My apologies if this may be somewhat off topic, but I figure this is the best resource for getting advice for contacting a member of congress for help with a personal issue.
My father-in-law was diagnosed with mesothelinoma (asbestos induced lung cancer) several years ago. They have since gone bankrupt paying their medical bills on credit since they were self employed and work their fingers to the bone at a small town restaurant and did not have health insurance.
His mesothelinoma was a result of working at a nuclear arms factory in the 50’s. One of his jobs was washing out rail cars that were used to haul uranium. This employer, and the government, was sued and they ended up setting up a federally directed settlement fund for people who can prove they worked there and have mesothelinoma. We were told (by one of the administrators) that he is well qualified for the program so we’ve filled paperwork. He was told from the get go that it would be about 2-3 years before he would see any kind of reparations out of this program. He quite simply does not have that much time left.
So, we are looking to write to our senators (1 democrat, 1 republican) and our congressman (republican) to see if there is anything they can do to push along his paperwork a little faster.
I am soliciting your help for suggestions. I am assuming we should be polite but blunt about his health and the urgency and what we are asking for.
Do you have any other tips? Should we be brief or should we state his case in detail? Should we send the letter to his Washington office or his local office (which is more likely to find a staffer who would take action on this kind of request)?
He’s a retired vet, but only in the reserves – never overseas – and so he doesn’t qualify for any VA help, but we are going to mention that in the letter. We are also going to mention that he was the embodiment of the American ideal of work ethic – running his own small business, employing others and too proud to ask for help.
Any help and guidance you could provide would be most appreciated.
Thanks much!