Hips Don’t Lie! Help Kelly Get Back Her Mobility

Hey y’all. I’m Jen, and I am fundraising for my fabulous cousin, Kelly Hamm. I’m hoping to switch her story from a Season of Stress to a Season of Hope, one full of love and laughter with family and friends.

For more than 10 years she has battled 3 cancers, with 2 recurrences. Treatments, radiations and more radiations have left her with full osteoporosis and a compromised immune system. The osteoporosis in her hips had deteriorated the bone to such a point that everyday was agony; sitting, standing, laying down, walking, all agony.

Her medical team has been fabulous in working out a plan to bring her back to full health. At the beginning of November, Kelly had a stomach procedure that totaled out of pocket near $6k for testing and surgery. November 30th, she had a Total Right Hip Replacement and a 3 day hospital stay. She is scheduled to have the Total Left Hip Replacement Dec 27th.

**A single total hip replacement costs between $40-44k just for the surgery and rehab; follow-ups and support care not included. Two hips in a 30 day period is extremely hard on a sick body to begin with but without the second hip replacement she runs the risk of permanent disability at just 40 years old.**

It was known that the testing and pre-ops would run a few thousand due to "coinsurance" or the 20% rule and all was in place to move forward. Till today when the insurance case manager called to notify her that since she already had one hip replaced, the second hip replacement is deemed an “elective” procedure, and will not be covered under the above rules. Working together, on a Saturday, her attorney and surgeon negotiated with the insurance company to keep the surgery on schedule, for December 27, with a $6400k up-front payment. She has about $1200 to put towards the payment but needs help in meeting the rest.

The stress in all of this is really taking a toll on her mental health and her energy to focus on recovery—as well as the additional adventures life brings.

Amazingly, she has never carried a balance for her health. She recognizes that through blessings from our Heavenly Father and close family, she has paid out far more than her family could have done on their own. She also recognizes that she is in need again, though she would rather be the giver, her current need is too great for her, and her family, to overcome alone. Please consider donating to my cousin, my sister, my best friend. Merry Christmas!