[davidm]

Wow, I had no idea you were going through all this, WinAce.

Let me try to think of some ways that you can publicize your plight. The first thing to realize is that while newspapers and other media do like human interest and human tragedy stories (one might even say they like to exploit such stories), there are so many of them that editors have to pick and choose among competing tragedies. Still, yours is pretty compelling.

Yes, you could contact your local papers or TV stations, but do some research first. As you probably recall, The New York Times maintains a neediest cases fund (only during the Christmas holidays, unfortunately) that raises money for people in desperate or life-threatening circumstances. Do any of the papers in your new city have anything like that? You should also read them carefully and see what kind of stories they like to run. In a case like this, a newspaper might find your personal story appealing, and might wish to use it as a way to expand upon a larger issue, like problems with Medicaid or the general rottenness of our health care system. Your doctor might want to approach the local media on your behalf with a recommendation about running an article along those lines.

Let me think about more ideas, and I’ll get back to you.

davidm.