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
Texas man on probation allegedly chases ICE vehicle, damages it after enforcement raid

Texas man on probation reportedly pursues and damages ICE vehicle following enforcement raid

Authorities reported that a man, who was released on bond for a…
Nigel Farage on a boat, pointing towards a distant ship.

Farage Criticizes Macron’s Migrant Agreement, Claims It Pulls the UK Back Towards the EU

NIGEL Farage last night blasted Emmanuel Macron for blaming the small boats…
Yikes: DNC Chair Ken Martin Makes Things Even Worse for Dems When Asked About 'Globalize the Intifada'

DNC Leader Ken Martin Puts Dems in Hot Water with Remarks on ‘Globalize the Intifada’

Those questions about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani might have…
California clinic staffers seek to shield ICE agents from detaining Honduran landscaper

California Clinic Employees Strive to Protect Honduran Landscaper from ICE Detention

At a surgical center in California, staff members were recorded on video…
Military amphibious vehicles in the water.

Observe as a Massive Fleet of New Chinese ‘Tank Boats’ Takes to the Water Amid Taiwan’s Largest War Drills Yet

DRAMATIC footage captures a fleet of Chinese tank boats charging through the…
Motorcycle police officer writing a traffic ticket.

New Law Imposes ‘$5 Per Mile’ Fine for Drivers from August 1, Alongside Increased Parking Ticket Fees

TICKET fees are about to face a major hike for certain drivers…
Firefighters responding to a fire at Singas Famous Pizza.

76-Year-Old Grandmother Loses Life in E-Bike Battery Explosion at Pizzeria – Son Finds Her Severely Burned

A grandma was killed after an e-bike battery went up in flames…
Judge considers Abrego Garcia request to try to avoid deportation before trial

Judge Reviews Abrego Garcia’s Request to Prevent Deportation Prior to Trial

Abrego Garcia became a focal point concerning President Trump’s immigration policies when…
Aryna Sabalenka recalls testy Wimbledon exchange with Amanda Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka Reflects on Tense Wimbledon Moment with Amanda Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka is expanding on her perspective following a tense moment Thursday…
Mugshot of a man in a yellow shirt.

Justin Mohn Convicted of Murdering Father and Posting Disturbing Video Online

A SICK man who slashed his dad’s head with a machete and…
DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse

DHS captures five undocumented individuals previously found guilty of severe offenses such as murder and child abuse

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security reported the detention of five…
World's oldest domesticated dog breed has cohabited with humans for 1,000 years, new study shows — but their population is plummeting

Ancient Dog Breed, Living Alongside Humans for a Millennium, Faces Rapid Decline, New Research Reveals

It gives new meaning to dog years. For nearly 10,000 years, people…