Simo's Kidney Transplant Medical Expenses
On October 21st Simo's mother-in-law donated her kidney for his transplant. Despite the high risk of Covid-19 his doctor's agreed it was time to perform the surgery. Until this point he was on dialysis 3 time a week. In the four-hour sessions he met a lot of older people but he was, by far, the youngest there. Throughout this he kept working and spending time with his wife and children. The toll this took on his body sent him to the ER several times; over the last few years.
He anticipated an initial expense of $2,000 in co-pays for the surgery and follow up visits but did not know how many out-of-pocket expenses the insurance didn't cover.
Simo's portion of the surgery almost $8,000.
Other unanticipated expenses:
•Frequent visits (3 times a week or more):
Every person is different and anti-rejection medicine involves A LOT of trips to the doctor.
•Medication problems:
Serious meds are used and some side effects feel like a heart attack or can result in a loss of consciousness. The doctors generally advise him to go to the ER whenever this occurs.
•High & Frequent Co-pays:
3 times a week plus unscheduled visits. Sometimes a lab result will lead to an additional test needed the next day. Add in the emergency room co-pay ($250) and it's a heavy cost for a couple with two kids.
•Medication: Anti-rejection medicines are specialty meds. They are extremely expensive with very high co-pays.
•Lost Wages:
Disability pays less than unemployment. Ironically if Simo were to quit his job he would be making more money. The weekly disability payments are less than one visit to the ER. The loss of income has forced his wife to return to work earlier than anticipated.
•Travel, Tolls & Parking:
When you are going to the doctor 3 times a week with, two kids at home, you don't have time to sit in traffic so that means tolls going into the city, gas and insurance as well as parking expenses. Simo and his wife go together at time their children are remote learning in the car while they wait for their father. They simply cannot afford a sitter on top of all their other expenses.
To Sum Up.
We all know Simo. He's a good guy who always looks out for people. He is genuinely kind and cares for others and self-sacrificing (to a fault). If you have had the pleasure of getting to know him, as I have, please contribute whatever you can.Collectively we can help ease his burden, at least financially.
Whether you can afford to give or not, please pass this along to others. The more people who see this the greater likely-hood we can reach our goal.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you donate or share you have our deepest gratitude.
God Bless.