Medical bills an added blow for family grieving beloved dad
The giving widow has been left with an astronomical medical bill as medical aid revokes payment liability.
Whether basking in the joys of temporary minimalism on the camping grounds or assisting his son’s former Scout troop, Peter Wood (58) of Crystal Park, was passionate about making memories with his family.
Then Covid-19 hit and Peter was retrenched as a logistics manager.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he became a friendly sight in Northmead, assisting his son Connor in establishing his craft supply business on Sixth Avenue.
“Peter was never shy to work and you would hardly see him idly sitting by,” said his wife of 28 years, Tanya.
“He took great pride in providing for his family and even after being retrenched he did everything he could to help Connor succeed.”
Realising the importance of having access to quality healthcare, the couple made it their mission to reapply for medical aid coverage as soon as one of them became gainfully employed.
After successfully re-entering the job market, Tanya immediately submitted an application for membership.
“Our application was approved but our membership was pending the conclusion of the required waiting period,” she explained.
“During this time in July, Peter started experiencing slight discomfort when eating. Following a doctor’s visit, he was advised to undergo a gastroscopy (G-scope). All of this was paid privately as we were not yet eligible to claim from the medical aid scheme.”
The results were devastating. Peter was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus.
Once their medical aid benefits had come into effect, Wood’s health took a sudden turn.
“While helping Connor at the shop on September 19, Peter collapsed and was immediately rushed to the Life Springs Parkland Hospital,” Tanya said.
“Test results indicated that he suffered from potassium deficiency but further scans were ordered. He could not eat, had difficulty swallowing and was not keeping any solids down.
“Authorisation for all procedures as well as hospitalisation were acquired from the medical aid.”
Upon completion of the scans, it was deemed necessary to remove the cancerous growth and an emergency operation was immediately performed.
Peter’s lungs collapsed shortly thereafter and he spent 21 days on a ventilator in ICU while in an induced coma.
Tanya, Connor and Dylan celebrated his birthday at home on October 12, wishing him nothing more than a speedy recovery.
“Having to honour our work commitments as well as Peter being in hospital in Springs, we were not able to visit him very often, sometimes only managing to get to the hospital once a week,” said Tanya.
“We were elated when he was finally weaned from the ventilator and moved to a general ward. During his recovery process, we were able to do daily video calls and he was looking forward to coming home.”
On November 4, Tanya received a call that would forever change her life.
“We were excited for Peter to be discharged and continue his recovery at home but he had suffered a pulmonary embolism. He was not coming home, ever,” she said, fighting back tears that welled up in her eyes.
“I was also told that due to his diagnosis, the medical aid reserved the right to revoke authorisation for payment. Costs for his treatment are just under R1-million. When Peter lost his job, he did everything in his power to pay off our house.
“Both the boys live at home and he said that Connor should stay until he is financially stable. The only way we might be able to settle the medical debt is by selling the house. He worked so hard to ensure that we would never have to give up our home.”
Battling to speak, Tanya tries to compose herself only being able to utter: “I have to be the backbone of the family now.”
She said that while trying to come to terms with the loss of her friend and beloved husband she is trying to navigate her way through successfully registering a BackaBuddy campaign in an attempt to raise funds to assist in settling the hospital account.
“I miss him so much and it is terribly difficult for the boys,” she said.
“If he were here he would already have a plan.”
Although a campaign has not yet been established, anyone who can assist with creating a BackaBuddy account or by any other means can email Tanya at tanyawood25@gmail.com.
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