Caitlyn's Bump In The Road
Donation protected
Caitlyn and Curtis Terlesky have made their home in Chico CA. since they married in 2008. In 2012, Caitlyn gave birth to a son, Alexander.
Caitlyn was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1997. It has always been fairly well controlled, but since the birth of Alex, her seizures have began to break through more frequently. Though both Caitlyn and Curtis work, they have been uninsured throughout these episodes, paying out of pocket for her medication and visits to the neurologist. Caitlyn continues to work at a local foster family agency, but cannot drive, so must rely on help with transportation. On nice days, she picks up Alex from daycare and, placing him in a jogging stroller, runs home.
With the advent of "Covered California" there was hope that they would finally have access to affordable healthcare, but they soon discovered their premiums would be several hundred dollars monthly with a $5000 annual deductible. So, they continued without coverage, a perfect example of what didn't work with our new healthcare system.
On the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2014, Caitlyn left her parent's house for a quick run before dessert. Curtis stayed at the house and they tossed the baby in the tub for a quick bath so he would be ready for bed. When Caitlyn didn't return, Curtis went looking for her. Finally, the hospital called. Caitlyn had experienced a seizure while running, a passerby called 911 and she was transported via ambulance to the hospital. Because she was alone and had not fully recovered consciousness until en route, she was unable to decline to be transported.
Caitlyn had some facial injuries and a broken tooth but came home that evening. Another adjustment has been made to her meds.
But that trip to the hospital, one they have always declined in order to keep their expenses down, has proven exceptionally costly. Ironically, the amounts that would be "negotiated" if she were insured remain at exorbitantly high levels because she is uninsured. This couple, who have always paid their own way throughout Caitlyn's medical journey are faced with bills that might seem small in comparison to some, but are daunting to them.
They are fundraising in several different ways and many of you have offerred to help. Some folks are working on a yard sales and other fundraisers. Please consider donating via this effort so this young couple is not overwhelmed by these expenses.
.
Caitlyn was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1997. It has always been fairly well controlled, but since the birth of Alex, her seizures have began to break through more frequently. Though both Caitlyn and Curtis work, they have been uninsured throughout these episodes, paying out of pocket for her medication and visits to the neurologist. Caitlyn continues to work at a local foster family agency, but cannot drive, so must rely on help with transportation. On nice days, she picks up Alex from daycare and, placing him in a jogging stroller, runs home.
With the advent of "Covered California" there was hope that they would finally have access to affordable healthcare, but they soon discovered their premiums would be several hundred dollars monthly with a $5000 annual deductible. So, they continued without coverage, a perfect example of what didn't work with our new healthcare system.
On the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2014, Caitlyn left her parent's house for a quick run before dessert. Curtis stayed at the house and they tossed the baby in the tub for a quick bath so he would be ready for bed. When Caitlyn didn't return, Curtis went looking for her. Finally, the hospital called. Caitlyn had experienced a seizure while running, a passerby called 911 and she was transported via ambulance to the hospital. Because she was alone and had not fully recovered consciousness until en route, she was unable to decline to be transported.
Caitlyn had some facial injuries and a broken tooth but came home that evening. Another adjustment has been made to her meds.
But that trip to the hospital, one they have always declined in order to keep their expenses down, has proven exceptionally costly. Ironically, the amounts that would be "negotiated" if she were insured remain at exorbitantly high levels because she is uninsured. This couple, who have always paid their own way throughout Caitlyn's medical journey are faced with bills that might seem small in comparison to some, but are daunting to them.
They are fundraising in several different ways and many of you have offerred to help. Some folks are working on a yard sales and other fundraisers. Please consider donating via this effort so this young couple is not overwhelmed by these expenses.
.
Organizer
Cathy Frost
Organizer
Chico, CA
