As many of you know by now, my father Paul Ludwig III, just found out he has Stage 4 Adenocarcenoma cancer. There is a lot of information that only immediate family members are aware of, but this information needs to be passed onto friends, family and anyone whose life has been touched by Dad.
Dad had a slight cough that he suspected was bronchitis approximately 2 months ago. After a PT scan, they found cancer throughout his body. The Oncologist explained that this is irreversible, terminal, and chemotherapy will not stop this cancer. Dr. Sherwood put his head down in a meeting with our family and said, “I’m sorry.” Mom and Dad were run over by a train.
What many of you do not know is approximately three years ago, Dad's retirement pension from Metro Transit Police Department in Washington, D.C. was reduced from $2800.00 a month down to only $770.00 a month because of a flaw in the disability pension. This flaw in the retirement was addressed years ago by my father who questioned the department. The senior benefits representative of the department wrote a letter to my father stating, “Your retirement will never be reduced, you will keep your pension along with cost of living increases for the rest of your life. Don’t believe what you are hearing, I’m the one who dispurses the pension checks each month and you will never be reduced.” Needless to say, his pension was still dramatically reduced, and the benefits department stated, “Sorry, but we made a mistake.” He immediately took this letter to the department and demanded his retirement be reinstated. They agreed this was wrong and was a major flaw in the pension plan, but said there is nothing they can do. He demanded the department reinstate his pension or he would contact a lawyer and take legal action against them to correct their mistake. The department replied “Sue us.” This pending lawsuit has been going on for over two years now, and for almost the last three years, he has been receiving only a $770 pension check per month. This was the first train that crushed my parents.
They were forced to sell their home of 16 years in Deep Creek Lake under market value so they would not have to lose it to foreclosure. They moved into my basement so they could survive this financial crisis. Six months ago, Mom and Dad went from never making a late payment, to filing Bankruptcy. They were devastated.
After recently finding out about his illness, he contacted his lawyer to ask the department to speed up their civil case, taking into account the terminal prognosis of his disease. After this request, they just received a letter last week from the department that stated the mediation hearing is set March of 2011 (Next Spring!!!). They are delaying on purpose knowing how dire his situation is. As you can sense I am infuriated with what the department has done to him.
Within a month of reducing his pension, my father met with the Chief of Police who became irate when he was enlightened to what happened to Dad's pension and stated, “No! That’s not right! We will take care of this right now!” It wasn't something that could be taken care of then. The Chief's hands were tied since it was a contractual issue. That meeting was two and a half years ago. NOTHING was ever taken care of by Metro. The FOP Union was also contacted and all parties agreed that this is a major “Wrong” in the pension, unfortunately their hands were also tied at that point. Metro is dragging its feet hoping that my dad will just go away. I still have to work for this department, and it makes me sick that they will let “one of their own” suffer like this. And on top of this ongoing financial injustice, they just found out he may only be on this earth for a few more months, and are still dragging this on instead of rectifying the situation. This entire situation has left our family shocked in disbelief.
My father has always been a very proud man and would give the shirt off his back to even a stranger. This financial stress and discovered illness has just about killed him. He does not want to die. He does not want to leave his loved ones. But he is in tremendous pain at different times throughout the day. He is fighting and wants to fight. He told me the other day the he does not want to let anyone down if he cannot fight this fight any longer. He is more concerned with his family and friends and how they are dealing with this than he is for his own well being.
One month ago he could barely breathe and was passing out from pressure in his chest. He was suffering from a pericardial effusion (fluid around his heart) which would not allow him to get sufficient oxygen. This triggered a 911 call which eventually sent him into emergency surgery. A chest tube was inserted to relieve the fluid from around his heart. He was intubated and sedated and kept alive on a ventilator for 5 days. Dad survived this trauma when most would have not. Doctors were amazed that he came off the vent and was able to come home after going through these medical procedures. The family and friends that came to the hospital were amazing. There were so many people that came to see him and many stayed during the nights to hope to get to talk to him one more time. It was extremely emotional and moving for my Mom and my siblings. Dad is now home with me trying to get his strength up and trying to enjoy every moment that he has left.
Since this last episode, we have found a treatment center in North Carolina (The Holistic Medical Clinic of the Carolinas - http://www.holisticmedclinic.com/) that uses supplements, and existing low dose medications that are having amazing results with people with similar Stage 4 cancers. These options are the only options left to keep his immune system high and his physical strength maximized. We traveled to NC last week and stayed for 5 days supporting him as he received treatment. Dad seems to be responding well. We are keeping him positive and focusing on holding the existing cancer at bay, while getting his body strong to battle this cancer for him. But we need help. I have a travel expense and treatment fund set up for them and I want anyone who wants to help, to please help. I don’t want his remaining time with us stressing about money. I want him and my mom to know that they need to enjoy their time together and take everything in. He gets very emotional when he hears how he meant so much to someone or how he influenced someone in their life. He is against me asking everyone for financial help. He has always been a hard working man, and extremely proud. I told him last night, he has touched the hearts of so many in his lifetime that he really is one of the richest people in this world, so let people help you now.
Email address:
Home Address for Dad:
King George , VA 22485
(Make checks out to Paul or Linda Ludwig)
That is where we are at right now. We are leaving to go back to NC on Sunday for another 2 weeks of treatments. We will keep everyone updated with everything. Please keep Dad in your prayers and help if you can.
Additionally, If anyone wishes to write a reflection, or a great memory about Dad, please send it or email it to me. I am putting together a collection from everyone to read to Dad and Mom. He loves hearing from everyone and he needs to know how much he has meant to you.
Sincerely,
Paulie
I love you bubba. Mom and Dad are lucky to have a son like YOU.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the Jonson girls. I know your dad has deeply touched our family. I have been and will continue to keep him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
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