Repost: Desperation

Copied from the Alabama Board: As most of you know, Julie Campbell has been very sick for a very long time. She is in constant pain, she is not able to take in enough food or water to support life, her esophagus is eroding from constant vomiting, her health is deteriorating, and she is in need of a revision of WLS. The surgeon who originally performed Julie's surgery is no longer able to manage her care and has referred her to Dr Freeman in Anniston. Dr Freeman has graciously agreed to treat Julie and to do the revision. She has undergone numerous tests and it is certain that she cannot continue to live without surgery. Her anastomosis site is almost completely closed, there are abnormal kinks and twists in her intestines, and there is likely a large amount of adhesions. Julie has never asked for anything except prayers. She is always faithful to her church and to this board. She has been supportive and encouraging to others while her health continues to decline but the time has come that she URGENTLY needs our help. It was known from the beginning that her insurance would not cover the surgery but we thought it would cover her hospital stay. On Friday (March 9), her insurance denied any coverage. She must have 100% of the bill up front to even be admitted to the hospital. The estimated cost for an uncomplicated surgery with 5 admission days is $18,500 (eighteen thousand five hundred). This amount has been discounted for her and cannot be reduced any lower but can go higher. However, she can be admitted and have this life saving surgery if we can raise the $18,500. Julie's life is at stake and everyday that passes is another day is another day that her health deteriorates even more, making it more difficult to for her to fully recover from surgery. Julie's Home Health nurse reports that Julie's condition is GRAVE and requests that she try to live each day to the fullest. For this reason we ask that you do not PM or email her with questions regarding her health. You may PM either myself, Lindy, Carmen or Louise. We will gladly reply. There are several ways you can make a donation. You can mail the a check directly to Julie, you can mail a check to Dr Freeman (for Julie Campbell's account), or you can use the paypal account that has been set up for this purpose. Email or PM me for Julie's address. Dr Bryan Freeman Attention: Lynn (Julie Campbell's account) 822 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 https://www.paypal.com/ the paypal account is: [email protected] Thank you for your help. Gina Me: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/proteinprincess/ Lindy: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/dixiechick/ Carmen: http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/mommagoldenbear/ Louise: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=A1106447019

Hi, I guess I have some tough questions to ask.  I don't know Julie, nor have I seen anything about this situation in the past.  Being the prudent person I am with money, I guess I would like to know: Why is the total amount of the surgery and the amount being asked to donate 18,500 dollars?   Does Julie have no ability to pay for any part of it herself?  What about friends, family and even her church?  Are they unable to contribute anything for the surgery?   I had gastric surgery over a year ago, and ended up taking out a home equity loan for the part not covered by insurance.  Is Julie unable to do that?  Can the administrators of this board verify that the information given in the above e-mail is accurate? I hate to be the skeptic, but in this day and age, these questions need to be answered before people donate to someone they have never met. If this information is true, and Julie is indeed in such dire straights, please accept my sympathy, and sincere hope that the money will be raised, and Julie will again be returned to good heath. Dana  p.s.  I had many complications from my surgery, and Julie having complications from a revision is indeed very likely, and the amount needed to cover the hospital bills will likely go much higher.  Mine was over $100,000 for the first 2 weeks in the hospital alone.

These are the same questions that I asked before I started helping.

The total amount being asked for is $18,500 because that is the projected amount. Of course, surgery plus a hospital stay will be much higher but the surgeon and the hospital have discounted their rates for her. The amount will go higher if she has any complications or stays longer than 5 days. The $18,500 is what is needed for an uncomplicated surgery and hospital stay. However, we are not worried with additional costs, only what is needed up front. Julie's church, family, and friends are helping but the goal has not been met, yet. We could wait for someone else to raise the money but the truth is she needs the surgery ASAP that is why we are asking for help from strangers. Finances are strained because Julie insurance doesnt cover all her present needs. She pays out of pocket for 50% of her home health charges, some of her medications are not covered, she has a central line IV, and has been in the hospital numerous times in the past year. She also has two young children. Her husband is very supportive but his income only goes so far toward these things. A second mortgage is not possible because she lives in an apartment.

I do not think the administrator of the board knows Julie personally, but I did seek permission from OH before posting this.  This information can be verified by calling the surgeon listed in my post. They will not break any HIPPA guideline but they will verify the urgent need. 

I thought the surgeon's phone number was in my previous post. It's (256) 236-1300.  We are aware that she will likely have complications and be in the hospital longer than the 5 days that are are planned. At this time, we are not concerned with that amount, only the amount that it takes to get through the door.

I'm not sure about the hospital involved, but if her surgeon admits her as an urgent status and did immediate surgery on her , the hospital cannot refuse her admittance. She will have a big hospital bill afterwards, but that will give her time to pay. Also if the doctor is such a great guy, he would ask for a deposit and operate to save her life. I called my local hospital and this was the information I was given about admitting a patient who needs life-saving surgery, that she cannot be denied access to hospital care, including operating facilities. Not to say that I am unwilling to help her as I can find some funds for the cause. I just think this situation being a matter of life and death, you must know the hospital cannot by law refuse her treatment or access to treatment in thier facility.

if we all just gave 1 or 2 dollars we could raise a lot of money for this young lady

You are so right. We are not asking for a large sum of money from any one person. Every dollar adds up.

Thanks for posting Julie's story here.  I hate to hear what she is going through but I try to at least have 1/2 the amount of faith that she always has.  When I was pre op, I was told that I needed a c-pap machine.  I had no money or insurance but knew I needed it to have surgery. She sent me her machine at no charge just so I can have surgery. She had no clue who I was but was so willing to help me.   I continue to pray for her everyday! I hope everyone helps. Like someone else said, if everyone sends a dollar, it can save her life!

Kay, Thank you. Julie is a very big hearted person with the patience of Job. A situation like this would rattle the faith of many people but she stands firm in her beliefs. She gives so freely to others and that is why I am trying to help her.  Gina

 

Thank you, Gina, for answering my questions.  I will make a donation via paypal.  I can't give much (I'm still paying off my own medical bills), but I will try to help.  If everyone gives a little, much can be done. Please don't let Julie wait for funds to get the surgery.  As others suggested, get the local media involved, and GET THE SURGERY NOW !!  I hope she's at least on a feeding tube for now, to buy her some time.  I had one for a while, and while it's no picnic, at least I got nurishment. Please keep everyone posted on her condition.  Maybe you could post every day or so on the progress with the fundraising, and how she's doing.  It might help get more people involved.  If someone isn't online every day, they'll miss the posts, and not know anything is going on. Best wishes -- Dana