Surgery and Crohn’s Disease Treatment for Lance

Surgery and Crohn’s Disease Treatment for Lance

 

Hello All,

My name is Brandy Jones and I am doing this on behalf of my sister, Brooke Yeager, and brother-in-law, Lance Yeager.  I know this is already and incredibly difficult time for most, due to COVID-19 and so many have been affected financially.  As many already know, Lance has been suffering from severe Crohn’s Disease since 2012 and has already endured numerous major surgeries and treatments to battle the disease and its complications.  Because of the disease, in 2016, Lance’s entire colon was removed. After several other surgeries to attempt to correct complications, Lance underwent surgery in 2017 to receive a permanent ileostomy.  He has since endured other severe issues from this, and now must have surgery on May 11, 2020 to correct 2 parastomal hernias which have developed around his ostomy.  He has tried to avoid having the surgery, but because of the hernias and their locations, they can become life-threatening at any time if not corrected.  Once the surgery is complete and he begins recovery, he must also begin a new biological medicine to attempt to treat the Crohn’s and hopefully, help to get it under control.  The doctors have already tried all of the biological medicine options available except one, but none of them have helped and his disease continues to worsen.  I am requesting help for Lance and Brooke to assist with costs associated with his surgery, as his insurance will not be covering all of the costs.  Lance will also require home health assistance for a while once he is released and numerous medications, all of which will cost them a lot of money out of pocket.  Lance will also have to begin his new biological medicine, which has a very high copay per dose.  While Lance has two insurances as well as a separate prescription coverage plan, Medicare and his secondary insurance will only cover a portion of what he needs.  He is currently also under the care of the head of Gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.  They must travel there at least once per year to visit the doctor and complete testing and procedures to check the progress of his disease.  Once Lance has recovered well enough, it will be time for them to travel to Jacksonville again for this.  There is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, unfortunately, and Lance’s case is incredibly severe.  Improving Lance’s quality of life is our ultimate goal so that he can enjoy his life and be there for Brooke and their five-year old son, Benjamin.  While I know many have been affected financially by the Coronavirus and are unable to help, if any of you are able to offer them any assistance, it would be much appreciated.  They were counting on receiving their stimulus checks to assist with this, but they are among the millions who still have not received theirs and it could be a long time before they get it.  If you are able, please consider helping them get through this difficult journey.  Any donation, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much!