Amanda's Colonoscopy Fund

My name is Amanda Thompson. I am the proud mother of FIVE CHILDREN, ranging in ages from 3-9 years old. I've been called "super mom" ... and, most days, I honestly love that title. 

Recently, I've fallen short of that name. You see, I've been experiencing some health issues. Normally, this wouldn't phase me. But, you see ... my mother passed away from colorectal cancer a month after her 45th birthday. So, now that I'm turning 40 in a matter of a month, "health issues" begin to scare me.

For the last 3 months, I've been experiencing some intestinal pain and burning.  For anyone who has lost a loved one to colon cancer, this can be terrifying. And, it is.

So, why don't you get it checked out, Amanda? Well, I don't have health insurance. With five kiddos and this economy, it's a daily struggle just to get by. My kiddos are covered with MediCal (insurance for the lower income families of California). However, my husband and I do not qualify. The state indicated that he made $200 too much a month to get coverage. When we attempted to sign up for Covered California (through Obamacare), their monthly premiums were far more than we could afford, as well. <sigh>

I scraped up enough cash to see my old primary care physician 3 months ago when this all began. She indicated that I wasn't in "crisis" at the time  ... it "may be" intestinal inflammation ... and, I should just try to let things "heal" on their own ... it could take 3 or 4 months. Well, it's been three months, and I am beginning to grow worried.

With a family history of colon cancer, I am supposed to be screened every five years. Our family had insurance before the economy tanked, and I did undergo a colonoscopy screening at age 35. Everything was clear and normal. I am due for my screening, with or without the inetestinal probelms, at age 40 ... which is now. However, colonoscopies range between $2500 and $5000 depending upon state and hospital locations. WHAT????!!!

I researched online and found the Colonoscopy Assist Program that helps cover the cost of colonoscopies for the uninsured. They can help me. A colonoscopy through their program would run about $1300 ... $1900, if I wished to also have the upper GI looked at, at the same time. 

Though this is a huge reduction in cost, it's still out of my financial realm.

I implore anyone out there to help. I'm working SO HARD to save money for this procedure. But, time is of the essence. Early detection is crucial in these cases. 

I have five BEAUTIFUL children that need me. And, I want to be around for them for a very long time!