Caring for Lori K - Let's get her walking again!

Lori Kuhuski was known as a strong and lively 30 year, stage 3b colon cancer survivor who would speak to the world about the mission of the American Cancer Society.  She would travel the roads or even catch a flight to make a difference.  Don, her loving husband and trusted silent sidekick, would always be there to support her volunteerism and lend a hand when needed, but life changed for them quickly.  

In December 2020 the axis turned on Lori.  She was fighting a persistent cough and was told by urgent care that she had bronchitis.  On the 8th of January 2021, she finally was seen by her primary physician (you know Covid-19 barred a lot of non-life threatening visits).  She was diagnosed her with pneumonia.  We all know that can take time, but in Lori's case symptoms became worse.  She was experiencing a host of issues that also included her limbs.  Both Don and Lori were very frighten as her doctor continued to order different tests and nothing was being found.  On February 23rd a referral  brought her to see a hematologist.  They did some diagnostics testing  and a few infusions, but by the 15th of March she was told to go to emergency, where she was immediately admitted.  Lori's light was dimming quickly.  During her 2 weeks in the hospital many tests were ran, several CT and a few MRI's.  Her kidney's were functioning at 20 percent, her lungs had been affected and she lost complete movement in her feet and legs.  Yet a diagnoses was found, ANCA Vasculitis, and a treatment plan as put in place. 

On March 28th, Lori was discharged from the hospital and transported home via an ambulance service.  She was still experiencing dizziness, nausea and the lack of movement of her legs, but they released her anyways.  The transportation service was not equipped to place her in their master, so they put her in a recliner that was located in their family room and left.  Don was so happy to finally see his bride after weeks apart, but neither thought beyond that moment.  Quickly they realized that no arrangements had been made for equipment or homecare for Lori.  Don called franticly looking for help.  He was not able to physically care for Lori.  Here she is sitting in a chair with a disposable on and no replacements and no way to transfer her.  Don was devastated that he was useless in helping Lori.  Knowing she was wet and no way to change her. It took Don three days to get a hospital bed brought in and then had to use the fire department to help him transfer Lori. 

On April 1st, Lori received dialysis at an outpatient center and April 2nd her chemotherapy at a cancer center.  These treatments put Lori in front of medical professionals that urged her to return to the hospital.  Her symptoms were still present and taking a major toll on her.  The hematologist actually made the arrangements to have her transported. 

Lori stayed 2 weeks in the hospital still showing all the same symptoms, but also received her dialysis, chemotherapy and blood transfusions among other treatments.  On April 15th they discharged her to a skilled nursing facility in hopes to have her in physical therapy so she will regain her mobility.  14 days of Covid-19 mandated quarantine, only to be then diagnosed with CD infection requiring another 14 days.  In the Rehab Center she is still experiencing the light-headed, nausea and vomiting.  She is not eating well and has lost quite a bit of weight.  She is still wearing a disposal, which she informed me was not being changed regularly.  They are treating her also for cellulitis, which makes us quite upset as we know that care is limited and she is paying the price for it.   

Don is very frustrated.  At the beginning of May he urged her regular doctors to follow up on Lori's care in the center, as he knows they are not performing the services that were ordered.  On the 10th of May, he was permitted in the center after multiple emails and calls for a meeting about Lori's lack of care.  He was assured they would do better with her but wouldn't release a name of a physician who was her lead while at the center.  The struggle with these agencies have increased.  Medical insurance only covers the rehab center for 60 days and Medicare will cover 100.  The lack of communication from the center has Don quite concerned.  The office manager has not returned his calls, the admin has not responded, but he knows that his beautiful bride is not completely well and needs help. 

Don was going to retire and they were to move and begin a simple life of enjoyment.  That has been put on hold.  With Lori still in the Rehab Center and medical bills are starting to flood in Don is getting overwhelmed.  He researched the cost of the Rehab Center to be about $7500.00 per month and learned that a transportation service to get her to the weekly appointments through September will be about $500.00 a visit which will not be covered by insurance because it's considered an outpatient service.  Until Lori is able to stand and pivot on her own a service will be needed to continue her treatments for the ANCA Vasculitis.  This is just two of the many costs that will pile in for them.

I know that there are many people who have been helped by Lori and Don over the years.  I ask that you help them today.  Anyway you can.  It might be a few dollars, a transportation service appointment, or a month at the Rehab Center, all of it is a gift.  I encourage you to throw a fundraiser in her honor and donate the monies raised.  I know that they will be so grateful.  It's extremely difficult to always be the giving and now be in need.  Let's all rally around them and bring Lori to her feet.  Let's encourage the steps and lift them up.  May we all lessen the burden of this financial stack and be the building blocks to health for her.