Family dealing with son's rare cancer says they've been scammed
SEATTLE -- The family of a 19-year-old with a rare form of cancer thought they'd received a life-saving offer, but now they say they've been scammed.
Thomas Doty has been fighting for his life since being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2009.
"It's a very rare bone cancer and only 400 kids in the states are diagnosed each year," said his mother, Tiffany Doty.
The family has been able to get Thomas the treatment he needs -- including multiple surgeries -- but the cancer has come back each time faster and more aggressive.
Tiffany said the family is now in financial chaos. She found a California hospital that specializes in tough cancer cases, but it will cost $50,000 at a time when the family is facing the foreclosure of their home.
Just when things were looking bleak, a famous family friend stepped in.
Johnathan Hillstrand from "the Deadliest Catch" television show asked his fans to help Thomas. Not long after that, it seemed their prayers had been answered.
Six weeks ago, a woman claiming to be an Indiana nurse emailed Tiffany to say she was going to send a $250,000 check to pay for treatment.
"I was in shock," Tiffany said. "I thought, OK let's not get too excited because I don't know who she is. And then she called me."
After that conversation, Tiffany was convinced. A short time later, Tiffany got another offer from someone claiming to be the Indiana woman's mother. She pledged to donate $15,000 to the cause.
"They went so far as to contact the treatment center and say, 'We're faxing you our financial information and do you take credit cards.' We thought, this is wonderful," Tiffany said.
But six weeks later, no money has come through and the mysterious benefactor has been giving Tiffany wild tales and excuses. Now the family is convinced they've been scammed.
They believe one woman is behind both offers and is more concerned about the family's TV star friend than the health of their son.
"The sickest part is her saying, 'Did you tell Thomas? Is he happy? Did you tell him we are paying for all of his treatment?'" Tiffany said.
Despite all the lies and heartache, Tiffany said she has a job to do.
"All I know is my son is sick," she said. "He hasn't had a life at all. He's been in pain in the hospital getting cut open or being stuck with needles, chemicals. He wants to see that silver lining. He just wants a normal, normal 19 year old life."
The family's attorney said if he can track down the Indiana woman, he'll take her to court for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
More information about how you can help is available online.
Editor's Note: In the original story we said the treatment would cost $500,000, but the correct amount was $50,000
Thomas Doty has been fighting for his life since being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2009.
"It's a very rare bone cancer and only 400 kids in the states are diagnosed each year," said his mother, Tiffany Doty.
The family has been able to get Thomas the treatment he needs -- including multiple surgeries -- but the cancer has come back each time faster and more aggressive.
Tiffany said the family is now in financial chaos. She found a California hospital that specializes in tough cancer cases, but it will cost $50,000 at a time when the family is facing the foreclosure of their home.
Just when things were looking bleak, a famous family friend stepped in.
Johnathan Hillstrand from "the Deadliest Catch" television show asked his fans to help Thomas. Not long after that, it seemed their prayers had been answered.
Six weeks ago, a woman claiming to be an Indiana nurse emailed Tiffany to say she was going to send a $250,000 check to pay for treatment.
"I was in shock," Tiffany said. "I thought, OK let's not get too excited because I don't know who she is. And then she called me."
After that conversation, Tiffany was convinced. A short time later, Tiffany got another offer from someone claiming to be the Indiana woman's mother. She pledged to donate $15,000 to the cause.
"They went so far as to contact the treatment center and say, 'We're faxing you our financial information and do you take credit cards.' We thought, this is wonderful," Tiffany said.
But six weeks later, no money has come through and the mysterious benefactor has been giving Tiffany wild tales and excuses. Now the family is convinced they've been scammed.
They believe one woman is behind both offers and is more concerned about the family's TV star friend than the health of their son.
"The sickest part is her saying, 'Did you tell Thomas? Is he happy? Did you tell him we are paying for all of his treatment?'" Tiffany said.
