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Buddy was recently diagnosed again with a form of IPF which results in rejection leading to lung failure. The type he has now is much more aggressive than the original diagnosis and will eventually require a second transplant. This time he will also need a kidney transplant as he is suffering renal failure as well. This news was devastating and came as a shock to our entire family. We are trusting God for a miracle while still exhausting all medical assistance available.
Amy lost her job with Duke Energy last year when she was forced to take an involuntary retirement. As a result they lost their insurance coverage as of July 1st. Amy has applied for numerous jobs but with Buddy's current diagnosis she will be required to once again fulfill the role of caregiver. Things are very uncertain and there is no way of knowing how this disease will present itself symptomatically. Needless to say they have already begun to make trips to Chapel Hill for tests and treatments.
The medicines prescribed to Buddy by his doctor were denied by his insurance and cost $8000 out of pocket. His doctor basically said there was nothing he could do to assist and accepted the insurance company's decision without question. Buddy began to desperately try, with the help of his transplant coordinator, to get financial assistance through the manufacturer. We are still waiting for a final decision on approval. He already received one chemotherapy treatment in an effort to slow down the progression of the disease and others may follow. Recently he discovered another treatment called Photopheresis that aids in slowing the deterioration of the lungs. He will receive 16 treatments total and his medicare will cover all but a $6500 deductible. The first treatment is scheduled for July 15th. It is sad to watch him attempt to deal with money issues, insurance, and hospitals while trying to focus on preparing his body to qualify for a transplant. The stress of the disease progressing is enough to deal with without having to worry about whether you have the coverage or funds to obtain the life-saving medical care you need. Additionally, Amy now is without any medical coverage as well.
Buddy's lung failure will move much more rapidly this time and it is uncertain as to what other medical expenses will incur. The time line given to us for end stage lung failure is within 6-12 months from diagnosis. Due to his age and needing two organs it may prove more difficult to get him listed for a second transplant Please begin to pray with us that he will be accepted and once again receive this life saving gift of life.
Any help, in any capacity, will be greatly appreciated. This is a very difficult time for Buddy and Amy as well as our entire family. We do not always understand God's plan or why we're here again. Nevertheless, it is our hope we can come together and bless Buddy and Amy during a very difficult time.
All support will be greatly appreciated and so beneficial in Buddy's treatment and help sustain his lungs as we hopefully move forward a second set of new lungs and kidneys.
Amy lost her job with Duke Energy last year when she was forced to take an involuntary retirement. As a result they lost their insurance coverage as of July 1st. Amy has applied for numerous jobs but with Buddy's current diagnosis she will be required to once again fulfill the role of caregiver. Things are very uncertain and there is no way of knowing how this disease will present itself symptomatically. Needless to say they have already begun to make trips to Chapel Hill for tests and treatments.
The medicines prescribed to Buddy by his doctor were denied by his insurance and cost $8000 out of pocket. His doctor basically said there was nothing he could do to assist and accepted the insurance company's decision without question. Buddy began to desperately try, with the help of his transplant coordinator, to get financial assistance through the manufacturer. We are still waiting for a final decision on approval. He already received one chemotherapy treatment in an effort to slow down the progression of the disease and others may follow. Recently he discovered another treatment called Photopheresis that aids in slowing the deterioration of the lungs. He will receive 16 treatments total and his medicare will cover all but a $6500 deductible. The first treatment is scheduled for July 15th. It is sad to watch him attempt to deal with money issues, insurance, and hospitals while trying to focus on preparing his body to qualify for a transplant. The stress of the disease progressing is enough to deal with without having to worry about whether you have the coverage or funds to obtain the life-saving medical care you need. Additionally, Amy now is without any medical coverage as well.
Buddy's lung failure will move much more rapidly this time and it is uncertain as to what other medical expenses will incur. The time line given to us for end stage lung failure is within 6-12 months from diagnosis. Due to his age and needing two organs it may prove more difficult to get him listed for a second transplant Please begin to pray with us that he will be accepted and once again receive this life saving gift of life.
Any help, in any capacity, will be greatly appreciated. This is a very difficult time for Buddy and Amy as well as our entire family. We do not always understand God's plan or why we're here again. Nevertheless, it is our hope we can come together and bless Buddy and Amy during a very difficult time.
All support will be greatly appreciated and so beneficial in Buddy's treatment and help sustain his lungs as we hopefully move forward a second set of new lungs and kidneys.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Norris
Beneficiary

