Alec’s journey through pediatric cancer started as a battle against an exceptionally rare blood cancer. His courageous fight, along with the unwavering dedication of his care team, managed to contain the disease until a dreadful shift in insurance coverage did more harm than good. With insurance obstacles in the way, denials and delays began to erode the hopes that his family had secured through their life savings.

Tragically, the lack of timely medical interventions with out his established providers resulted in preventable complications, requiring two life-saving flight surgeries. These setbacks not only robbed Alec of immediate health, but also thwarted further curative cancer treatments. The future he fought so valiantly to secure as a child slipped further from his grasp.

Alec’s life now hinges on accessing a critical clinical trial at MD Anderson. The complications caused by denials make this the most likely curative option perhaps even the only one left to him. Yet, UnitedHealthcare, by refusing to sign the MD Anderson single-payer agreement, stands as an insurmountable barrier to his survival.

Pediatric cancer survivors and continued warriors like Alec face lifelong battles, shadowed by insurance companies that prioritize bureaucracy over lives. Having given up their childhoods to fight these battles, young survivors and warriors deserve the best access to care that ensures their futures are as promising as possible. They lost their childhood to Cancer they deserve the chance to regain a future. Often these kids face specific challenges that require specialized care and care centers to overcome. 

UnitedHealthcare, along with other insurance providers, must recognize the indispensable value of extending lifesaving care to these young adults. It is pertinent to challenge this policy roadblock that denies children-turned-young-survivors the chance to live the lives they battled so hard to enjoy.

We urge UnitedHealthcare to sign the MD Anderson single-payer agreement and remove the shackles constraining pediatric cancer survivors. Such a signatory action would not only restore hope to Alec and countless others but affirm the humanity and decency in health insurance practices.

We call upon everyone to stand with Alec and thousands of young survivors and continued warriors —and urge UnitedHealthcare to act now. Please sign this petition to demand that insurance companies, including UnitedHealthcare, prioritize lives over policies. Your signature can be the catalyst for change, granting pediatric cancer survivors the healthcare support they so desperately need.