Despite all the lies and heartache, Tiffany said she has a job to do.
"All I know is my son is sick," she said. "He hasn't had a life at all. He's been in pain in the hospital getting cut open or being stuck with needles, chemicals. He wants to see that silver lining. He just wants a normal, normal 19 year old life."
The family's attorney said if he can track down the Indiana woman, he'll take her to court for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
More information about how you can help is available online.
Editor's Note: In the original story we said the treatment would cost $500,000, but the correct amount was $50,000
This is very sad. I wrote about it on my Patient Advocacy site www.ThePatientsResponse.com
Â
They could not have let him take those treatments anyway? The stuff is there, the doctors are there !
Â
This is what is wrong. That kid died because of a lack of money.   Years ago, a hospital would turn you away if you were black.  In 2012 they turn you away because of money and that kid died. My heart weeps.
Â
Get that womans name who scammed them and expose her to the entire world. Telephone records will identify her. She's a murderess.
This story breaks my heart. And not because the family is so desperately trying to raise money for their son's treatment. They have fallen for the promises of a cure from the pH Miracle Living Center in San Diego CA. I understand the family is in a very vulnerable situation but I would have to ask them did they check this place out? The man who runs it Robert O Young who calls himself a doctor has very shady credentials. A check on the consumer watchdog site Quackwatch.com would have told them everything they needed to know to make a wise decision.I fear this place will take their money, and when promises aren't met they will be told it's not their fault it was the mainstream medicine that's to blame.
This is all scam - even the medical. Who asks for half a million up front? That said, I am trying to donate since I want the kid to get better. It sure would be nice if the family gave us the direct site to donate and not a run around.
Â
To donate go to:
http://www.healthomas.com/Heal_Thomas/Home.html
Â
It has a Paypal option. I donated $50.
Again, Thank You everyone for your "Kindness" during such an emotionally draining time in our lives. Thank You KOMO for caring enough about Thomas' plight to come out to Tiffany's house immediately. You did a great job at telling the story.Â
Â
I also want to thank everyone who are sending in alternative clinical options to us as we most definitely want to send Thomas to where he WILL get the best treatment possible. Â There is a discrepancy on the amount that PHWellness Living is asking, it is NOT $500,000. Â That's a typo; it is $50,000, which to The Doty's right now may as well be $5,000,000.Â
Â
It's hard enough to handle the day to day stresses of trying to save your child from a disease like cancer, but add to this having your home in foreclosure, bankruptcy, no income & then dad being involved in a fire; it is just too much for anyone to handle. And yes, we realize that  this is a tough economy for everyone and that we are not special. It's just that we got to the end of our ropes and had to reach out to ask others for help to Heal Thomas. It's so nice to once again be able to see the beauty and believe in humanity again as some of you have felt compassionate enough about Thomas and have sent in donations, prayers and well-wishes. THANK YOU!!!  It's been a long time since I've heard Hope in Tiffany's voice and she is so very grateful to each and every one of you who have helped to lift their spirits.  Just knowing that a stranger cares about her son makes her heart soar!!!! Â
Gigi
 @Thomas' Auntie Gigi Then why don't you have KOMO FIX the typo? I'm considering that your family is scamming me - a donator. It's kind of hard to trust people who's story is changing by 450 thousand. And you guys would have been happy to take $250k, from the woman who lied, yet say now that you only needed $50k. I mean, please DO get your story straight.
 @super  @Thomas' Auntie Gigi the treatments were 50k and he needed 5 of them. that nurse from indiana needs exposed. I am glad, for once, the attorney is going to sue her.Â
It was probably a typo by someone writing the article. I can't believe your post considering what these people are going through. Sometimes it's just best to keep your opinion to yourself in cases like this unless you just enjoy inflicting more pain on them.
instead of everyone trying to find reason and thngs lets all just donate $10 bucks each and get him the help he needs and since so many people have facebook post it so he can get help comments aren't going to get him the help he needs. Â Please just help him I plan on donating 20.00 bucks on Thursday that's pay day my teens can go without fast food, or activities for one day.
