My Cousin and the Quacks
Dear Judy,
My first cousin has Stage 4 lung cancer. In her place, almost any sane person would make final preparations, plan the funeral, and re-draft the will, if necessary. Instead this cousin and her husband are running around to practically every doctor in the universe, trying to get a better diagnosis, or at least better meds — including some that are no better than witch doctors.
I won’t even go into what some of these quacks prescribe (well, maybe I’ll mention the coffee grounds….). I do know they are spending so many thousands of dollars on travel and crazy cancer cures that they’re draining their bank accounts. And they have a kid who’ll be going to college in two years.
Or won’t be going to college, if there’s no money left.
Should I say something? (My husband tells me to mind my own business).
Katie in Boston
Dear Katie,
In your case, I think I might mention the possible consequences to the child when you have a chance to talk (out of earshot of your cousin, please) to her husband. I don’t think you have to drum the probability of bankruptcy into his ear. But you might, if it eases your conscience, ask about the child and his future.
By the way, I don’t think, given what you have written, that your well intentioned efforts will do a bit of good. But it’s worth a try. And at least you will know you did what you could to stop the insanity.
Thank you for writing.
Judy
