Obtaining SSDI is a difficult and complex process. Two out of every three applicants are initially denied - and they have a story to tell.

This is a true story as told to Allsup.

St. Simons Island, Georgia - Originally from Middle, Ga., Harold Purser made his living as a wine consultant.  Sales and marketing-oriented, he worked at the supplier end of the adult beverage industry. While one component of his job was to train sommeliers in restaurants, there was also a physical aspect, which involved lifting and transporting alcohol. 

Mr. Purser had always considered himself relatively healthy, taking vitamins and drinking herbal teas. In fact, he had never been to a hospital. Shortly after Thanksgiving of 2005; however, his mother passed away. He went in for a physical examination shortly afterward, but he didn’t anticipate the news he was about to receive--the doctors had found a tiny spot inside his lung. He had cancer.

Lung cancer occurs when cells begin to grow uncontrollably. The cancer may begin in any place in the lung, and it may affect any part of the respiratory system. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are the most effective treatments for lung cancer, although there are no guarantees.

This is exactly what doctors recommended for Mr. Purser. His treatment plan consisted of three months of chemotherapy and radiation, which he received five days per week.  On occasion, doctors would then call him in for mega doses. 

Mr. Purser was compliant with doctors. "I did what I was told to do," he explained. "I didn’t ask any questions." He then went in for surgery to remove the cancer in his lung.  "I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I wish I had asked more questions."

First, the surgery involved the dislocation of his rib cage. They then opened his back, which involved cutting into the muscle. Surgeons proceeded to remove the cancer, located in the right side of his lung. The right half of the lung contains three lobes, one third of which surgeons removed.

"The surgeon was very upfront with me, regarding what to expect," Mr. Purser explained.  "He said that my back would heal, but that my right side would not."

As expected, the surgery imposed distinct, physical limitations. Because the right side of his body would never heal, he knew that he would no longer be able to continue working. Lifting heavy bottles and packages was now impossible, and he was painfully aware that those days were officially behind him.

"It’s the physical part of the job that people don’t understand," Mr. Purser explained.

His insurance company then referred Mr. Purser to Allsup for assistance in filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Allsup is the nation’s leading SSDI representation company. Founded in 1984, Allsup has helped more than 100,000 people from across the country receive the disability benefits that they deserve.

Like so many people unable to continue working because of a disability, Mr. Purser felt a certain void that accompanied the loss of his job. A working man of 30 years and quite sociable, he was reluctant to leave work, although he knew he had no choice.

It was his co-worker;, however, who were the most difficult to leave. "I met such wonderful people," Mr. Purser remembered.  "I loved dealing with the public. That was my favorite part about my job."

Obtaining SSDI can be a difficult and lengthy process. In fact, two out of three applicants are initially denied. Aware of this challenge, Allsup claimant representatives Carole Domescik and Dawn Rensing guided Mr. Purser through the labyrinth of bureaucracy.  After gathering medical evidence and conducting a telephone interview, Carole helped him file the initial claim.            

Although it is not unusual for an SSDI claim to bog down in the government system for a year or longer, SSA awarded Mr. Purser SSDI benefits in about two months. By SSA standards, this was an exceptionally quick decision, even for a prime candidate such as Mr. Purser.

After receiving the news, Mr. Purser was pleasantly surprised.  "I was so happy to hear the news," he stated.  "Dawn and Carole did most of the paper work and were very helpful. Everything went great."  He has already recommended Allsup to a friend.

Carole Domescik understood that Mr. Purser was a prime candidate. "Mr. Purser was an ideal candidate because of his situation," she explained.  "After the surgery to remove the tumor, he was unable to walk, sit or stand for long periods of time.  He often experienced fatigue, loss of stamina, and shortness of breath.  This, of course, would interfere with his ability to work."

By quickly obtaining a copy of Mr. Purser’s birth certificate for Social Security, Carole was able to help speed up the award process for her client.

Mr. Purser’s experience with cancer has done much to shift his perspective in a rather optimistic direction. "My biggest concern used to be cocktails," he joked.  "So, my mind has really changed since then.  I questioned a lot, ‘Why me?’  Then, you see plane crashes and the results of September 11, and I think I’m extremely fortunate. September 11 had a profound impact on me, and it reminds me that it could always be worse."

Fortunately for Mr. Purser, his surgery was a success, and he proudly announced that he has been cancer-free for nearly fourteen months. For support, he relies on the loyalty and encouragement of friends and his twin sister. "She has gotten me through this," he explained. "Just knowing that she’s there has helped so much."

Because of his own personal battle with cancer, Mr. Purser has been able to reach out to others undergoing the same struggle. He emphasizes the importance of the "buddy system," which focuses on regular medical check-ups and encouraging a friend to do the same.

"Life goes on" has become a philosophy he has since adopted. "I want to live life now," he declared. "I don’t want to talk about cancer."

It is doubtful whether or not Mr. Purser will return to work. Maintaining his optimism, however, Mr. Purser talks about sitting at the edge of his sailboat on a 75-degree day in December, as the dolphins are feeding a few yards away.

"Life is good," he professes. "Life is darn good. And, it’s too short to complain."