Brigitte's Patella (kneecap) Surgery & Therapy
Donation protected
Saturday, January 11 - The Accident
Saturday evening Doug and Brigitte made a deposit at the bank’s drive thru ATM. The fuel pump went out, the car stalled, and they had to push the car clear of the drive-through. Doug pushed as Brigitte ran to grab the steering wheel and guide the car. As she ran, she tripped and fell breaking her left kneecap, bruising her left hip, her sternum and her jaw. Both wrists were injured, and she lacerated her chin. We count our blessings and thank God and the Angels that she avoided a concussion, broken jaw or anything else.
A young couple behind Doug and Brigitte called 911 for an ambulance. They are angels for staying and helping. The ambulance took Brigitte and Doug to the ER at Auburn Faith Hospital. The doctor on duty confirmed that Brigitte’s kneecap was broken in half and fractured in six places on the lower portion of the kneecap. They glued her chin back together and released her that evening with a list of orthopedic surgeons to follow-up with on Monday morning. Doug and Brigitte knew the next challenge was going to be finding a surgeon that was willing to work with them because Brigitte does not have health insurance.
Monday, January 13 - A day spent trying to get a consultation with a surgeon.
Tuesday, January 14th: Consultation with Surgeon
Getting Brigitte up and out of the house, into the car, and into the wheelchair to see the Doctor was emotion filled. Between the pain, trying not to further injury, getting used to using crutches, maneuvering how to get into the car, and not knowing what the surgeon would say.
The orthopedic surgeon has stated that there is a two-week preferred window for the operation--two weeks will be this Saturday, January 25! He also said that FULL Recovery will be nine months to one year. Brigitte will be out of work for a minimum of three months. It’s unclear whether she will be eligible for State Disability. The surgeon said that they needed to file the applications to see what coverage Brigitte qualifies for.
Wednesday, January 15-Sunday 19 - Doug’s Lyme Disease
Doug has helped with insurance applications, and doctors’ appointments, and other details; however, his Lyme Disease, creates a cognitive disorder making it difficult for him to remember, concentrate and make decisions and this is amplified by the stress of Brigitte’s condition and obstacles to medical care.
Tuesday, January 21 - Still waiting for qualification
As a business owner, Brigitte is required to supply her quarterly taxes for the applications to determine what she qualifies for. This requires more work by their bookkeeper. In addition, insurance companies are currently inundated with open enrollment applications. It could take 60 days to receive an approval letter from MediCal or Covered California. Brigitte’s surgery can’t wait. Our only solution is a cash pay option for surgery at a local surgical center. Brigitte and Doug will need to
cover the expenses of the surgical center, the anesthesiologist, the orthopedic surgeon, the physical therapist, as well as the ER visit and the ambulance from the initial accident.
Go Fund Me allows Brigitte to have her surgery and move toward healing as soon as possible. All money raised will be applied to the medical costs listed above and to help augment the lost income during her recovery and help with the accumulating bills for Brigitte’s Serenity Studio. Noelle will help out with the salon; however, Brigitte does so much more at the studio. Both Doug and Noelle will keep the Studio doors open and classes going.
We are so grateful for the meals you’ve prepared, your assistance, your financial contributions and your love and prayers. Thank you!
In Love and Service,
Noelle Swonsen (Doug and Brigitte’s Daughter)
Saturday evening Doug and Brigitte made a deposit at the bank’s drive thru ATM. The fuel pump went out, the car stalled, and they had to push the car clear of the drive-through. Doug pushed as Brigitte ran to grab the steering wheel and guide the car. As she ran, she tripped and fell breaking her left kneecap, bruising her left hip, her sternum and her jaw. Both wrists were injured, and she lacerated her chin. We count our blessings and thank God and the Angels that she avoided a concussion, broken jaw or anything else.
A young couple behind Doug and Brigitte called 911 for an ambulance. They are angels for staying and helping. The ambulance took Brigitte and Doug to the ER at Auburn Faith Hospital. The doctor on duty confirmed that Brigitte’s kneecap was broken in half and fractured in six places on the lower portion of the kneecap. They glued her chin back together and released her that evening with a list of orthopedic surgeons to follow-up with on Monday morning. Doug and Brigitte knew the next challenge was going to be finding a surgeon that was willing to work with them because Brigitte does not have health insurance.
Monday, January 13 - A day spent trying to get a consultation with a surgeon.
Tuesday, January 14th: Consultation with Surgeon
Getting Brigitte up and out of the house, into the car, and into the wheelchair to see the Doctor was emotion filled. Between the pain, trying not to further injury, getting used to using crutches, maneuvering how to get into the car, and not knowing what the surgeon would say.
The orthopedic surgeon has stated that there is a two-week preferred window for the operation--two weeks will be this Saturday, January 25! He also said that FULL Recovery will be nine months to one year. Brigitte will be out of work for a minimum of three months. It’s unclear whether she will be eligible for State Disability. The surgeon said that they needed to file the applications to see what coverage Brigitte qualifies for.
Wednesday, January 15-Sunday 19 - Doug’s Lyme Disease
Doug has helped with insurance applications, and doctors’ appointments, and other details; however, his Lyme Disease, creates a cognitive disorder making it difficult for him to remember, concentrate and make decisions and this is amplified by the stress of Brigitte’s condition and obstacles to medical care.
Tuesday, January 21 - Still waiting for qualification
As a business owner, Brigitte is required to supply her quarterly taxes for the applications to determine what she qualifies for. This requires more work by their bookkeeper. In addition, insurance companies are currently inundated with open enrollment applications. It could take 60 days to receive an approval letter from MediCal or Covered California. Brigitte’s surgery can’t wait. Our only solution is a cash pay option for surgery at a local surgical center. Brigitte and Doug will need to
cover the expenses of the surgical center, the anesthesiologist, the orthopedic surgeon, the physical therapist, as well as the ER visit and the ambulance from the initial accident.
Go Fund Me allows Brigitte to have her surgery and move toward healing as soon as possible. All money raised will be applied to the medical costs listed above and to help augment the lost income during her recovery and help with the accumulating bills for Brigitte’s Serenity Studio. Noelle will help out with the salon; however, Brigitte does so much more at the studio. Both Doug and Noelle will keep the Studio doors open and classes going.
We are so grateful for the meals you’ve prepared, your assistance, your financial contributions and your love and prayers. Thank you!
In Love and Service,
Noelle Swonsen (Doug and Brigitte’s Daughter)
Organizer and beneficiary
Noelle Swonsen
Organizer
Auburn, CA
Douglas Parvin
Beneficiary
