Similarities Between George Tillman And John Q

Throughout the semester we have learned about all the different ways that the welfare can provide assistance to families who are in need. Nevertheless, we have also learned and saw in various ways, the struggles and obstacles families face in order to get what they need to get back up on their feet. George Tillman and John Q are two men who prove that struggling to get what you need from the welfare system is worth the success in the end. However, I personally do not believe people should struggle in order to survive. George Tillman is a man from Essex County, New Jersey. As a young man Tillman was a star football player and model. When he became older and modeling slowed down George realized he needed a new career and began working security …show more content…
When Mikey develops a rare heart condition and is unable to get a life saving operation due to their insurance coverage, John makes sure he does everything in his power to save his son. In this film, John works 20 hours a week in a factory to make ends meat while trying to find a new job. Nevertheless, when he goes for an interview his resume is pushed aside because he is “overqualified” for this position. Denise, his wife is also a workingwoman, who is trying to back up John’s low paying salary. Regardless, of their low income this family is very supportive of each other and appreciates what they have, especially their son. When Mikey collapses playing baseball, his parents rush him to the hospital where after several tests, they find that Mike’s heart is enlarged. The hospital director gives John and Denise two options, pay for a heart transplant which, costs $250,000 or enjoy the little time left that they have with their son. John and Denise want this operation for their son more than anything and turn to their insurance. However John is very surprised when he finds out that he was uninformed that his job’s policy changed, resulting in the inability to cover any surgery charges. John and Denise find this unacceptable and refuse to take no for an answer. Therefore, they do everything in their power to save their son, including selling …show more content…
Both George and John are fathers who wanted what was best for their families and will do whatever it takes to get what they need. These men both understand what it is like to struggle from the effects of poverty and want their voices to be heard for everyone in their position. Both of these men also had to jump through hoops (go through various people) in order to get anywhere in their situations. John Q showed me that there is something definitely wrong in hospital and insurance policy’s and I do not believe any person should be denied medical care just because they can not afford it. Personally this is something I have recently had to go through and I was lucky that the system has seemed to