Help Support Sarah's Jaw-Dropping Medical Expenses

To know Sarah is not just to love her, but to be showered in love, care, and support in return. Sarah's many gifts and talents are eclipsed only by her heart. This is witnessed in her fierce dedication to her wife, Gwen, and their 3 children; in the loyalty that is the hallmark of her close friendships; and the tireless advocacy and support of her community through the many fundraisers and events she has organized and community boards she has been a member of. Sarah's friendship is a gift that continues to give, 35 years since it began on our elementary school playground, and I am honored to create an opportunity for all the love, care, and support she pours into so many to be returned to her in her time of need.

Sarah requires urgent medical intervention.

Sarah suffers from a degenerative genetic bone disease affecting her jaw that requires urgent medical intervention. Due to the bone degeneration in her jaw, she must have a total extraction of all her teeth and permanent full arch implants installed.

But the healthcare/insurance system requires her to first jump through numerous, lengthy hoops

In order for insurance to potentially cover a portion of her surgery, she must undergo a lengthy medical staging process to prove her surgery is medically necessary; a determination that has already been made by three experts. This staging process requires numerous steps, spanning a 5 month period. Upon completion of the staging process, she must then wait an additional eight weeks to receive a determination.

The best case scenario is that insurance approves her pre-authorization, which provides coverage of anesthesia and hardware only. This still leave Sarah's out of pocket expenses in the $20-$50K range, which she is required to pay up front before undergoing the procedure.

Sarah needs help NOW

Because of the significant pain she experiences from her deteriorating jaw, coupled with the many trips to Oswego, IL to see her specialist, Sarah's ability to manage her business fully and generate the income her family depends upon is greatly impacted. As she is navigating her own urgent medical needs, Sarah's wife and children have their own complex medical needs, that are simultaneously incurring expenses related to necessary therapies, medications and evaluations; all of which Sarah schedules and attends.

Your contributions help offset not only Sarah's medical-related expenses: travel, hotel accommodations at the time of surgery, recovery period, etc, but allow her to put food on the table for her family and support their medical needs and expenses.

It's difficult to ask for help, but Sarah needs ours. Together we can help carry this tremendous weight and bring our dear friend some much needed relief.