Friends and Family – I am asking for your help. This sweet face in the middle is my amazing niece Gillian Rose Martin. I am sure any who know Gilly know that she is one of the most amazing souls you will ever meet. Not only can she light up a room, but she has some amazingly witty comments. So here I am, a very proud aunt, asking for our community to step up and help this very amazing young lady. So... on to the details...

Over the last 18 years Gilly has overcome several medical hurdles and even as a very small child she has done so with grace and courage. However, we have another one that has popped up. Gilly was recently diagnosed with an epigastric hernia which due to the size and location is going to require surgery. As we all know medical insurance can be a double-edged sword. While insurance is there to take the bulk of the expense, her parents must still face a large deductible as well as co-insurance, which is roughly 20% of the remaining cost. While we don’t know the final amount, I am sure many of us have experience with receiving multiple bills for a single procedure; doctor, surgery center, anesthesiologist, the list goes on and tends to add up.

In addition to the medical situation outlined above a legal hurdle has arisen as well. Coming of age as a person with special needs has its own set of challenges, not only for Gilly but her parents as well. When a special individual such as Gillian reaches the age of adulthood her parents must petition the courts for guardianship. Although this was easily foreseen the current court system does not make it easy or cheap. There are lawyers and court costs to be paid as well as co-pays for doctors’ visits to officially state the obvious, that Gilly needs to remain dependent on her parents. When you combine that with yet another medical hurdle it begins to be a difficult burden to bear financially.

All of this is happening as the holidays quickly approach, which can be a financially stressful time for many regardless of other hurdles. I am hoping you consider helping, even if it is just $5, everything adds up. Here is a concise list of expenses we are looking to fund:

• Medical Deductible of $2,000

• Legal Expenses $1,750

• Medical Coinsurance and Copays $5,000

Thank you for your time in reading and considering. Even if you cannot help out financially prayers for the courts and medical teams to move quickly and for swift healing and little pain are greatly appreciated.