A GoFundMe has been launched for Liam Cusack, an Irish American journalist who is battling Multiple Myeloma, a deadly blood cancer, while also living with Myositis, a rare and devastating form of muscular dystrophy.
Liam, who was born in Co Galway and was adopted by first-generation Irish Americans in New Jersey, is a graduate of Seton Hall University and has two Master's degrees from Columbia University.
He went on to become a successful journalist, covering politics for the New York Daily News. His career was profiled in the Irish Voice, the now-shuttered sister publication of IrishCentral, as well as the Irish Echo newspaper.
He has been involved with numerous Irish charities in New York City, including the Irish Arts Center, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, and Irish American Chamber of Commerce.
Liam is a survivor of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and he spent weeks covering the rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. His doctors now believe his illnesses are a direct result of his exposure to toxins.
Liam has filed with the 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund, but he has been advised that a settlement may take up to two years.
Liam, who can no longer walk, was recently able to obtain a power wheelchair thanks to a separate GoFundMe, but is still drowning in medical debt.
"My body is growing weaker," he writes on his GoFundMe page that was launched this week. "Every day is a struggle just to survive."
Liam is now receiving daily chemotherapy and monthly IVIG infusions, which he says are "not optional" and "the only reason" he's still alive.
The treatments are expensive, costing up to $92,000 each month. Liam says his insurance covers less than 80%, leaving him with "unbearable" costs.
"The bills for medication, doctors, therapy, and transportation never stop," he writes.
"I am drowning in medical debt. My savings are gone. My retirement fund is nearly wiped out. My life insurance has been canceled.
"I have no safety net left."
Liam is now desperately seeking help "to stay alive."
"I never thought I would have to beg like this — but I am out of options. I am exhausted. I am scared," he writes.
"Please, if you can give anything at all — even a few dollars — it truly matters. If you can’t donate, please share this. One share could save my life.
"Time, strength, and money are running out. Compassion is the only thing keeping me going."
Liam Cusack's GoFundMe page is here.
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