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My name is Amy‑Ranee. I’m 46 years old. I’m a Mom, a Grandma, a daughter, a granddaughter, a partner to Justin, a friend to many and a coworker.
A lot of people depend on me, and right now I need help!
Towards the middle of August, my life and my health changed overnight.
After lots of cardiac testing and procedures, in late October, I learned I have extremely rare and severe congenital heart defects that had gone undetected my entire life. My doctors believe the only reason I made it this far was because of an abnormal membrane in my heart that hid and/or helped my body compensate for decades-until it suddenly ruptured, triggering severe symptoms and revealing the true extent of the defects.
I was diagnosed with a large Primum ASD (atrial septal defect) and a massive PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) with a massive and complex 25mm tunnel.
A transcatheter (Heart Cath through the groin) repair was attempted on December 5th, but the procedure was unsuccessful and had to be aborted when I became unstable.
I was then scheduled for robotic heart surgery on December 26th-with heart/lung bypass, stopping the heart etc.) But my insurance, UHC/UMR, denied the prior authorization, repeatedly.
Their basis for denials?
-I had not YET had a cryptogenic stroke. Given the complexity and size of the tunnel alone a stroke would be catastrophic or fatal
-I have not YET developed pulmonary hypertension (irreversible heart and lung damage).
-I have not YET gone into right‑sided heart failure…
These are the very outcomes this surgery is meant to prevent! It’s why they move so quickly on infants and children to repair!
Because of these delays, my surgery was cancelled and pushed into 2026. It is now scheduled for March 4th, with an eight‑week recovery period plus cardiac rehab.
The delay has caused a financial crisis for me.
My short‑term disability ended on January 20th, leaving me with ZERO income, and the protection for my specific position under FMLA ended on January 13th. On top of that, my deductible and out‑of‑pocket maximum reset on January 1st, meaning I now need $9,000–$12,000 just to access the surgery I should have already had under last year’s coverage. I still owed about $3,000 from 2025 when all of this began. I’ve sold my car and personal items to stay afloat, but it isn’t enough.
My partner, Justin, is also unable to help financially as he is handling the estate and expenses following his mother’s recent passing after a brave and brutal 3 month battle with pancreatic cancer.
I’m raising funds to cover:
-My 2026 deductible and out‑of‑pocket costs as I drained my savings to cover last year’s.
- Basic living expenses while I have no income.
-Potential legal fees as I consider action for the harm caused by the delay in care
Every day this surgery is delayed puts more strain on my heart. I will share receipts and updates so you can see exactly where your support goes.
If I receive more than I need, every remaining penny will be used to start “Ginny’s Good Fight”a 501(c)(3) to offer financial assistance to Ohio cancer patients and their families, provide hospice comfort kits and offer compassionate support to those navigating complex insurance and legal issues.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me through the most frightening and overwhelming time of my life. ♥️
A lot of people depend on me, and right now I need help!
Towards the middle of August, my life and my health changed overnight.
After lots of cardiac testing and procedures, in late October, I learned I have extremely rare and severe congenital heart defects that had gone undetected my entire life. My doctors believe the only reason I made it this far was because of an abnormal membrane in my heart that hid and/or helped my body compensate for decades-until it suddenly ruptured, triggering severe symptoms and revealing the true extent of the defects.
I was diagnosed with a large Primum ASD (atrial septal defect) and a massive PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) with a massive and complex 25mm tunnel.
A transcatheter (Heart Cath through the groin) repair was attempted on December 5th, but the procedure was unsuccessful and had to be aborted when I became unstable.
I was then scheduled for robotic heart surgery on December 26th-with heart/lung bypass, stopping the heart etc.) But my insurance, UHC/UMR, denied the prior authorization, repeatedly.
Their basis for denials?
-I had not YET had a cryptogenic stroke. Given the complexity and size of the tunnel alone a stroke would be catastrophic or fatal
-I have not YET developed pulmonary hypertension (irreversible heart and lung damage).
-I have not YET gone into right‑sided heart failure…
These are the very outcomes this surgery is meant to prevent! It’s why they move so quickly on infants and children to repair!
Because of these delays, my surgery was cancelled and pushed into 2026. It is now scheduled for March 4th, with an eight‑week recovery period plus cardiac rehab.
The delay has caused a financial crisis for me.
My short‑term disability ended on January 20th, leaving me with ZERO income, and the protection for my specific position under FMLA ended on January 13th. On top of that, my deductible and out‑of‑pocket maximum reset on January 1st, meaning I now need $9,000–$12,000 just to access the surgery I should have already had under last year’s coverage. I still owed about $3,000 from 2025 when all of this began. I’ve sold my car and personal items to stay afloat, but it isn’t enough.
My partner, Justin, is also unable to help financially as he is handling the estate and expenses following his mother’s recent passing after a brave and brutal 3 month battle with pancreatic cancer.
I’m raising funds to cover:
-My 2026 deductible and out‑of‑pocket costs as I drained my savings to cover last year’s.
- Basic living expenses while I have no income.
-Potential legal fees as I consider action for the harm caused by the delay in care
Every day this surgery is delayed puts more strain on my heart. I will share receipts and updates so you can see exactly where your support goes.
If I receive more than I need, every remaining penny will be used to start “Ginny’s Good Fight”a 501(c)(3) to offer financial assistance to Ohio cancer patients and their families, provide hospice comfort kits and offer compassionate support to those navigating complex insurance and legal issues.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me through the most frightening and overwhelming time of my life. ♥️
Organizer
