Angie U Medical Fund!!

I never thought I would be writing something like this about someone in my family….but here it goes.

My sister Angie has always been an extremely independent person, despite being a type 1 diabetic for most of her life.  As a mother, daughter, sister, and friend, she is always willing to help others.  She has worked since she was 16 years old, most recently as a corporate trainer. She loves helping people learn how to reach their full potential in their jobs.  Due to the recent economic downturn, Angie was unfortunately laid off from her job after 14 years.  Her dream was to go back to school and fulfill her goal of owning her own business, when illness struck.  Angie developed pain in her legs, due to neuropathy which is a complication of her diabetes.  Also, she has had a number of surgeries on her eye including cataracts surgery, several laser surgeries for glaucoma, and a more severe surgery for a detached retina.  So she went forward with the surgery for the detached retina in  hopes her sight would be restored.

After the surgeries were completed our family was looking forward Angie’s recovery and being able to get back to the life she once knew.  However, in December of 2014 the unthinkable happened.  Angie was left unable to walk, and was rushed to the hospital.  Between all the surgeries and medications, we were caught off guard and oblivious what could have caused this.  As a family, we have rallied around her to keep her spirits lifted as numerous tests were run and the hospital tried to figure out what happened and why she wasn’t able to walk. The hospital staff was unable to pin point a reason for the loss of mobility, and Angie was transferred to a sub-acute care facility (kind of like a nursing home) to begin rehabilitation. Since Angie is not currently employed, she has insurance through the state of Michigan, which covered the first 45 days of physical rehabilitation.  Through all of her trials and ordeals, she has worked hard to try and regain her leg function and has made small steps toward her goal of walking again.  Unfortunately, Angie's rehabilitation was cut off after the initial period.  She’s been offered limited to no rehab since that time, and her legs have gotten progressively worse. On top of all this, she also has limited vision in both eyes.  Angie has now been away from home over 6 months.  We all miss her dearly, and even though we visit her and try to keep her spirits up as often as we can, we all realize that there is truly no place like home.

Angie’s doctors here in Michigan are not sure why she isn’t able to walk.  Recently, she was referred to the Mayo Clinic, and they’ve graciously agreed to accept her as a patient and try and diagnose what’s wrong so she can get the correct treatment.  We want to get her the best medical care possible, but without private insurance, this is a difficult task for any one person or family to accomplish.  The initial Mayo Clinic visit in July 2015 will cost $5,000, which does not include the cost of lodging or travel.  Without financial assistance, Angie could come out of this life altering situation with significant medical debt.  Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic does not accept Michigan’s insurance.  And we are desperately searching for ways to cover the costs of treatment, as well as the cost of at home care when she can finally transition home and learn how to live on her own. 

I would greatly appreciate it if you could find it in your heart to help my sister.  Truthfully, you would be helping all her family and friends.  Angie's absence feels like a void in all of our lives, and it hurts to see my independent, funny, beautiful sister not able to live her life the way she once did.  I just want her to have a chance to get better.  Anything you can give would help, even if it’s $1 it would be truly appreciated.  If you cannot contribute financially, we would truly appreciate your all your positive thoughts and prayers. Also if you could please share this campaign, we would truly appreciate it.  Thank you so much for taking the time to consider helping my sister!

Sincerely,
Veronica Grant and Ronald Grant