Facing Possibility of Death, Man Goes on Spending Spree

Two years ago, John Brandick, a 62-year-old British man, was told he would succumb to pancreatic cancer within a year. Thinking he only had that single year to live, he decided to get the most out of what life he had left. He quit his job, quit paying his mortgage, and used his savings to give gifts to friends and family, go on vacations, frequently dine out, and do all the other things that seem to make life enjoyable. When the spending spree was over, he had successfully depleted his finances. But what did it matter? He wasn't going to need any of it anyway!

Wrong!

A year later, when Brandick returned for a medical appointment, he was alarmed to learn his "cancer" was merely an inflammation of the pancreas. Instead of facing death, Brandick was now facing life—and a life without any money!

"When they tell you you've got a limited time and everything, you do enjoy life," Brandick told the press. But he adds, "I'm really pleased that I've got a second chance in life, but if you haven't got no money after all this [sic]—which is my fault, I spent it all—they should pay something back."

Although Brandick thinks the hospital should give him compensation for the misdiagnosis, the hospital claims it would have been the same from any other facility. They do, however, offer their sympathies.

Brandick may have to sell his house if he does not receive compensation. He's also not ruled out the possibility of suing the hospital that diagnosed him.

Submitted by Gino Grunberg, Gig Harbor, Washington; source: Associated Press, "What do you mean I'm not going to die?" www.reuters.com (5-7-07)