Hello Friends and Family,

Here is an update for Zoe. She is back in Ft Bragg trying to take care of everyday life as she goes to Dialysis treatment 3 times a week. The cats definitely missed her. But getting treatment in a small town Dialysis center has its challenges with untrained staff. She often comes home from treatment exhausted and her days off aren't much better. If the nurse takes too much fluid during her treatment, she leaves the session depleted and barely able to drive herself home. Recovery from that type of mistake can take a few days.

This Go Fund Me is a request to help with Medical Bills. Apparently Zoe's insurance doesn't cover the full cost of Dialysis treatments so that bill is now well over $1000 and grows with every treatmnt. She had to have laser eye surgery last month. Living with Type 1 Diabetes affects vision. And again her Obamacare insurance did not cover the full cost of the eye doctor visits and the subsequent surgery. She also owes several thousand dollars to the hospital as she was in there for two weeks over the holidays. The remainder of the funds I'm requesting is to support her monthly living expenses until her Disability kicks in, which we know will take several months. Anything you can give, large or small will help.

Upodates on her applications:

Regarding Temporary State Disability - We recently heard that the doctor completed his portion and mailed it. No other word yet.

Permanent SSDI - They have received the application and need more information (of course).

We were just alerted to the fact that she can apply for Medicare as it covers End Stage Renal Failure. It doesn't cover any bills until after the 4th month of treatment though, which will be in May. We are getting the process started. And as usual with govenment agencies, it's not always clear on where to begin.

The photo is from when Zoe was getting ready to take a shower with all her attachments. True to her resilient nature she can find humor even in the darkest of times.

Thank you and deep bows for all your support.

Barbara

Here is Zoe's story if you haven't read it yet. . .

Hi, This is Zoe, my daughter. She is a beautiul, amazing 36 year old woman. At the age of 2 she came down with Type 1 Diabetes. At that time it was a devastating diagnosis for one so little. But Zoe, the courageous individual she is, didn't shy away from the challenge. She gave herself her own insulin shots by the age of 5, began wearing an insulin pump at 12 years and made her health a priority. She has grabbed onto life, traveling, fire dancing, going to school, falling in love, working, hosting Type 1 support groups, and being a loving mom to her dog and cats.

Type 1 Diabetes has a dark side. Over time the body begins to wear out from the constant management of blood sugars. Even the life saving drug insulin has long term side effects.

In early 2023 Zoe noticed she was more tired than usual. As the months wore on It became difficult to work, spend time with her friends and finally even get out of bed. She was admitted to the hospital on the Winter Solstice, 2023. After 2 weeks in the hospital she left with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal failure, a new regimen of 3 times a week kidney dialysis and a financial crisis. We are all broken-hearted. We continue to see this beautiful, young woman do what has to be done with grace as she heads to her treatments. After treatment she needs to rest all day. There are good days and bad days. A kidney/pancreas transplant is in the future, and it can't come soon enough.

Zoe has no income of any kind right now. We have applied for disability and all kinds of assistance, but that takes time. In the meantime she needs help every month. I am asking for a monthly donation for the next several months until her disability funds are approved. She needs funds for gas and car registration and repair, electricity and internet, and other essentials. She has a sweet dog and three cats that need food and vet care. Her own medical bills are mounting. If enough folks can give something every month, she can be supported until she receives her Disability money. "A single drop of water fills a bucket, so do small deeds of good." It would mean a lot if you can give something.

With gratitude and deep bows,

Barbara, Zoe's Mom