Jim Schoen: Leukemia & Funeral Costs
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Jim’s Story:
For a few weeks now, my father, Jim Schoen, has complained about being a little “under the weather.” Having battled cancer and won, recovered from a painful hip surgery without complaining, I can say that my father is a tough guy—it takes a lot to admit he’s in pain.
So, last Friday, 3/24, when he called my mother, Kathy, to say he needed to go to the doctor, she came home immediately. She rushed him to the emergency room at Winona Health where the doctors notified them that he needed emergency surgery for a perforated intestine. He was then transported to Gundersen LaCrosse Hospital for care. The doctors at Gundersen discovered that he had Intestinal ischemia and infarcation, or loss of blood to a portion of his large intestine that had caused it to die. After undergoing a blood transfusion and emergency surgery to remove the section of his large intestine, it was reconnected to his small intestine. He’s had a succession of further tests to reveal that the loss of blood to his intestines is likely linked to the fact that his bone marrow has stopped producing enough blood platelets. The doctors at Gundersen are continuing to care for him and perform additional tests to determine why his bone marrow is not producing blood platelets, but right now there are still a lot more questions than answers. However, we are all thankful that he is responding well to the surgery so far and hopeful that we’ll have answers soon, so he can return home. I will be providing updates as we learn them.
How you can help:
Growing up, my parents used to say, “We may not have much, but we’re rich in love,” and all 5 of us kids watched as they extended that love to anyone who they knew was in need—from a stranger who needed a warm meal to friends who needed a place to call home until they could get back on their feet. They taught us to work hard, be humble, be kind and to give without expecting anything in return. I don’t think I’ve ever known my parents to ask for help themselves, but after these unfortunate circumstances, they will need your help.
After a hip replacement last year, my father chose to return to work part-time. Moving to part-time, he could no longer afford the healthcare premiums and deductible that came with his insurance. That said, the emergency surgeries, blood transfusion, tests and ongoing care will be expenses they will have to pay at 100%, creating a financial burden that is a medical bill nightmare. My parent’s mantra, “We may not have much, but we’re rich in love,” truly defines their love for one another and how they are approaching this situation, but unfortunately, hospitals prefer cash and collateral for payment versus an increased love quotient. So, here’s to me hoping that a little love from everyone we know can help to lessen the financial burden, together. Any amount you can contribute will truly make a difference. Your prayers for answers and Jim’s recovery are also appreciated.
For a few weeks now, my father, Jim Schoen, has complained about being a little “under the weather.” Having battled cancer and won, recovered from a painful hip surgery without complaining, I can say that my father is a tough guy—it takes a lot to admit he’s in pain.
So, last Friday, 3/24, when he called my mother, Kathy, to say he needed to go to the doctor, she came home immediately. She rushed him to the emergency room at Winona Health where the doctors notified them that he needed emergency surgery for a perforated intestine. He was then transported to Gundersen LaCrosse Hospital for care. The doctors at Gundersen discovered that he had Intestinal ischemia and infarcation, or loss of blood to a portion of his large intestine that had caused it to die. After undergoing a blood transfusion and emergency surgery to remove the section of his large intestine, it was reconnected to his small intestine. He’s had a succession of further tests to reveal that the loss of blood to his intestines is likely linked to the fact that his bone marrow has stopped producing enough blood platelets. The doctors at Gundersen are continuing to care for him and perform additional tests to determine why his bone marrow is not producing blood platelets, but right now there are still a lot more questions than answers. However, we are all thankful that he is responding well to the surgery so far and hopeful that we’ll have answers soon, so he can return home. I will be providing updates as we learn them.
How you can help:
Growing up, my parents used to say, “We may not have much, but we’re rich in love,” and all 5 of us kids watched as they extended that love to anyone who they knew was in need—from a stranger who needed a warm meal to friends who needed a place to call home until they could get back on their feet. They taught us to work hard, be humble, be kind and to give without expecting anything in return. I don’t think I’ve ever known my parents to ask for help themselves, but after these unfortunate circumstances, they will need your help.
After a hip replacement last year, my father chose to return to work part-time. Moving to part-time, he could no longer afford the healthcare premiums and deductible that came with his insurance. That said, the emergency surgeries, blood transfusion, tests and ongoing care will be expenses they will have to pay at 100%, creating a financial burden that is a medical bill nightmare. My parent’s mantra, “We may not have much, but we’re rich in love,” truly defines their love for one another and how they are approaching this situation, but unfortunately, hospitals prefer cash and collateral for payment versus an increased love quotient. So, here’s to me hoping that a little love from everyone we know can help to lessen the financial burden, together. Any amount you can contribute will truly make a difference. Your prayers for answers and Jim’s recovery are also appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Myra Norman
Organizer
Goodview, MN
Kathy Schoen
Beneficiary
