Family reaches out to community for help

The Worley family, residents of Fallbrook since 1989, faces hardships and is in need of assistance. Their patriarch, Paul, a 61-year-old construction worker, has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumor on the right temporal lobe. Tragically, Paul’s impending surgery has been put on hold because he does not have health insurance.

“It’s the hospital viewpoint that we either need to come up with the money for the surgery or have some state-funded insurance,” explained Tanner, Paul’s son. “The doctor estimated that my dad’s surgery alone would be about $150,000.”

The family also just received a bill for $191,000 for their father’s 10-day hospital stay. On April 21, Paul was flown by medical helicopter to Palomar Hospital, Tanner said, after his father was found after being missing for a few hours.

“My dad attempted to drive home after work, but he never showed up,” said Tanner. “He pulled over on Tecalote Drive and was very confused.”

Apparently, Paul exited his car, left his keys in the ignition, and as he was walking to the passenger side of the vehicle, he fell down a hillside toward Valley Oaks Mobile Home Park.

The sheriff’s department, family and friends began searching for Paul when he did not return home after work.

“My dad was found at 10:30 that night,” said Tanner. “A gentleman who works at the mobile home park saw my dad.”

Earlier that day, Tanner said his father complained of having distorted vision, seeing bright flashes and being confused. Paul thought it may have been caused by his exposure to some chemicals while doing some work at a client’s home.

However, after being airlifted to Palomar Hospital and undergoing four MRIs, CT scans, multiple diagnostic tests and a spinal tap, the medical team reported that Paul’s symptoms were the result of a brain tumor.

At this point, the type of tumor is unknown. “The tumor needs to be taken out and biopsied,” explained Tanner. Further treatment will depend on the type of tumor it is.

Currently, the family is in the process of completing paperwork to receive Medi-Cal coverage for the surgery.

“[Medi-Cal] is rushing our application and we are hoping to get an answer in the next few days,” said Tanner.

The surgery, to be performed at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, will remain on hold until the family receives Medi-Cal assistance or they raise the necessary money.

“My father is getting very frustrated because of the confusion he is experiencing; he is very limited in what he is supposed to do and capable of doing,” said Tanner. The family also notices that Paul is having difficulties with his short-term memory and correlation of events.

As the family unites to help their loved one, they hope their community can lend some assistance. Financial donations during this difficult time would ease the financial burdens they face now and in the near future.

Donations may be made to the “Paul Worley Recovery Fund” at Bank of America. The assigned account number is 01332-61649.

The family would also appreciate any donations of prepared meals. For more information, contact Tanner Worley at (760) 579-1092.