey aggressive cancer victim, don’t you dare live over five - to - ten years. We have our big banquets with cancer speakers and cancer protocol information to pass out to give victims hope…but sorry, not a cure for cancer, we’re in this for the money.” It is as you might suspect, Big Business. “ If you surprise us and live longer than expected, then expect us to as they used to say in Chicago in the 1920’s,
And though that may be an exaggeration, it doesn’t fall to far short of the truth. Certainly one and two term Congressmen are set for life with no problems if and when they get cancer or other deadly diseases; but not for the average citizen like Tom? Go figure. Tom a Marine Corps Veteran, a former policeman, a science teacher for twenty five years, a boxing coach for 45 years, and an author. He is the man who formed a 501 c3 hall of fame to raise money for children with cancer, a family man and a cancer speaker. Nevertheless, he will soon be in this final bout with all the gusto he can rev up for the challenge and just hope that millions of other cancer patients are not getting stiffed by their prescription drug carriers.
One can’t help but wonder at times, just who is really watching out for the health of patriots and good citizens of the Red, White and Blue? One can say an unhealthy democracy will soon falter and sink just as other empires throughout history have succumbed to greed and profit over health and well-being.
Sorry to hear this, Tom. Have you tried Canada or England? They carry a lot of meds America makes illegal because it's no longer profitable to the pharmaceutical companies.
Ck. with a Canadian pharmacy.
After reading this story it gives me a new outlook on our health care system. Hard to believe that things like this are happening in our great nation. I am saddened for Thomas and his family. I hope he finds some alternative to keep him alive and well.
Although I am not an American, I’ve always been under the impression that the U.S. provided the best health care for its citizens.
He looks like a good person; it would be a real loss to have something happen to him. I sincerely hope that something is done to keep him on the meds that he needs.
Gov. Rick Perry has made several cuts in the Texas budget in an attempt to make TEXAS appear profitable. Just like he has recently stated in the GOP debates. Unfortunately good men like Mr. McKay have to pay the consequences of these political games.
Struggles such as the one Tom McKay is now facing is a sobering realization that millions of middle class American's, including myself, will be dieing younger due to expensive pharmaceutical drugs we can not afford. Ultimately, the extremely rich will live and the rest of us will die.
As for Tom, may he continue hammering them jabs. Don't give up!
Coach Thomas McKay of El Paso, Texas has been battling aggressive cancer for some 15 years. Tom is a Marine Corps Veteran, a former policeman, a science teacher for twenty five years, a boxing coach for 45 years, and an author. He is the man who formed a 501 c3 hall of fame to raise money for children with cancer, a family man and a cancer speaker. Originally given less than a few years to live locally and by M.D. Andersen Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Tom sought out a novel treatment. He got extremely lucky in finding Dr. Robert Leibowitz of 2080 Century Park East in Los Angeles. Dr. Bob, a graduate of Harvard, had only a couple of years prior to Tom’s visit, created his patented ‘Triple Androgen Blockade’ treatment. When it did work and most of the time it did for all patients, Dr. Bob would follow up three or four years hence with low-level chemotherapy specially designed for each individual patient. After that, maintenance on really severe cases involved a special cocktail that Dr. Bob also created for each individual patient. Assisting Dr. Bob is the very capable oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey Turner.