 @Playinmonkey God will Bless You! Your Heart SHINES thru!! It's Amazing that it takes a Young person to see what is needed and cut out all the other bantering.  Thank You Sweetheart! Thomas is grateful for you and others like you!Â
What a difficult situation. I feel for the family but the truth is that there are some really effed up people in this world. People who scam money from the elderly, people who just want their 15 minutes of fame, people that don't give an eff about anyone but themselves.
Â
How much research has the family done on this "alternative" treatment facility in California? What is their ummm, success rate (?) on how many patients they have treated? $500,000 is a LOT of money to give a facility that does not have a medical license. Has the family gotten any recommendations from doctors for this facility?
Â
I understand the need to do everything you possibly can to save your son but I just hope that your judgements aren't being clouded by desperation. I would HATE to see a story about this family truly getting scammed by a facility that was supposed to help.
Â
I wish Thomas good health and I hope they find a treatment that works for him.
 @Tattooed_Angel You are so right. As I pointed out above, information about this quote medical facility and the man who runs it is out there on the web, The fact is the theory that an alkaline diet can cure any disease let alone a deadly cancer isn't backed by an science,There is no published peer reviewed research by the man running the place who calls himself a research scientist. This is a very sad situation. I sincerely hope for the best for Thomas.
Is the Indiana woman insane or just pure evil?
Is their insurance company refusing to pay for the treatment, or do they not have health insurance to begin with?
Â
Here we are, as a country, having one of the most significant discussions about health care reform in literally 2 generations, and KOMO leaves out this important information?
Â
If KOMO is willing to lie about a dead seagull, honestly, how can anyone read these human interest stories and take any of it seriously?Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
 @caphillkid Insurance companies do not pay for "experimental or Investigational " treatment/drugs as this is an exclusion on just about every health insurance policy. When an individual is being treated for Cancer and in Thomas' case, a rare form of cancer experimental and/or Investigational methods are typically used to see how his condition will respond to one or the other treatments. There is no "One-Treatment-Fits-All when treating cancer. When the insurance company receives the providers inpatient bill, they will certainly pick apart the bill and only cover what they normally cover (mainstream) meds/treatment and apply everything else as "patient-responsibility". These can be expensive bills and mount up quickly. Hope that makes sense.
Rotten people attacking scams to children and their families.
lol @ Komo selectively deleting comments that reflect poorly on KomoNews. Well played Komo, well played.
Does this guy have health insurance?
Â
Why is any mention of health insurance completely left out of this article?Â
Â
Â
Really!!! You all make me sick! I know Thomas and his family and for you all to go here with this is a pure insult!! How dare you guys with all your attitude! This kid has NO other choice. I have seen him grow up from grade school and has been a good friend with my kids all through out! This is a dire need!Â
I am praying for complete healing for Thomas and that all cancer would be gone in the name of Jesus, that all financial needs be met, and that the family would see the glory of God at work. I am praying for Thomas to have a long and healthy life. That the enemy would not steal his life that the Lord has intended and purpose for good.
Thank you, @Faithful for your prayers and encouraging support. Psalm 41: 1-3 was given to me for my grandson, Thomas, two years ago. I am so grateful to KOMO for bringing awareness to Thomas' story. It's been a long, emotionally draining 3 years (no child should face) but we are hopeful and encouraged by the prayers and support of caring people like yourself. God Bless!Â
 @Faithful Is part of God's glory giving young people rare untreatable forms of cancer and financially breaking them? Â
Â
Your God sounds like a real jerk to me. Â Â
Â
Â
@caphillkid @Faithful No, that is part of the Devil's glory; God allows him to do as he wants.
 @Faithful So if he dies it's the enemy's doing and if he lives it's god's work?
I am praying for complete healing for Thomas and that all cancer would be gone in the name of Jesus, that all financial needs be met, and that the family would see the glory of God at work.
