Some of you have asked me to clarify how these funds will be used, so I thought I would address that here. I am one of the millions that are called “underinsured” by those in the media. I have insurance that provides basic needs for my children and me. However, when the unexpected happens, I might as well not even have insurance because the out of pocket costs are so great. One of the most expensive medical events one can have is an organ transplant. This is not a one and done expense as the lifelong medications, checkups and medical needed after transplant are often not covered at 100% or at all.
This is why transplant clinics make the underinsured prove that they are able and willing to request help from generous people like yourself. Money that you donate will be put into a separate “liver bank account” that I have already set up. I will regularly prove funds in this account to the hospital to continue my care. Some costs that you may not think of as it relates to getting my liver transplant are:
Unexpected hospitalizations as I continue to wait for a liver.
Pre-transplant medications.
A month (or two) of temporary housing and moving expenses for a caregiver (required) and me post-transplant. I need to stay near the transplant hospital until I am approved for longer drives and the risk of rejection decreases. As I will be needing a month to month lease, the rents increase exponentially.
Tolls and mileage to said housing and appointments in Oklahoma City at Nazih Zuhdi.
Post-transplant immuno-suppressants so my body doesn’t reject my new liver.
As your generous donation will be spent specifically for my transplant and I will be sending payments to Nazih Zuhdi directly from this account, these funds are NOT considered personal income or assets to me.
I don’t just think my life would improve with liver transplant; I absolutely NEED a liver transplant in order to stay alive. I am very impressed with my care so far at Nazih Zuhdi and plan to have them as my doctors my many years to come. They are not just good doctors there (one of very few in the country that specialize in liver transplant); they are good people and I feel comfortable putting my life in their hands I appreciate your interest in supporting me and would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Thank you perpetually,
Ashley
