One story: Multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone). This preacher had two stem cell transplants - in St Louis, later in Little Rock. He needed a third but it had to be from a donor this time. His sister was not a match. The team at the myeloma center of the world (UAMS) found 5 matches in the general population - all on the registry to be a donor. The wife saw the numbers (they dont use names) of the 5 matches and was elated!! AMAZED there were 5 matches and instantly full of hope. In the next sentence, they said that insurance through his church had denied the procedure - but, no worries - just raise $300,000 and we can do the transplant. Raise $300,000? Practically penniless from all the medical bills, not one ounce of energy left over at the end of the 8-hour treatment days, they could not believe what they were just told. He, himself, called the director of the health plan - another preacher, in fact. The director just said an emphatic NO. That next year at Christmas, the Pension Plan publication came out praising, rejoicing that that same director had just had a successful heart transplant. Now a widow, the wife couldnt quiet connect the dots that the very man who denied her husband his transplant had gotten one himself. Insurance companies are difficult, to be sure. If your procedure is not approved one year, wait a year. It will be approved. But, as here, not in time. Im glad Mr. Preacher Man has his heart and his family can enjoy more time with him. I, myself, miss my husband, Tim, who only gave and gave his whole life - then to be shown donors, but denied the procedure. This is our story - Alice and Tim Carlson - and my Tim died 11 years ago yesterday at the age of 52. Some things we never understand. We do have to accept. We dont have to be happy about it. Im just forever thankful for Tims life
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:17:15 +0000
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