KOMO step up and find this family and young man some help!
People with money don't want to help, one willing but without money cannot help !!
A scam is where somebody gets your cash. A scam is not believing what a total stranger tells you, that's just being NAIVE!!! "Showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment: "the rather naive young man had been totally misled". Horrible trolls looking for attention, that's why this stranger did this - to get attention. Poor parents already stressed out enough over this yet they were naive to think somebody is really going to pay for his treatment.
 @alildifferent They scammed her and it was wrong, that witch from indiana just wanted to play games on an innocent soul. Â
Saying NAIVE is just cruel. It was HOPE, fool. It gave them hope. Shame on you!
@greenriverkate Saying their being naive is not cruel. What the woman in Indiana did is the cruel part.
Thank you, @greenriverkate Without HOPE, as individuals, society, and nation, we have nothing!
@greenriverkate Oh relax, hope is not real.
 @alildifferentÂ
keep your opinions to yourself, i'll pray you are never in this situation.
That's the crud Obama sold you huh? Hope.
         I think it is slightly ironic that the place they want to take their son to has a lot of controversy attached to it as well. The owner has been charged in the past of practicing without a medical license and telling a woman to stop chemo and take his supplements instead. I hope the family does a lot of research into this facility to avoid being actually scammed by this alternative medicine they are asking for public help for. You can google Ph Miracle Living Facility and many critiques of his practices pull up. I hope the family has taken a critical look at these before trying to raise $500K.
Â
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/dr._Robert_Young
 @Sunray24 Thank you for your info and be assured that we are looking into this. I appreciate you taking the time to post it. Â
 @Thomas' Auntie Gigi  @Sunray24 At this point the family is already there! What I don't understand is how in the world if they LOOKED into it could they have decided to go ahead and go there? How?
I hope this is for a legitimate cancer treatment center and not one of those "cancer centers" that advertise heavily, do not accept insurance, soak people for every cent they can get out of them, and do not actually offer any treatment options a person cannot get elsewhere.
Thank You everyone for you KIND words, Prayers, Encouragement & the Sharing of Thomas' plight. Â I agree that the word "Scammed" is inappropriate. Â We actually used the words Cruel Hoax in connection with what this very sick person has done. Â And I also agree, that we do not want to give the sick woman any of the "notoriety" Â it appears she so desires.Â
Â
Instead, we are focused on what is and has always been our main concern: HEALING THOMAS.Â
                    Please help us by sharing his website  www.HealThomas.com
The only thing keeping Thomas from the treatment he desperately needs are finances. Â If everyone gives a little then that would help a lot.Â
Â
Thank You all from the bottom of our hearts!Â
 @Thomas' Auntie Gigi Did you consider contacting a major teaching center and try to get Thomas into an experimental protocol? You know something that might actually be of benefit?
I agree the focus should be on Thomas receiving the nessary care for Treatment - I guess when it comes to a Rare Diagnosis your treatment options become limited and Clinical Trials becomes appealing, Remmeber the higher the Phase the more participants have enrolled... Not to dig in too much on finances but considering he is 19 and assuming a WA state Resident there are alot of programs available to help with Treatment - Besides Medicaid, most providers offer finanical assitance programs or Pharmacy assistance (when dealing with high cost Chemo drugs etc..) Im sure this is route you may have taken already but definatly connect with your Facility's Financial councelor or Pharmacy assitance specialist as they may be able to help.. My Prayers go out to you Mr Doty & Your family to maintain the strength to help you battle through-
@Thomas' Auntie Gigi:Â
This is SO heartbreaking. My son is only a year older than Thomas, I can't imagine the trauma you are all going through. One thing I read in what his mother has written is "insurance won't pay because it's too expensive". I nsurance denies things for many reasons, but not normally simply the cost (unless there is a benefit maximum or lifetime maximum on the policy that has already been met. I have spent over a decade in health insurance/beneftis, and would love to try to help in some way. My "secondary" email is dearestesmarelda@yahoo.com - please email me, and I can give you a few things to check into, see if they will help.
