Help a family with soaring medical costs and needs
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Hello, my name is Bob Gross, my life has become a “mission from God” since October 13 2007. Through September of 2004-January 2007 my family and I went through many unexpected and unanticipated physical changes in my health. From the beginning, where my body started getting tired faster, cramping, gastrointestinal issues and my moment of blindness became a reality. For over 24 months, between the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and University Hospital of Cleveland, many specialists were working on the treatment plan and the causes of my illness. After multiple MRI’s, CT scans, bloodwork, nerve conduction studies, physical therapy, pain medications and lots of depression, they went from being stumped to truly understanding the condition my body was going through. I was diagnosed with MELAS SYNDROME, a genetically inherited mitochondrial disease.
It was hard to believe that with the medical technology and its potential to cure all, that there is no cure for this condition. Over the last 15 years, my family has spent countless days in the hospital with me and my debilitating condition. After over 43 surgeries and hospitalization in multiple hospitals, my body is now losing its ability to function properly.
My procedures ranged from multiple spontaneous compartment syndromes, fractured spine, heart surgery, brain surgery, multi level back fusions in all stages of spine, rutoximab treatments, complete shoulder replacement, spinal stimulation implants and nerve implants.
This brings me to my “life mission”, and how “God” has been the biggest factor on my positive outlook on all of this. On October 13, 2007, I went to bed with the feeling of being broken, lost, depressed and suicidal. After being an athlete and in top shape for my entire life, everything was taken from me.
- That night, I felt like I was dreaming and was in an area to which I heard my grandfather and grandmother speaking with me. My grandparents were a huge part of my life growing up in a single parent household. They were in a peaceful place and were telling me about it and I was so excited talking to them. When I told them about me health, my emotions changed. Then a voice came out saying that I had to take it on and help others. Didn’t know the voice, didn’t see anyone, but felt like I was at peace. This “voice” has me focusing on the “why not’s” and my heart. I was just trying to understand why I was being chosen by this person to do the work of the Lord. I felt like I was not the one for this. But, the voice assured me that I was the only person who could help others in their journey of life.
- The next morning when my feet hit the floor, all the anger, hate, bitterness and animosity was gone. I had a feeling from within telling my heart and soul to start now. That day, I made my wife, children and myself a promise….to change at least one person’s outlook each and every day until my journey is over.
Throughout these last 15+ years, I have been able to keep my faith and my promise. I am grateful for the support and encouragement from others to keep my light shining.
The downside of all of this is that I have focused so much on others, that I took so much from my family and myself. I have given to others that I have come across that have been suffering from depression, anxiety and loss. Financially, I have put us into a position where I pick and choose my medications and health over others needs. My health has gotten me to where I need expensive supplements and vitamins, along with trying to function without the proper medical needs for my wellbeing.
My necessities have been put on back burner for the last three to four months. I haven’t had the funding for my medications, my palliative care or my health care modifications that I desperately need. I am in need of a bigger vehicle for my transportation and my power wheelchair. I wear KAFO braces on both legs and cannot get my legs in small vehicle that we have. I need to be able to transport my oxygen tanks and respiratory pumps in case of emergency also.
I will always put my family first, meaning if we need groceries, utilities paid, necessities or monthly expenses, before I get what I need. My wife takes care of me snd my family so it is impossible for her to work. I have taken the right for my family to thrive because of my health.
I would like to thank all of you who have supported me and my family during our difficult times. If you aren’t able to donate, I truly understand. We all have issues and concerns that we face every day. I just want you to know that I am here for you and your families also. Please reach out anytime you need me to help.
Today is June 3rd 2024 and Itruly am at my end. I'm losing my will to want to go on due to the financial burden it puts on my family. My health insurance no longer covers my oxygen machine , tanks or needed supplies for my ventilator. These costs alone run over 356/month. My much needed MG medications are not covered so I had to get alternative medicineand only get half prescriptioneach month due to costs. We tried to get help from Ohio Job and Family Services and they said I make too much money on disability for a family of three. I showed them my monthly bills and how much I get and Iam over 1431.75 negative each month prior to necessities gas food utilities...
Today, August 9 2024-
This has been a whirlwind week for my family and I. My respiratory equipment provider, HCS, has informed me that they my insurance is no longer covering my oxygen concentration machine nor my Trilogy ventilator. Humana stated that my issues are not lung related so they won't continue to pay for them. I have a neuromusculardisease that effects my diaphragm, intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, which all are needed for breathing. My pulmonary team and neurology team both have sent in appeals on this. I have been without any breathing assistance since Monday. I had a few tanks in my garage that I use for emergency purposes that are no longer full. They informed me that I can pay 829.00 for purchase of oxygen machine and my cost per month for ventilator would be over 300.00. This is on top of all the high costs of medications that are not fully covered anymore.
Bob Gross
1437 Wilderness Drive
Maumee Ohio 43537
Organizer
Bob Gross
Organizer
Maumee, OH