My name is Tom and I am a high school science teacher in El Paso, Texas. My wife, Nancy, and I have been married for 36 years. This last spring, Nancy began to experience severe pain in her back. As spring gave way to summer, the pain became worse and she also became too weak to stand or walk. We have traveled from El Paso to Phoenix, AZ twice to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic as local spine doctors and PCPs were unable to diagnose a cause for her pain. After many tests (MRIs, CAT scans, and blood work), they have determined she is suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

As a consequence of her disease, Nancy is completely bedridden. I am currently on FMLA leave and I am her only primary caregiver. While we have met our deductible and all future medical costs this year are covered at 100%, I am still responsible for monthly expenses (rent, utilities, health insurance, etc). I have set a goal of $20,000 to cover past due bills as well as future medical costs not covered by insurance.

We currently have no income coming in to cover these costs. I hope to return to teaching by the end of November. If I can raise enough money, I can return to work and be able to pay for all of the costs listed above. However, the way pay periods are established, I may not get a check until the end of December. My goal of $20,000 includes past due rent and utilities as well as paying for someone to stay with my wife while I am at work as she is bedridden and a fall risk. Neither Medicare nor my employee health plan covers in-home custodial care. The goal also includes budgeting for another trip to Phoenix to the Mayo Clinic as well as local doctor’s visits. Currently, a round trip to the doctor locally varies from $100 to $200 round trip depending on distance and which companies are available.