A Connection Made

From Gina, as chipngrace, on one of the horse forums:

"I just wanted to emphasize the financial situations for those in need of lung transplants. My SO is 42 and has cystic fibrosis and had a double lung transplant in October. He is a college professor with good insurance that paid for it, however, there are SO many costs not covered by insurance, he's been forced to do fundraising as well. Even post tx, he has several lab and clinic appointments each week with co-pays. He had to move into a hotel in a city 1000 miles from home which he lived in from last August until today. He's finally HOME today!

Anyway, he'll be forever in debt financially. Too many bills that just never will get paid, he's on disability now (required at least a year after), and his check barely covers rent, let alone starting to pay off bills. He can't get a car, because of his bad credit/med bills piled up. His parents bought him one in their name to drive home, but they'll be coming to get it since he'll be driving in Chicago/Minneapolis and it is insured in Mass. At least he lives in walking distance of the L in Chicago, but that means he's stuck there. Also, he is still weak and just over 100 lbs at 5'11" so he can't carry much, so if he goes shopping for food or whatever, he can only get what he can carry.

It's a blessing, though, and it saved his life. His lung function was 12% weeks before the transplant, it is now around 108%. He has spent the last few weeks walking up hills, going door to door canvasing for a democratic candidate. It's worth it, and every single person who has helped, has been appreciated and not gone unnoticed."

Posted on May 7, 2008. Thank you to another Troll Squasher for the find. Perhaps this will be helpful if those kind hearts that donated to Pepe decide to pursue legal action...

Please keep the CFers who loved and prayed for Pepe close to your hearts, because they have lost someone dear to them this morning.