UPDATE: (this is a new GoFundMe but continued from the first one - the old link would not work)

As many of you know, Jerelyn's kidney transplant had been cancelled last December due to some complications. Great news, it is back on and scheduled for August 12!

Jerelyn wants to thank everyone for your care, support, prayers, donations, and all the help given to her during this long road to her HOPEFUL SUCCESSFUL TRANSPLANT this time!!! As she says, "Third time is the charm!"

This past month, there was another big bump in their road. Todd, who has been employed for 29 years, lost his job for no reason, which also means they lost their health insurance on July 31. They have been scrambling to get health coverage otherwise they could not get the transplant. Jerelyn finally qualified for Medicare but she will need to pay for Medicare, a supplement, and an expensive drug plan every month. The copay she will have to pay for just 2 of her anti-rejection drugs (she will have to take 8) that she will have to take for the rest of her life was quoted at $400 per MONTH. This is on top of the monthly premium payment. She hasn't gotten a quote on the other 30 drugs she also takes. She was also quoted that the 20%  she would have to pay, due to Medicare copay for the transplant surgery and follow-up visits for the first year for her and Bret could run between $8-10,000. Along with their everyday and monthly bills, they will also have all the extra expenses with the transplant (hotels, travel, gas, food)

Jerelyn also started a Facebook group:  Update on Jerelyn and Bret kidney transplant August 12.  If you would like to join the group for updates, please go to  https://www.facebook.com/groups/154464350100113

As stated below, my hope is to raise enough money to help Jerelyn and Bret with the financial burden they will incur. Both families do realize that many of you may be going through your own difficult times due to Covid, so if you are unable to donate financially, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated! 

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Jerelyn has fought many medical battles throughout the years and this is just another hurdle in her journey.  Both of Jerelyn's kidneys are failing and are functioning at only 10-12%. Jerelyn has been approved for a kidney transplant and her cousin, Bret Janeskala, was a match and has graciously offered to be her donor. Jerelyn will be having her kidney transplant surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester on
December 11, 2020.  

Jerelyn will be in the hospital for a week following her surgery and then will need to stay at the Transplant House for an additional three weeks. Her husband will be staying with her for two of the weeks and then some gracious volunteers will be staying with her the rest of the time. She will need help with cooking, shopping, getting to doctor appointments, etc.  

Bret is a full-time mailman in Ely and is a co-owner of LuckyBoy Services and The Fat Chicken Greenhouse. Bret will have to be in the hospital for two to three days and then will have to stay in Rochester for several more. He will also not be able to lift more than 10 lbs for at least 8 more weeks. Bret is a very caring and standup man who always put others first before himself.  

Jerelyn, Bret, and their families are very giving and loving people. During Covid, Jerelyn has helped the Ely and Babbitt communities by donating over 1100 hand-sewn masks.  

Jerelyn and Bret will have many expenses that their health insurance will not cover. There will also be hotel stays, food, gas, co-pays, etc. They will both have to make many return trips to the Mayo for follow-ups.  

Through this GoFundMe, my hope is to offset some of the financial burdens that Jerelyn and Bret will incur. Both families do realize that many of you may also be going through your own difficult times during this Covid epidemic, so if you are unable to donate financially, your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated!  

Thank you!