DENY DEFEND DEPOSE: A Family's Journey Through Pediatric Heart Failure and Healthcare Obstacles

John Quincy Archibald finds himself in a desperate situation when his son, Mike, collapses during a baseball game due to heart failure, prompting a frantic rush to Hope Memorial Hospital. Despite his insurance coverage, the hospital demands a staggering down payment for potential transplant surgery, which the family cannot afford, leaving them feeling powerless against a bureaucratic system that prioritizes cost over care. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of John’s financial struggles, including losing his job hours and repossession of their car, deepening the family's sense of despair. As John navigates the maze of insurance denials, state services, and hospital policies, the heart-wrenching reality of his son’s deteriorating condition becomes increasingly apparent. In a moment of urgency, John confronts Dr. Turner, seeking a lifeline for his son, but the doctor only defers to the hospital’s rigid policies, leaving John to grapple with the crushing weight of uncertainty and the grim possibility of losing Mike. Throughout the ordeal, the family's dynamic shifts under the strain, showcasing their love, resilience, and the chaos that envelops them as they fight against the odds to save their child’s life against a backdrop of systemic indifference.