Ollie's Medical Fund
Donation protected
What would you buy with $35,000? A car. A vacation for two to New Zealand. Refurbish your home. My parents, Steve (63) and Cindy (62) who have been married for over 30 years, have 3 grown kids and 5 wonderful grandchildren, are spending their $35,000+ in an unplanned and financially challenging way!
What did they buy? A triple bypass surgery, a knee surgery, cancer treatments, therapy and doctor’s visits with rheumatologist, cardiologist, surgeons, pathologists, gastroenterologists, specialists, general physicians and practitioners – not to mention the countless prescription drugs!
In 2013 Dad had extreme muscle pain, stiffness and fatigue – so after a series of doctors’ visits and failed attempts to treat his pain, he saw a specialist and was diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica (an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips). Months later after failing a stress test, a heart catheterization revealed significant blockages (100/90/80) that could only be corrected by triple bypass surgery, all of which was followed by an on-going series of complications, therapy, medications, treatments and pain management. These complications also forced him into early retirement and a Social Security and Medicare waiting game.
As if the complications with Dad’s health and well-being weren’t enough, in September of 2015, a seemingly clumsy gardening moment would put Mom in a leg immobilizer, followed by knee surgery, osteoporosis diagnosis and weeks of missed work and wages.
None of this could have prepared any of us for the stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis Dad would receive this year (emotionally, financially or spiritually)! Did you know - in most cancer cases, patients meet their high deductibles before they even begin the actual cancer treatments? Between the doctor visits, CT scans, lab tests, more doctor visits, endoscopic ultrasonography, more CT scans, more doctor visits and genetic tests – Dad and Mom have maxed their high deductible plan for the 3rd year in row!
As challenging as it is to ask others to assist with medical expenses - the financial challenges are becoming unsurmountable! The medical bills have obliterated their Health Savings Account, chewed a hole in their retirement savings and are challenging their financial stability.
They never thought they would be in this position, nobody does, but they need help to cover the cost of the medical bills. Please! Any amount is truly appreciated!
What did they buy? A triple bypass surgery, a knee surgery, cancer treatments, therapy and doctor’s visits with rheumatologist, cardiologist, surgeons, pathologists, gastroenterologists, specialists, general physicians and practitioners – not to mention the countless prescription drugs!
In 2013 Dad had extreme muscle pain, stiffness and fatigue – so after a series of doctors’ visits and failed attempts to treat his pain, he saw a specialist and was diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica (an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips). Months later after failing a stress test, a heart catheterization revealed significant blockages (100/90/80) that could only be corrected by triple bypass surgery, all of which was followed by an on-going series of complications, therapy, medications, treatments and pain management. These complications also forced him into early retirement and a Social Security and Medicare waiting game.
As if the complications with Dad’s health and well-being weren’t enough, in September of 2015, a seemingly clumsy gardening moment would put Mom in a leg immobilizer, followed by knee surgery, osteoporosis diagnosis and weeks of missed work and wages.
None of this could have prepared any of us for the stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis Dad would receive this year (emotionally, financially or spiritually)! Did you know - in most cancer cases, patients meet their high deductibles before they even begin the actual cancer treatments? Between the doctor visits, CT scans, lab tests, more doctor visits, endoscopic ultrasonography, more CT scans, more doctor visits and genetic tests – Dad and Mom have maxed their high deductible plan for the 3rd year in row!
As challenging as it is to ask others to assist with medical expenses - the financial challenges are becoming unsurmountable! The medical bills have obliterated their Health Savings Account, chewed a hole in their retirement savings and are challenging their financial stability.
They never thought they would be in this position, nobody does, but they need help to cover the cost of the medical bills. Please! Any amount is truly appreciated!
Organizer and beneficiary
Christy Oliver Naniot
Organizer
Green Bay, WI
Stephen Oliver
Beneficiary