Billy Smith’s Medical Expenses

After a week of being very ill and a fruitless trip to the ER, at the urgent request of his family doctor, Billy was admitted to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Friday. Doctors gave a (yet unconfirmed) diagnosis of leukemia due to multiple mimicking symptoms. Tests determined Billy’s left lung was FULL of infection and fluid. The infection had walled its self off, pushing his white blood cell count to over 30,000 (average for a man is 5-10,000). He underwent a surgical procedure Saturday placing a Drain tube into his lung, the only way to begin the healing process. It was a short procedure but proved very effective, 35ml of fluid was immediately removed. Today X-rays showed a good, continual flow of drainage. The tube will remain for another 2-5 days. He is nearing 1 gallon of drainage so far A VERY POWERFUL antibiotic has been started and he will continue to receive that antibiotic until desired results are achieved. Additional tests are being done daily along the way for multiple things. They will still test for leukemia. Leukemia test results won’t be available until things settle a bit. Billy is a very lucky young man, today the doctor commented “2-3 days later and his heart would’ve probably been crushed by the fluid”, That’s terrifying to hear. His appetite is returning and he is flashing those big dimples, a little, BUT he is still in a great amount ofpain and discomfort. The doctors current prediction is he will remain in the hospital 5 more days given continued improvement and positive test results .BILLY has EXPRESSED GREAT CONCERN of the FINANCIAL BURDEN his illness/hospital stay and follow-up will create for his widowed Mother, Suzanne Smith. Billy’s father died of prostate cancer when Billy was just 7years old. Billy is a KINDHEARTED 16 year old boy who shouldn’t face such worries, all of his thoughts and energies should be focused on healing right now.Let’s ban together as friends of Billy and his Mother, Suzanne and members of this little but mighty strong, compassionate community to help this family. Let’s give what we can to help cover the 8-10% that insurance won’t, the travel costs, food costs and all the expenses we are unaware of that are burdening Billy’s mind. If you’re the praying type please pray for Billy and his Mother Suzanne. We believe in the power of prayer ! If you’d like to personally connect with me (Melea Powell-Hoffer) to donate, you can reach me at [phone redacted].

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Billy.