Medical Expenses for Kim Hatcher

Kim Hatcher is in a battle for her life. In 1999, following gallbladder surgery, Kim's health began to decline. It was discovered that serious damage had occurred in the area surrounding her diseased gallbladder. Kim has received treatment through the years to try to restore function to the affected area. There have been numerous procedures involving the biliary tree, pancreatic duct, liver duct and common bile duct. Doctors from the United States, France, Germany and Italy have used transplant procedures to reconstruct the damaged tree and ducts. In this past year alone there have been 60+ procedures aimed at restoring the damaged area. There are ongoing complications requiring procedures to be repaired repeatedly.

This condition is extremely rare. Her team of doctors know of only one other person presently affected in this manner. Kim knows this person from the hospital and commented that it is very sad to see them following along the same path with these problems. Kim's past four years have brought an increased frequency and intensity of problems. This last year is a constant battle making trips to Louisville, Cleveland and Mayo Clinic a constant routine.

Kim has insurance but due to various reasons, there have been huge bills that were not covered. Kim has come home to live with her mother, Sue Hatcher. Sue is, as moms do, giving of herself and resources in an effort to get Kim what she needs. Her fear now is that soon she and Kim will not be able to come up with the startup cost to get the next needed medical treatment. Living with this constant worry is taking its toll on both of these ladies. Kim spoke recently of how Sue had gone to great lengths that could never be repaid, but that is what moms do.

I am reaching out on their behalf to any who might feel led to help in this time of need.  Thank you for reading about their dilemma and responding accordingly.