Overview

• Deron Wells, a 59-year-old battling stage 4 lung cancer, was approved for a double-lung transplant clinical trial at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.
• Cigna Healthcare denied coverage for both the transplant and the emergency medical transfer, citing adherence to national clinical guidelines.
• Wells has filed an appeal with Cigna, with a decision expected by Thursday, while his family and supporters continue to advocate for his case.
• A GoFundMe campaign launched by his friends has raised $50,000 toward a $1.5 million goal to cover the transplant, transport, and related costs.
• Lung transplants for cancer patients are rare and typically trial-based, with Northwestern's protocol recognized as an innovative treatment option.