The man and the mission
Jason Bush, a graduate student in Anthropology at CSU, has recently been diagnosed with stage IIIa testicular cancer. Jason was diagnosed two days before his health insurance coverage began for the fall semester. Therefore, once his coverage began, the cancer was considered a pre-existing condition and the insurance will not cover doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy treatment, operations, or lab tests associated with the cancer.
Jason was not able to qualify for many federal and state insurance programs, however he did qualify for the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) which will cover only a percentage of the cost of treatment and care while at Poudre Valley Hospital. There are many appointments, tests, prescriptions, etc. outside of the hospital that are not eligible for coverage.
Jason is an inspirational, upbeat, and love-filled young man. Even in these difficult times, Jason keeps an open heart and an amazingly positive attitude. Jason grew up in West Texas, where he developed his love for the outdoors and archaeology. In between school and life, Jason hiked the entire the Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico, a 3100-mile journey.
Several years of working as an archeologist in Texas inspired Jason to pursue a M.A. in archeology, which lead to a move to Fort Collins for graduate school at CSU. This past summer Jason completed his archeology thesis research in Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Jason is in the process of writing his thesis and hopes to complete his graduate studies, as initially planned, by May 2010.
Jason is an enthusiastic lover of the outdoors, bikes, and music. Whether riding on his cruiser strung with red lights or studying at a coffee shop, Jason always has a smile on his face and time for the people around him.
Within the first two months since his diagnosis, Jason’s medical bills already amount to $20,000 with only $15,000 being covered by CICP. By the end of the initial treatment plan, Jason’s bill is estimated to be at least $120,000. In addition to mounting medical bills, Jason also has living expenses and no steady source of income. He is not able to work regularly at his part time job on campus and is using loans and credit cards to make ends meet.
Supporters of Jason around the country are working to raise funds to help Jason with his treatment. The fund-raising goal of $15,000 will not cover all the medical expenses, but it will greatly help Jason avoid massive debt to pay for his cancer treatment.
Tags: anthropology, cancer, coverage, csu, dept, donations, donors, events, funds, help, information, insurance, jason, mexico, mission
Comments (24)
Hello Bush I don’t know what to say other than I hope you are doing alright. Krystal and I will get something together although its only New Zealand Dollars.
Bill Jennings
Jason
I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you. Stay strong my friend!
With love from Arizona,
Ben Jewell
Jason- I’m thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and energy your way…
Bush, you’ve been a good friend. Thanks for putting me up in ’07 when I was rolling through CO. If there’s anything I can do to help besides my donation just let me know.
Take care brother.
Wow, what a great website! One more step on the path to real action in kicking this cancer’s stupid butt! Love ya Bushman.
Jason my friend .. there are some benefits to being a cranky old lady and one of them is that we’ve seen a lot, heard a lot, cried a lot, and laughed a lot during our many years. That means that we should also know a lot! And I don’t pretend to know a lot but one thing I do know is that good vibes and positive thinking go a long, long way toward healing. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers my friend. Keep smiling and enjoying every minute of every day!
Gramma
Dearest Bush,
You have been a friend of our girls, Ana and Agustina, forever. And a very good friend.
Eli and I are rooting for you.
Take care, we are thinking about you, daily
Virginia and Eli Rodriguez
One round down. We are totally kicking the MF’s butts! Stay positive (cuz you’ve got a lot of good vibes from your awesome support crew) and lets watch Big Lebowski soon. Take care and thinking of you!
Hi Jason,
Everyone here at home (Sul Ross State University) is keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. We will be thinking of you daily!
Sul Ross Alumni Association
Jason,
I’m so sorry this is how we have to re-connet. I’m sending this link to everyone I know & will help out in anyway possible. My mother-in-law is a cancer survivor of 10 years & a nurse, so if you need any support or need someone to talk to, I’ll put you in touch. You will win this!
Jason, Sorry to hear about your troubles. background and archaeology wise, we seem to have a lot in common. I grew up near Barnhart, Texas, spent time in Alpine while my folks were getting their M.A. degrees, then I later attended Sul Ross. I, also, got my B.A. and M.A. degrees from CSU. In between going to Sul Ross and CSU, I was the first archaeologist at CDRI (then in Alpine). In fact, I’m headed to Ft. Davis and Alpine in a month.
My wishes are with you.
Gary L. Moore
I Love You my brother!
We are thinking about you and praying for you big time. You have our support Jason as well as our love.
Scott and Melinda Stovall
Jason sweetheart, you are in my constant prayers and always in my heart. I will help you in every way I can. You are so dear and special. It warms me to see how much you are loved by so many. Healing prayers are sent your way!
You’re about to get a push from Austin. Take care old friend…lots of love to ya!
Jason,
I’m a friend of Carrin’s here in Austin, TX. My brother was just diagnosed with brain cancer, but like you, has a positive attidude about his treatment. He has nicknamed his tumor, the tumornator. He has a great sense of humor which has been amazing for us all to see. Family, friends, and prayers can help you beat this! It is amazing how far technology has come along. Sounds like you are young and active which I’m sure will help you. Best wishes and prayers to you and your family!
Hello Jason
I am Carrin’s mother in law. My roomate
Maurice is a free lance writer for the
web examiner and is preparing a
article about the Lance Armstrong Foundation
He designed a great moving coffee table made
from bike parts for their auction. He plans
to put your story in his article, along with
your link for donations. We are both praying
for u. Stay positive and fight it. Love
from Austin
Carolyn and Maurice
Jason, Big Bend and Terlingua are rooting for you! The word is slowly getting out. Much love and light to you. Don and Danielle
Jason,
I’m so sad to hear this news. I always think of you as such a strong healthy guy. I know that will serve you well. I’ll send something you way and pass on the word. xo
Christina
Jason,
I’m sorry to hear this news. I’m working on Fort Bliss these days with SRI, but I still remember riding back and forth in your truck from Woodson’s on the Rio Grande in the Big Bend. That was by far one of my favorite projects. Be strong and you can accomplish anything. I’ll pay it forward ASAP.
Logan
BUSH!! i’m am pulling for you….strength, love coming your way…you got this in the bag!
i love you ~ H.
Jason,
I know I’m speaking for the rest of the players of Steamboat Zephyr in saying we are really looking forward to playing for you at your benefit this coming Saturday. You have my heartiest support and I look forward to meeting you on Saturday at Avogadro’s Number.
Sincerely,
John J. Wood
(banjoist – Steamboat Zephyr)
I am a very good friend of your mother from Methodist Dunn OR for 35 years. Sorry to hear you are under the weather. Things will be OK real soon. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
Always remembering you.
Juanita
Always
Maybe the Livestrong Foundation can be of help with your expenses–worth a try since Lance’s diagnosis was very similar. I wish you the best and you are in my prayers.