Lauren, Grad Student seeks Medical Assistance

Lauren is a 30 year old grad student at UW-Oshkosh in her final year pursuing her childhood dream of obtaining a Master of Education degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Heath.

In order to focus more on her educational efforts, Lauren recently made the decision, with her employer’s support, to move from full-time to part-time employment; which unfortunately meant she would no longer qualify for healthcare benefits.  She tried to get government health insurance, but despite being a student and working part-time, she was denied.  Lauren’s decision to go short-term without health insurance, turned out to be a fateful one.

On Sunday,  May 16th, Lauren started experiencing severe pain in her lower abdominal area and was running a fever.  She had painful lump and had no idea what was going on.  She tried to take care of the situation using over the counter remedies and cold compresses, but the swelling did not subside.

On May 17th, at the urging of a friend who is a medical doctor,  Lauren went to a local clinic.  After a brief observation, they told her to go immediately to the Emergency Room.

Upon arriving, Lauren was diagnosed with a life-threatening,  aggressive infection that would require a hospital stay for treatment, and possibly surgery.  Her fever then spiked to 102 degrees, two rounds of antibiotics were provided, but Lauren’s condition did not improve.

On Monday, May 18th, with her condition worsening, the doctors decided surgery was necessary to remove the infection.  The surgery was successful, but it left Lauren with an open wound that would require hospital attention for another 4 days.  In addition, she would need to convalesce for a least 3 weeks, during which time she is not allowed to return to work.  She must also visit a clinic daily to have the wound checked and redressed.  

This turn of events has left Lauren in a precarious position.  She not only has the infection to attend to, but the medical costs associated with her treatment has created a tremendous financial burden for her.

Lauren has spent many years helping adolescent’s and young children cope with a varying degree of mental health related challenges, and she understood that in order to provide better care for them she would need the enhanced skill that a Masters degree would provide.  Unfortunately, right now it is her own mental health that she has to focus on, for the financial burden brought on by medical and student load debts are proving to be too much to bare.

First and foremost, we, her family and friends, ask that you keep Lauren and her whole family in prayer, may God’s eternal light and strength keep them and hold them close forever no matter where this journey may take them.

We are forever appreciative for any financial support you may be able to offer as well as keeping Lauren in your prayers.

Thank you, 

The Family of Lauren Gidley