Support Angie Rowland in her 4th Surgery in 3 yrs.
Donation protected
In 2015, Angie was diagnosed with a rare congenital condition causing her to be missing the muscles that make up the front chest wall on one side of her body, including the major pectoral muscle and several smaller muscles. She saw several surgical specialists, ending with a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Because the condition is so rare, it wasn't listed under "covered" or "not covered" conditions. A year long battle with the insurance company required state assigned legal representation, appeals, and a board of medical review. It was finally reviewed by a board of specialists and determined medically necessary.
The first surgery took place in June 2016, the second in August 2016. Each surgery required 2 weeks off work, and an 8 week recovery period with no lifting. A large amount of that was unpaid time off. Those 2 surgeries cost Angie a total of $7000 for 2016 , in addition to lost income from not working either of her 2 jobs. She emptied her savings and took on a large portion of that in ongoing debt.
Two years later, in September of 2018, Angie woke up with severe pain on her left side. One of the previous surgeries had broken down. She went immediately to the surgeon, who recommended an MRI. The insurance refused an MRI. The surgeon recommended he go in and try to see what had gone wrong. The insurance company denied it. After several consultations, ultrasounds, various tests and other imaging, it was determined surgery was necessary. It was a 6 month battle with the insurance company.
Surgery was done in March of 2019, and turned out to be more extensive and less successful than hoped. The surgery required additional time off work, and lifting restrictions for more than a month. This surgery once again cost Angie her max out of pocket for 2019 - another total of $7000.00. She had to pull from her retirement, take on additional debt, and is still making payments on the outstanding balance.
It was determined at her last recheck in November of 2019 that the surgery in March did not heal as expected and needs to be repaired. It was also discovered at that visit that the original surgery site is starting to degrade and will also require intervention. The surgery and recovery will likely be the hardest yet. This will be #4. The insurance approved surgery, and it is scheduled for Feb 2020. It will again cost Angie her max out of pocket for 2020- $7000. Because of a recent job change, she hasn't accrued much paid time off, and will be out of work at least 2 weeks; then on restriction an additional 4-6 weeks.
With all that she's been through with this medical condition, I would love to ease her financial burden so that she can focus on healing and recovering. This fourth surgery will bring her medical expenses up to $21,000 in just 4 years.
Thank you so much for love and support.
Niki Rowland
The first surgery took place in June 2016, the second in August 2016. Each surgery required 2 weeks off work, and an 8 week recovery period with no lifting. A large amount of that was unpaid time off. Those 2 surgeries cost Angie a total of $7000 for 2016 , in addition to lost income from not working either of her 2 jobs. She emptied her savings and took on a large portion of that in ongoing debt.
Two years later, in September of 2018, Angie woke up with severe pain on her left side. One of the previous surgeries had broken down. She went immediately to the surgeon, who recommended an MRI. The insurance refused an MRI. The surgeon recommended he go in and try to see what had gone wrong. The insurance company denied it. After several consultations, ultrasounds, various tests and other imaging, it was determined surgery was necessary. It was a 6 month battle with the insurance company.
Surgery was done in March of 2019, and turned out to be more extensive and less successful than hoped. The surgery required additional time off work, and lifting restrictions for more than a month. This surgery once again cost Angie her max out of pocket for 2019 - another total of $7000.00. She had to pull from her retirement, take on additional debt, and is still making payments on the outstanding balance.
It was determined at her last recheck in November of 2019 that the surgery in March did not heal as expected and needs to be repaired. It was also discovered at that visit that the original surgery site is starting to degrade and will also require intervention. The surgery and recovery will likely be the hardest yet. This will be #4. The insurance approved surgery, and it is scheduled for Feb 2020. It will again cost Angie her max out of pocket for 2020- $7000. Because of a recent job change, she hasn't accrued much paid time off, and will be out of work at least 2 weeks; then on restriction an additional 4-6 weeks.
With all that she's been through with this medical condition, I would love to ease her financial burden so that she can focus on healing and recovering. This fourth surgery will bring her medical expenses up to $21,000 in just 4 years.
Thank you so much for love and support.
Niki Rowland
Organizer and beneficiary
Niki Rowland
Organizer
Duluth, MN
Angie Rowland
Beneficiary
