AIKEN COUNTY, SC (WIS) – When a Gulf War vet from South Carolina said he was running into roadblocks getting the help he needs from the VA – his family called News 10's Kara Gormley.
"My dream was always to retire and buy me a red Corvette," says James Holloway. But now, the Gulf War vet, husband and father is just trying to pay his medical bills.
Holloway has blurred vision and slurred speech. He gets black-outs, has rectal bleeding, depression and pain so great he takes up to 30 pills a day. James is dying. He's only 38, but, he says, "Inside my body's wearing down. I keep medicated. I just hope that I just see my daughter graduate next year. That's all you know, that's it."
After civilian doctors diagnosed his colon cancer almost a year ago, James says he went to the VA for help, "Figured I'd get rides with them, figured I could get my medication, wouldn't have to worry about co-payments. I figured there would be someone to talk to when I picked up the phone. I just figured with me serving, with me being a veteran, that they would step in and take care of it."
But James says so far, the only thing he's gotten from the VA is an ID card, and now he says he's maxed out his credit paying bills.
Instead of worrying about his health, he's worried about leaving his wife of 18 years – an Air Force reservist – and his teenage daughter in debt. "I'm worth more now dead right now than alive."
James says his family is his life. Because his memory is going, he carries notepads around to make sure he doesn't forget important things, like telling the woman he loves how he feels when she sends him a text message. "Especially when I'm in therapy. It keeps me strong, just smile when I get one from you while I'm in therapy. That's why I love you. I'm still in love with you. Thank you."
Former Marine Sgt. James Holloway just wanted to retire with his wife and drive a red Corvette. WIS' Kara Gormley asks if there can be a happy ending.
Holloway: "If they give me what I deserve – give me and my family what I deserve, yes."
Kara: "That would be a happy ending?"
Holloway: "That would be satisfying for me. Then I could die in peace."
He was prepared to sacrifice his life for his country, but it's the battle he's currently in that he wasn't prepared to fight.
We've received a number of requests for information on how to help James. The family has set up the James Holloway Fund at First Citizens Bank. People should be able to donate at any First Citizens Branch.
Reported by Kara Gormley
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