Jason Milano Surgery - Financial Burdens ~6mo

My husband, 

Jason is the coolest Daddy to our 3 littles. 

We have an 8yr old boy that loves football, 5yr old girl  that loves soccer and 1yr old boy that loves to climb and play "ball-ball." Any normal weekend, you could find them all working out together, but he also does all the "fun stuff," like TV, gaming, and desserts! 

Jason has always dedicated time to physical fitness, health and wellness. We meal-prep, snag the healthier options, have equipment at home, he even carries exercise equipment in his work truck. He has worked for UPS for over 13yrs and is currently in the Feeders Department at the Dallas Hub. He has always been the main provider for our family, while I work from home and homeschool. 

 

You may know us from growing up, martial arts, church, or sports with our littles... so far, just about everyone we've shared this with so far has been encouraging us to share our story with a crowdfunding and offered to help us anyway they can. We are so thankful for you. 

One family member said to just take it one moment at a time... We will treat this like a black belt test.. And more than one said, with a little bit of help from anyone able, we can carry the burden together. So we are opening up with our private struggles in hope that one day we can help someone else.

 

What is going on?

You may have heard through the Grapevine, or maybe you are blindsided like us... 

 

Last week, Jason was diagnosed with a rare disease and some secondary injuries. After months of intermittant pain, adjustments, an MRI and X-rays, among other things he is now on leave from work until we have no idea, (as there is a risk of his bone collapsing). 

 

He has Avascular Necrosis (death of bone tissue) of the hip. [And no known cause, as we have went through all possibilities with the doctors]. He also has a torn Labrum, Arthritis, a Bone Spur, Flattening of the femoral head, Labral Degeneration, and I'm sure I'm missing something. 

 

We met with the Orthopedic Office last week, talked to the General Orthopedic Surgeon Monday,  and we meet with the Orthopedic Specialist on Friday to determine the best surgery and recovery. We are looking at 2 options: Core Decompression or Total Hip Replacement.  Each have risks and benefits, we must navigate considering his age, the success rates, etc... It's overwhelming. (I'll share a timeline below to update).

 

Why we are looking to crowdfunding?

First let us count our Blessings, we have medical insurance, and some short-term disability. However, with the unexpected series of events the past year and a half offered us, we found ourselves like millions of Americans, one medical diagnosis away from a financial nightmare. 

We were just beginning the recovery from our financial losses from the pandemic, continued delays from the IRS, recent weeks of unpaid medical leave, and other sprinkles of distress this year.

We are trying to forecast some of our loses for the next 6 months. And trying to navigate expected medical expenses. In hopes that Jason will have surgery, kicked physical therapy out of the park, be well on his way to normal, and I will have gained more income too.

Based on our current understanding, short term disability isn't 60% of his income, but rather 25~30% because of the cap. We hope to know more and disprove that estimate soon. (This week is our first week without a pay check, and we don't know when short-termdisabilitywillbegin once approved). On top of all the paperwork for his leave, doctor appointments, bank fraud, irs dilemma, school, work, and just making a home function... we are trying to cut our expenses even more.

 

You know, I think it's safe to say, Jason feels an overwhelming sense of frustration and confusion with the uncertainty that lies ahead. And I would like to alleviate as much of his stress as I possibly can with taking your calls, handling the paperwork, closing the financial gap, and anything else we can. 

 

We are eternally grateful for you taking the time to hear our story, follow our journey, and support us with your love and prayers. We will continue to update as we know more... If you find that you are able to gift a monetary donation we have options. 

 

Gifts 

Your love and prayers are our greatest blessing.

 

GoFundMe allows us to keep up with offline donations as well, without charging us fees for your gift. 

 

We have a few options outside of GoFundMe: 

• Zelle: [email redacted] 
• Venmo @Mrs-Amber-Milano
• PayPal Friends and Family @AmberMilano 
• Cash App $MrsAmberMilano 
• Grocery Gift Cards: Instacart
• Food Delivery: Door Dash

 

Amazon Wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/FTE0WEZ8CRJN?ref_=wl_share 

We have added an Amazon Wishlist of things not necessarily covered by insurance that will help Jason prepare and recover from surgery. 

We will update as we go.

 

Our Littles 

We are trying to surround our littles with all the positivity and realness. Sharing with them what is going on, without sharing the additional stresses that come along. If you see them, give them a high five or ask for a hug... I'm certain they need it.

 

Timeline

March/April 2021 Hip Pain became more frequent.

Continued Chiropractic Adjustments

 

September 2021

Unpaid Medical Leave

Hip hurting more

 

October 2021

Friday, 8th - MRI

Monday, 11th - Diagnosed and began Leave from Work

Wednesday, 13th - Orthopedic Physician's Assistant- Confirmed Diagnosis 

*

Monday, 18th - General Orthopedic Surgeon 

Friday, 22nd - Meet with Orthopedic Specialist and Week 1 of No Pay Check for Jason.

 

November 2021

Friday, November 5th, get Surgery Folder

Wednesday, November 10th PreOp Testing.

Thursday, November 11th PreHab Day.

Monday, November 15th Last PreOp Test.

Tuesday, November 16th Surgery Day. - Daily Physical Therapy begins immediately. (We hope he goes home Same Day).

Thursday, November 18th In Office Therapy. 

Monday, November 22nd 3 day a week - in office - physical therapy.