Not really a scam. No one was being taken for any money. It was just a couple of cruel people saying they were going to donate and then they didn't donate.
Yes its sad that we live in the most advanced country but with the worst health care system of the developed countries. Its caused by capitalism. Just the incessant greed for more and more money. And its not just the health insurance companies. Its the doctors and nurses and techs that get very highly paid. It all leads to the reason a lot of us can't afford health care any more.
Â
 @Blindman I gotta agree with vnodak, you're a dope! Â
Example. There are no doctors working for Group Health that make less than $500,000 a year. Nurses are in the $30 an hour and up range. Even the medical billers make more than $30 an hour. @sfvcyco  @Blindman
@Blindman @sfvcyco NURSES deserve thiry an hour, they do all the damn work. I stopped going to group death years ago! Lousy doctors and care. And the doctors DID NOT GIVE A RIP if you were sick or not. Half a mill should go to top surgeons, not these lazy sobs in group death. Hell, I didn't want to pay 25 dollars for a 5 min call only to be dismissed as a woman!
 @Blindman your name fits you----you have no idea what you are talking about when it comes to the health care system----garbage men make more than most nurses and techs----check out the EOBs and you can see just how much people are paid for services---that is the most ignorant statement I have heard in a long time and you should be ashamed of yourself----I want to say thank you to all the caring and devoted health care workers who give more than they receive--ty for all you do above and beyond
Â
@vnodak @Blindman I have been in and out of hopitals for years. I CAN say it is the cost of the hospitals, not the nurses etc. Without Nurses and others I'd be dead by now. They kept me going when all else was black and I can say that about nurses in several states so it isn't just regional. Some doctors are outrageous, some reasonable or will work with you. Many others do NOT qualify for study groups, I know cause I went through this with my own sisters cancer. I had great insurance, WONDERFUL insurance and had to second mortgage my house to pay out of pocket for sixty thousand dollars!!!! Most of it for the hospital! It angers me. Just paid another five thousand out of pocket for ONE AFTERNOON in the hospital and medicare wouldn't touch a one day stay. There is so much confusion, on purpose to get as much money as they can. I hope she takes up the offer from the lady that worked in insurance, cause you DO need a guild through all the bull and to know the loop holes in the coverage.
And if we had proper nationalized health care like the rest of the industrialized world none of this financial foolishness would be necessary
Â
Yay freedum!
Actually the reason this family's health insurance won't cover is because the institution they're trying to send their son to is an "alternative medicine" clinic and the owner doesn't have a medical license to practice.
 @unobtanium Yeah, great healthcare like Canada that will refuse treatment if they "think" it won't work (AKA is too expensive). Â
 @sfvcyco  @unobtanium I do not know where people like YOU get their information.  NO ONE in Canada have gone thru Bankruptcy  due to medical reasons.  All the civilized countrys in the world care for their people, not like the USA..... Â
@ohhmammamia @dale50000 @sfvcyco @unobtanium Ask canadians, they seem to love their care. I have had my daughter up there on an emergency and they opened the border so I could get her there, and then waited for me to come back across. Why go there? It was the closest with in 300 miles. They were wonderful to her and to us at 3 am! I have also dealt with them for veteran care (Canadian veteran of the united states) and they broke their neck to help this poor kid!Â
 @dale50000  @sfvcyco  @unobtanium Um, I actually know of 1 specifically that can't afford the treatment that her son needs in Canada that the Canadian govt refuses to pay for, and it's not hocus, pocus treatment either.  She's even thought about coming to the US to see if she can get coverage for it.  And another was told at the ripe old age of 67 that they wouldn't pay to treat his pneumonia citing that he was expendible.  Canadians often pay about 30% towards their health care too.  So tell me again why Canada's healthcare is better?