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Lancaster man in need of help with life vest defibrillator costs

Posted at 4:18 PM, Dec 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-31 17:35:01-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Chad Kumro of Lancaster is a father of two boys, a huge Bills fan, and has a fiancée. This year he's had many trials and tribulations - and unexpected medical issues.

We spoke with his mother's best friend, Annette White, who said he's like a son to her.

"Chad started this year being diagnosed with lung cancer, and that was obviously very scary for myself and the entire family and his family. And Chad was able to conquer, and we celebrated in September that he was able to conquer cancer," she said.

But the celebrations were sadly short-lived. On Christmas day, he suffered a heart attack, and stayed in the hospital alone.

He was sent home with a Life vest defibrillator, to save his life should he have another heart attack. But it was not covered by insurance.

"So chad had to come up with $3,000 up front. Thankfully, a family member reached out and was able to do that for him," said White.

But he will have to continue to pay $3,000 a month for three months for the life vest, on top of all other medical bills.

White said she couldn't think of another way to help, so she set up a GoFundMe page to get the word out.

Her sister Mary Lee Voelz said she's always been this way.

"Annette is just, she's a caregiver through and through," said Voelz. "That's what she does for a living, she's a home care giver, so it's just in her blood. And she's always looking out for people,"

A third sister, Bridget Jeziorowski, is also helping and supporting Kumro's family.