Judy's Medical Fund
Donation protected
My mother has always been an independent, strong woman; raising two daughters, working full-time, and going back to school to earn her college degree and teaching certificate proved to be a challenging, yet not unsurmountable task for her. She sacrificed free time to work side jobs to supplement her teaching paycheck. After raising her children and helping us get through college, her health began to decline. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and the slow onslaught of illnesses began to weigh her down. After teaching for thirty-one years, she retired due to ongoing health issues. From time to time when her health permitted, she tutored and even taught for a bit, and this was enough to supplement her meager retirement benefits.
While I am delighted to help by running errands, visiting her almost daily, and helping in other ways, I am unable to take care of my mother financially. I am also a teacher and a single mother. I would love to be her rock because she has been mine in so many ways throughout my life. It is difficult for her as well as for me to swallow our pride and ask for help. We were taught to be strong, plan, and endure hardships, but these particular medical expenses and needs seem daunting.
She is applying for Medicaid, but I do not trust that the process will be quick, smooth, or easy, and she needs to pay medical bills now. The total cost at this point is between $17,000-$18,500. Her medical expenses/needs are listed below. This request is to cover current expenses and get her started on the process of ordering necessary items.
Stage 3 Renal Failure with cysts on both kidneys – We are not sure how this will impact expenses yet.
Retinitis Pigmentosis (Loss of Vision; Genetic Eye Disease) – 3 pairs of glasses: 1 for far, 1 for reading, and one for blocking the sun’s rays (special type of sunglasses). She has a complete loss of peripheral vision and has lost most of her night vision. Taking steps in the dark, especially in an unfamiliar area, is dangerous. An eye exam alone is at least $300. She has not been able to drive for quite a few years, but she needs these glasses to function in every day life. She is not able to read anymore, nor does she see enough to work a cell phone very well. Reading directions and labels are both out of the question at this point, also.
Low Vision Center Evaluation - $450 This evaluation will help a specialist determine which aids are appropriate for her in her everyday life and in her home.
Various Low Vision Aids – to be determined by the Low Vision Center later this month after an evaluation. These are the ones mentioned above.
Hearing Aids – (one for each ear) - $5,500 With limited hearing abilities, these would greatly help her quality of life.
Dental Work – During a fall 18 months ago, two fillings came out and two teeth broke off at the gums. These must be removed and two three-unit bridges need to be put in.
Vestibular Inner Ear Problem – (causes dizziness and vertigo, lack of balance, and severe headaches) attends physical therapy, but this issue requires that she see a neurologist and an audiologist. She has fallen several times due to this problem.
Hypothyroidism—she had thyroid cancer 25 years ago, and her thyroid levels are now difficult to control without constant changes in her medication.
She has one primary care physician and six specialist copays.
She has 13 prescriptions, 2 of which are not covered by insurance.
She has copays for CAT scans, MRIs, and Ultrasounds.
As you can imagine, a person can become very isolated by simply no longer being able to leave the house and by having limited seeing and hearing abilities. So friends have joined with me to help. We need to help each other out as best we can. We all share a love for my motehr, Judy.
Most of these costs is not covered by insurance. My mother would be so very grateful for any monetary donations, but she would also appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts. Any note you send she would surely appreciate as well.
While I am delighted to help by running errands, visiting her almost daily, and helping in other ways, I am unable to take care of my mother financially. I am also a teacher and a single mother. I would love to be her rock because she has been mine in so many ways throughout my life. It is difficult for her as well as for me to swallow our pride and ask for help. We were taught to be strong, plan, and endure hardships, but these particular medical expenses and needs seem daunting.
She is applying for Medicaid, but I do not trust that the process will be quick, smooth, or easy, and she needs to pay medical bills now. The total cost at this point is between $17,000-$18,500. Her medical expenses/needs are listed below. This request is to cover current expenses and get her started on the process of ordering necessary items.
Stage 3 Renal Failure with cysts on both kidneys – We are not sure how this will impact expenses yet.
Retinitis Pigmentosis (Loss of Vision; Genetic Eye Disease) – 3 pairs of glasses: 1 for far, 1 for reading, and one for blocking the sun’s rays (special type of sunglasses). She has a complete loss of peripheral vision and has lost most of her night vision. Taking steps in the dark, especially in an unfamiliar area, is dangerous. An eye exam alone is at least $300. She has not been able to drive for quite a few years, but she needs these glasses to function in every day life. She is not able to read anymore, nor does she see enough to work a cell phone very well. Reading directions and labels are both out of the question at this point, also.
Low Vision Center Evaluation - $450 This evaluation will help a specialist determine which aids are appropriate for her in her everyday life and in her home.
Various Low Vision Aids – to be determined by the Low Vision Center later this month after an evaluation. These are the ones mentioned above.
Hearing Aids – (one for each ear) - $5,500 With limited hearing abilities, these would greatly help her quality of life.
Dental Work – During a fall 18 months ago, two fillings came out and two teeth broke off at the gums. These must be removed and two three-unit bridges need to be put in.
Vestibular Inner Ear Problem – (causes dizziness and vertigo, lack of balance, and severe headaches) attends physical therapy, but this issue requires that she see a neurologist and an audiologist. She has fallen several times due to this problem.
Hypothyroidism—she had thyroid cancer 25 years ago, and her thyroid levels are now difficult to control without constant changes in her medication.
She has one primary care physician and six specialist copays.
She has 13 prescriptions, 2 of which are not covered by insurance.
She has copays for CAT scans, MRIs, and Ultrasounds.
As you can imagine, a person can become very isolated by simply no longer being able to leave the house and by having limited seeing and hearing abilities. So friends have joined with me to help. We need to help each other out as best we can. We all share a love for my motehr, Judy.
Most of these costs is not covered by insurance. My mother would be so very grateful for any monetary donations, but she would also appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts. Any note you send she would surely appreciate as well.
Organizer
Judy Saunders
Organizer
Seguin, TX
