Spencer Teacher Battling Cancer Wins Health Insurance Fight After Online Petition

SPENCER (CBS) – A Spencer teacher has won his fight to have treatment for colon cancer covered by his insurance company, thanks in part to tens of thousands of online supporters.

John Waage, a band teacher at David Prouty High School in Spencer, is battling state three colon cancer. His doctors determined that his best chance at surviving the disease is a procedure called Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

But his insurance provider, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield based in New Jersey, called the surgery experimental and said it would not be covered.

Waage started an online petition pleading for the company to cover the procedure, and he was supported by more than 67,000 signatures.

On Wednesday, Waage provided a major update on the website.

"Good news everybody! Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ just called," Waage posted. "They decided to cover all expenses related to my Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)!! We won!!! This could not have happened without all your help. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!"

The Spencer teacher did not indicate when he will begin treatment.