Please help me continue getting to appointments

For the past 6-7 years, I have been making almost daily trips to Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa, for ongoing treatment of some slow-healing to non-healing wounds. I also have been making weekly trips to the Mercy Wound Clinic in Sioux City, Iowa, for more intense treatment of the same wounds.

It is with much regret that I have to do this, but I need to raise some money to get my vehicle back on the road. I had been working to make some small repairs to make it run better, but Friday, September 24, on my way to Sioux City for a Wound Clinic appointment, I lost oil pressure about 2/3 of the way there.

There was oil (or at least blue smoke) coming out the tail pipe, so I’m thinking that it will take a new engine. There’s a small chance that it’s less serious than that, but I’m looking at worst case scenario right now, and will adjust as needed.

Through a quick internet search, I found that remanufactured engines for my Expedition, run between $3300 and $4000. Then I have to look at having somebody install it, and I have no idea how much that would be.

In addition, I have been working with Medicaid to get a mobility scooter. Provided I am able to get the Expedition fixed and back on the road, I’m going to need a carrier for the scooter, so I can use it on my trips to both the Wound Clinic in Sioux City, and for dressing changes here in Ida Grove. Price on the carrier, that is large enough for the scooter I would be getting, is $620 plus tax and maybe some freight surcharges.

With all of the unknowns, I’m setting the goal for this fundraiser, at $10,000. As I mentioned before, this is worst case scenario, and I will adjust it as needed, when I get a feel for what things will actually cost. Don’t worry, I’ll be contributing to this myself too, since I won’t be buying gas for a while. A different vehicle has crossed my mind, but I understand the used car lots are pretty bare at this time, and I really do like the Expedition when it runs correctly. Plus, it's paid off.

For now, my transportation will be provided through Medicaid, and limited only to those trips that are medically necessary. Driving is something that I really enjoy doing, so I would prefer that the time I need to rely on this, be as short as possible.

Whether you can contribute or not, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to share this with your friends and anybody who may be willing and able to help.

Thanks again

Tim Clausen