Thanks to everyone for all their prayers, thoughts, and good wishes. The family is leaving for Colorado later this month and Josh is FINALLY being put on the transplant list!!! Of course this is an answer to our prayers, but it is also a big step as they get ever closer to the surgery and the lifetime of care that follows.
A major fund-raising campaign is underway in the Wichita area for Josh and his transplant and transplant related expenses. Though the family has found a good insurance plan that covers most of his medical expenses, the insurance iteself is costly. Also, they have to relocate to Colorado for a period of 3 to 7 months. Josh's parents will have to quit their jobs here and maintain their house as they plan to move back as soon as possible. That will require funds as well. The family is working with COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association) in raising these funds.
I am closing this blog at this time, as COTA has set up a website specifically for Josh. He will be keeping an online journal where you can read about his progress and thoughts in his own words. Also, you can make a secure online contribution there as well.
If you live in the Wichita area and would like to volunteer, please contact the Campaign Coordinator listed on Josh's COTA website. Thanks again for supporting Josh.
http://cotaforjoshh.com/
Friday, February 13, 2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
Just the facts...
I won't be overly-dramatic and tell you how there was no Christmas tree. Or that my aunt and uncle seem to have aged 10 years in the last 2 months. I'll simply tell you that my cousin, Josh, needs a new heart.
He is now 17 years old. He was diagnosed shortly before his birthday last month. It progressed quickly from chest pain to inevitable heart transplant to a Level 2 transplant candidate in less than 2 months. This alone would be enough for ANY family or 17 year old to endure. This alone.
Yet, that's not even the worst part. While the family has insurance, they do not (like many of us) have prescription coverage. Now, you'd think that having insurance to cover a half million dollar surgery would be blessing enough. No. The doctors won't even put Josh on the transplant list. Because, the family can't "prove" that they will be able to afford the monthly medication he'll need after surgery. Now, obviously, as a parent, wouldn't you do everything you possibly could to come up with that money every month? Of course, you would. Does the hospital really think that the family wouldn't be overjoyed to receive such a gift that they would simply ignore the follow-up care? Really? So, it seems.
Josh doesn't qualify for Medicaid as my uncle makes too much money. Yet, they are not wealthy by any means. The "safety net" of supposed "health care for every child" has a big fat hole in it. I don't mean to sound like a political ad, but this is EXACTLY what's wrong with this country. Tell me how a country as wealthy and advanced as ours can let a 17 year old die. Yet, that is what will happen if he doesn't get a new heart. Soon. If they wait too long, he won't be a good candidate AT ALL.
I am asking for your prayers, your ideas, your suggestions, or your donations. I will update this blog as I get new information.
God Bless!
He is now 17 years old. He was diagnosed shortly before his birthday last month. It progressed quickly from chest pain to inevitable heart transplant to a Level 2 transplant candidate in less than 2 months. This alone would be enough for ANY family or 17 year old to endure. This alone.
Yet, that's not even the worst part. While the family has insurance, they do not (like many of us) have prescription coverage. Now, you'd think that having insurance to cover a half million dollar surgery would be blessing enough. No. The doctors won't even put Josh on the transplant list. Because, the family can't "prove" that they will be able to afford the monthly medication he'll need after surgery. Now, obviously, as a parent, wouldn't you do everything you possibly could to come up with that money every month? Of course, you would. Does the hospital really think that the family wouldn't be overjoyed to receive such a gift that they would simply ignore the follow-up care? Really? So, it seems.
Josh doesn't qualify for Medicaid as my uncle makes too much money. Yet, they are not wealthy by any means. The "safety net" of supposed "health care for every child" has a big fat hole in it. I don't mean to sound like a political ad, but this is EXACTLY what's wrong with this country. Tell me how a country as wealthy and advanced as ours can let a 17 year old die. Yet, that is what will happen if he doesn't get a new heart. Soon. If they wait too long, he won't be a good candidate AT ALL.
I am asking for your prayers, your ideas, your suggestions, or your donations. I will update this blog as I get new information.
God Bless!
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