California man's stage 4 lung cancer treatment denied coverage
Share this @internewscast.com

Lung cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities and the third most prevalent cancer type in the United States, based on information from the National Cancer Institute.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A man from California, currently fighting lung cancer, is unable to proceed with his planned treatment due to a denial from his health insurance provider, Cigna Healthcare.

Daron Wells, a 59-year-old man with stage 4 lung cancer, is a husband and father of three living in Santa Monica, California. 

He was planning on flying across the country to Northwestern Medicine in Chicago for a double lung transplant, according to ABC7. 

“(Deron) has received medical approval from doctors at both UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for a double lung transplant,” states his GoFundMe page, which is gathering funds for his medical costs. “This procedure is the sole option for his survival, and the medical teams are prepared to proceed.”

The transplant was part of a clinical trial he’d previously been medically approved for. The outlet reports that Cigna “approved him for procedures” that allowed his transfer to Chicago, but later “denied coverage for both the transplant and medical transfer to Illinois.”

Cigna had not yet returned a request for comment at time of publication.

“Our coverage guidelines are grounded in national clinical standards to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients,” Cigna said in a statement to The Independent.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit made up of leading cancer centers, encourages clinical trials as an option for cancer patients. 

“Everyone with cancer should carefully consider all of the treatment options available for their cancer type, including standard treatments and clinical trials,” NCCN’s Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer says. 

The clinical trial, which was announced as a breakthrough in 2022, is described as an “innovative alternative treatment for select patients,” by Northwestern Medicine. 

Lung and bronchus cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making up 20% in 2025 alone. 

Wells and his family are now campaigning to raise $1.5 million to cover the cost of the travel to and completion of the procedure.

“Deron is one of the most loyal, kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. He has given everything to his friends, his family, and his community — and now, we are coming together to fight for his life,” the GoFundMe says. 

The fundraiser has garnered nearly $50,000 as of Friday evening. 

Wells has appealed the denied health insurance claim, according to ABC7. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US warns American travelers about terrorism, crime, kidnapping in popular vacation destination

US Issues Travel Advisory Citing Terrorism, Crime, and Kidnapping Risks in Popular Tourist Spot

The U.S. State Department has issued a revised travel warning for Mexico,…
Israel's Data Reveals 83% Civilian Kill Rate in Gaza Genocide

Israel’s Data Indicates 83% Civilian Casualty Rate in Gaza Conflict

The Netanyahu regime’s own classified data exposes a horrifying truth: five out…
Alert National Guard Members in D.C. Stop 'Potentially Life-Threatening' Situation (and That's Not All)

National Guard Members in D.C. Avert a Dangerous Situation (But There’s More)

On Thursday night, President Donald Trump personally visited and expressed his gratitude…
Antisemitic Troll Call Out: Letters

Exposing Antisemitic Trolls: An Open Letter

The Issue: Bethany Mandel’s column on getting hateful messages over her kids…
Shattered glass in a door.

Villanova University on Lockdown Due to Active Shooter Concerns Shortly After 1,800 Students Move In

STUDENTS at Villanova University are sheltering in place after reports of an…
Erik Menendez denied parole, will have to remain in prison for parents' murders

Erik Menendez Denied Parole, Remains Incarcerated for Murder of Parents

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KABC) — A California parole board decided to reject…
Idaho police call out 'gross inaccuracies' in Kohberger TV special, special prosecutor investigating leaks

Experts Discuss Kohberger’s Prison Conduct: Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Inmates

<!–> Police Chief Shares New Insights on Idaho Quadruple Homicide Retired NYPD…
Florida must stop expanding ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration center, judge says

Judge Orders Florida to Halt Expansion of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility

A federal judge in Miami has issued a preliminary injunction to stop…
Black and white photo of Donald Trump pointing at Vladimir Putin.

“Alleged Time Traveler Seen in Photo of Trump Pointing at Putin”

SOCIAL media sleuths say they have spotted a time traveller after Donald…
Aerial view of Prospect Valley Dairy in Keenesburg after six people were found dead.

Six Individuals Discovered Deceased in Unusual ‘Dairy Accident’ as Police Respond to Retrieve Bodies from Confined Area

SIX people are dead in what authorities described as a “dairy accident.”…
Blue Bell Creameries recalls tubs of ice cream due to packaging error

Blue Bell Creameries Issues Recall for Ice Cream Tubs Over Packaging Mistake

It’s unclear how many tubs were recalled, but Blue Bell Creameries says…
Chicago shooting: 4 shot, 3 fatally, in 2 East Garfield Park shootings on Maplewood, Gladys Avenues, police say

Chicago Incident: 4 Shot, 3 Killed in East Garfield Park Shootings, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that two separate shootings in the…