My mother Rita has recently been sick. She ended up in the hospital earlier this week being placed in the ICU unit to monitor what appeared to be a possible aneurysm in her brain leaking blood into her spinal fluid (CSF). We have been told that her insurance is not going to cover the cost. Hospital costs averaged in California ($3,726 per day) just edging out Oregon ($3,271) for most expensive. If you stay overnight, costs soar. The average hospital stay runs $9,000 - $12,000 overnight.

"UPDATE to friends and family.

The good news. . . I am writing this myself! I feel like i am waking up. Overall, i have a fairly lowgrade headache, a little unsteady on my feet but am able to articulate words again and form coherent thoughts.

Then, there is this news . . . It seems there are some caps I am reaching with my insurance and a number of bills accruing that are not covered. I dont qualify for assistance programs and the bills are astronomical. UCSF is willing to accept me but as a self pay. Obviously, i dont have that kind of money. I am 2 months away from medicare, what really bad luck. I will be making a decision over the next few hours and let you know where things are at with me.

So, im living that American nightmare to make decisions based on limited access to healthcare and health. This episode has destroyed my sense of security financially and emotionally. Sometimes life just isnt dealing the cards out fairly . . . .

I do have gratitude. I have faith... Talk to ya al soon!!" -Rita

"UCSF Neuro Dept and my neurologist are doing another review to determine risks with any decisions I may make at this time so I can at least be informed. They are looking at the course of the lumbar bleed. Things were going along pretty goood but when I became upset all measures jumped in a bad way and if that cant be controlled for the next couple of months awaiting Medicare, then my potential for a permanent life impairment or terminating event are kinda poor. I should know in a few hours.

Its funny how many things i am going "dammit" i needed to take care of that. I. am so unsettled. I so hope I can get through this to put things more in in order. Meanwhile, my head is bursting out the back of my skull. I want my kids, my mom, my dogs.

I wanna go home." - Rita

Words said directly from my mom.

Anyone who has ever met my mom knows just how caring, unjudgemental and willing she is to help anyone in need. Well now the tables have turned and she is in need herself. Please be selfless as my mom has been for this community for so many years and help us raise money to alleviate some of the stress this has put on her financially and mentally. Thank you all in advance for your help. -Charlei