In Memory of Jim
Donation protected
I started this campaign for Lori and Jim around Thanksgiving. I'd like to continue now in Jim's memory and to help Lori with whatever expenses and debts have been incurred over the long course of Jim's illness.
Jim passed away on May 15th, 2017 peacefully at home.
He is lovingly remembered as a grandfather, father, husband, son, and as a member of his church and community families.
Here is a little bit of his health care story. Jim was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Syndrome) four and a half years ago. He fought valiantly against the disease, but its progression eventually left him confined to his wheelchair, basically unable to move from the neck down. He was on a ventilator all the time and could not breathe or survive long without it. The level of care Jim needed, required that he have constant home health care. The family was fortunate to have hospice, but hospice attendant care only accounted for about six hours a week. Insurance and Medicare do not pay for home health attendants, so the family had to fill in the rest of the time with family, neighbors, and home health care that they paid for out of pocket. The cost of that care was more than $700 a month.
Lori and Jim had been married for 35 years in February. Together, they had three adult children and an adored grandson. Lori is still teaching English and creative writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Before Jim became ill, he drove for Fed Ex Ground.
At the time of Jim's diagnosis and before his quick decline, Lori and Jim already had the normal expenses and bills associated with people who were expecting an upturn in income. Lori had recently finished her degree at the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. Several children were finishing up their schooling (bills were mounting but manageable).
The financial relief your contributions have given the family has been tremendous. Let's help Lori not worry so much about any medical and other debt or issues with her car. I know Lori and Jim have touched my life in a positive way, and I bet you have a similar experience. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
In memory of Jim Martin.
Jim passed away on May 15th, 2017 peacefully at home.
He is lovingly remembered as a grandfather, father, husband, son, and as a member of his church and community families.
Here is a little bit of his health care story. Jim was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Syndrome) four and a half years ago. He fought valiantly against the disease, but its progression eventually left him confined to his wheelchair, basically unable to move from the neck down. He was on a ventilator all the time and could not breathe or survive long without it. The level of care Jim needed, required that he have constant home health care. The family was fortunate to have hospice, but hospice attendant care only accounted for about six hours a week. Insurance and Medicare do not pay for home health attendants, so the family had to fill in the rest of the time with family, neighbors, and home health care that they paid for out of pocket. The cost of that care was more than $700 a month.
Lori and Jim had been married for 35 years in February. Together, they had three adult children and an adored grandson. Lori is still teaching English and creative writing at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Before Jim became ill, he drove for Fed Ex Ground.
At the time of Jim's diagnosis and before his quick decline, Lori and Jim already had the normal expenses and bills associated with people who were expecting an upturn in income. Lori had recently finished her degree at the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. Several children were finishing up their schooling (bills were mounting but manageable).
The financial relief your contributions have given the family has been tremendous. Let's help Lori not worry so much about any medical and other debt or issues with her car. I know Lori and Jim have touched my life in a positive way, and I bet you have a similar experience. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
In memory of Jim Martin.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Washburn
Organizer
Pittsburg, KS
Lori Baker Martin
Beneficiary