Ellen's Medical Expenses

Last Friday (September 29) our 5 foot two, eyes of blue mom, Ellen, went to the hospital with intense pain in her neck, shoulders and arms, pain going down her leg, an extreme headache and numbness in her mouth. The previous day she was golfing and earlier on Friday she was playing bridge with her friends. When she arrived at the hospital that night, they found that her white cell count was dangerously high. AML.... an aggressive form of leukemia. The hospital near our parents home was not equipped to handle this disease so they brought her by ambulance to the University hospital in Columbia, Missouri. This hospital is just under two hours away from my parents home and their friends. My sister and I, my Mom's sisters and other extended family and dear family friends all live in Minnesota. After speaking with others who have also been diagnosed with this type of leukemia, we knew it was extremely important for her to be near her family support system. We made the difficult decision to move her to the University of Minnesota. Unfortunately this move, which entails a medical team to bring her up to Minnesota will not be covered by insurance. (It's considered a 'lateral' move since the level of treatment between hospitals is considered the same) This, along with all other medical expenses, puts a huge financial burden on our family. Many of you have generously offered to help financially and suggested starting this fund. We are deeply grateful for your donation. Thank you to all who have been holding her and our family in your thoughts. Our beautiful mother will need your prayers, love and support to bravely fight this disease. Thank you and blessings to all.