"In a region known for its pulsating adrenaline and knee jerk brutality, 36-year-old Pancho Sullivan has been an oasis of calm and rational thinking for two decades. He is a universally respected figure who over the years has spared kooks, blow-ins and locals from impulses they’d later regret. On September 1, 2009 his daughter Kehau Sullivan was born with a congenital heart defect that, if goes untreated, will be kill her. Medical costs are estimated to exceed US $750 000, of which Pancho’s insurance will cover three quarters. He cannot afford the rest without declaring bankruptcy and joining America’s welfare system. Which is where you come in:
Stab: How are you feeling right now, Pancho?
Pancho: I’m overwhelmed. The support from the local and international surf community has been amazing. [Former Triple Crown winner] Myles Padaca is a good friend. He and his wife started a fundraiser and spread the word about our daughter’s situation and the astronomical medical bills we are facing. This is the hardest thing and most scared I’ve ever been in my life. She responded well to the first treatment and I’m trying to cherish every moment with her.
What’s the key to staying positive in a time like this?
You just try not to think too much about all the surgeries and all the bills. My wife and I talked about doing whatever we have to do. We’ve put the wheels in motion to sell our house, and whether that means we have to rent and declare bankruptcy to go on some type of welfare or assistance for medical insurance, her health is priority number one.
What is the problem and what survival rate does her condition have?
One percent of all children are born with a heart defect. The pulmonary artery that feeds oxygenated blood to the lungs never formed properly. There is no survival without surgery. They replace the pulmonary artery with a cow jugular and they fill the hole in her heart with a synthetic material. As she grows they will have to replace that pulmonary artery because it won’t be growing. Her last procedure will be somewhere around her early twenties. She needs between three to five operations to get her there.
What are the projected costs?
The first was about US $100 000. Insurance covered 75-80% of that. Plus the cost of airfares because there isn’t a doctor in Hawaii who performs the operation, so we had to fly to San Diego. We stayed at Ronald McDonald house because of the free accommodation. It will cost quite a bit more for specialist doctors in the future.
The American medical system has come under mainstream scrutiny recently, most notably in Michael Moore’s Sicko. What is your situation?
We are the worst country in the world. The policies are set by the corporations, and the corporations that make the most money are the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. They don’t want it subsidised by the government because than the government sets the prices. The government plays the fear card and says the care would be compromised if we went to a system like that. Which is ridiculous because it works in every other country. If you are on welfare you are styling because the government will pick up the cost. We are insured and have a mortgage and a home so in there eyes we are capable of paying it, even though no one I know can afford the medical bills, which are going to exceed half a million, even three quarters of a million dollars. Insurance will cover 75%-80% of that.
Will this detract from your surfing this winter?
This is my livelihood and I have been training really hard for the Triple Crown, getting up super early and surfing then coming back and spending time with my wife and kid. I feel really focused and I’m hoping to do well to support my family. It’s something I have always loved to do plus it takes my mind off the stress.
So staring down a 12-foot bomb at Pipe is a stress free hiatus for you at the moment?
Yep, it helps. Surfing has always been a release for me and I feel like when I’m out in the ocean I can bring a more patient loving person to the table with my family. Everyone has to take time to smell the roses and that’s what surfing does for me."
POR: Lucas
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