Financial/Medical Crisis for Dale & Mitzi Miller

I never ever thought I would be doing this, but circumstances are such that I, after much prayer & seeking counsel from others, feel I have no other alternative.  As most of you know, I moved my Mother down to Texas with me, after she broke her back.  With her no longer able to work, I was aware that I would be the sole provider & was accountable for her care & well-being.  Idealistically, I always knew that something unexpected could happen, but believed it would not until I was better positioned to handle such a thing.  Well, that is not the case.

My Mother took a fall, getting out of the bathtub/shower, a few weeks ago.  She was not terribly hurt...just ripped open her shin & bruised a few toes & her head.  The cut healed & all seemed fine until we saw her Doctor last week.  She was very concerned & had us see an infectious disease Doctor.  He, in turn, explained that she has cellulitis...a dangerous infection, internally.  IF it were to travel through her lymph nodes, or blood stream, it could prove to be fatal.  Also, there is concern for potential gangrene & sepsis.  Thus, he placed her on an extremely potent antibiotic!  This is taken EVERY 4 hours, throughout a 24 hour period, after eating some food.  Because it is so strong, she requires round the clock care, as it can make her very ill!  I contacted our insurance company & they, even after I submitted a lengthy appeal, denied her an aide, stating that it's considered custodial, rather than medical (interpretation:  "you require a babysitter!")

To hire a home health care aide would cost me $875. per week.  Her medication is already costing me a few hundred dollars weekly (NOT covered by insurance as it is so rare & not available generically).  I DID contact the drug manufacturer & they ARE sending me a voucher for one week's worth.  I have done everything in my power to remedy this situation & the bottom line is...I MUST stay home, & am NOT able to go to work, until we get her through this.  I have not been with my company long enough to qualify for FMLA, but WAS granted a "leave of absence," so I DO plan on returning as soon as I can!  We are anticipating a full healing in 6-10 weeks.  Thus, for now, I have NO income!  A lot of you know I was working 2 jobs, but I never amassed any savings...that was to keep our heads above water.  We have been living paycheck to paycheck, I am ashamed to admit.  I AM seeking immediate placement in a legitimate "work from home" job, but know that may not happen quickly, if at all.  Also, I will utilize some of my time to see about selling some things off, to provide additional income.  I am already exhausted, having to get up every 3 1/2 hours every day & night, but Mom is handling things like the trouper that she is!  God bless her!

As stated before, I wrestled with this...I have always been of the belief that fundraisers should be for bereavement, or fatal circumstances.  This is neither &, were it just me, I would handle things differently.  But, because I am responsible for my Mother's well-being, as well as my own, I don't know what else to do! Thus, I am humbly submitting to y'all, I am at a precipice of uncertainty & am hoping that some of you might feel inclined to make a donation.  Even $5 would help!  We have $3700 that is due each month (between rent~& we just renewed our lease!, utilities, storage, insurance, car payment, medications, etc.) & then additional expenditures with her current situation, etc.  I know this was lengthy, but wanted to give full disclosure in making such a request.  So, PLEASE, if you choose to help, I would be FOREVER GRATEFUL!  &, should my eventual circumstances ever permit, I would do my utmost best to return the favor!  &, whatever you decide, any & ALL prayers would be greatly appreciated!

I thank you with ALL my heart for just considering this.  Thank you!  With love, Dale