"Every night, I went to bed unsure if I'd wake up, terrified of leaving my family behind. This wasn't just about insurance denials—it was about a system that forgot its purpose: protecting human lives."
Medical Impact
- Development of dangerous Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Possible mini-stroke
- Excruciating pain from extended stent placement
- Unable to take necessary blood thinners
- Permanent health complications
Financial Impact
- $40,000+ SBA loan depleted
- Additional $35,000 loan at 10% interest
- Forced to sell half the business at 40% of value
- Retirement plans derailed
- Unable to continue in same industry
The Breaking Point
In April 2022, what should have been a routine kidney stone procedure turned into a life-threatening ordeal. After an initial surgery to place a stent, UnitedHealthcare denied the crucial follow-up procedure to remove it—despite the surgeon being listed as in-network. This decision triggered a cascade of medical complications, including a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and possible mini-stroke, leading to lasting cognitive and physical impacts.