It takes a village to raise a child.
No truer words have ever been uttered, especially when it comes to this [tall, slightly older] child. People have been insanely generous with their donations *** pause for proper recognition of this amazing outpouring which will not only save my life because I'll have my surgery at Mayo, a center of excellence... but save me from financial ruin *** There have been messages and hugs and love and offers of help in so many ways. People have offered assistance with my taxes, help when I run out of sick days at work, and of course the fundraisers!
My favorite California girl and teacher extraordinaire, Amy Salinger, decided very early this school year she would be taking over for me when I needed to be gone from school. This little lady was taking the year off but didn't hesitate one bit to return to Brown when she made her proclamation as my long-term substitute. HUGE burden lifted from my shoulders. She took over teaching while I was out for my second round of chemo and is currently somewhere at Brown right now, probably wrangling Kindergartners... one of my favorite things about my job! Have I mentioned I love my job? I know everything in our classroom is running smoothly and kids love seeing her everyday. This is brilliant, Elder Sal! Thank you (times one zillion).
In a stroke of grandeur and angelic compassion Kim Patton, a mother at my school, sent me an email with a suggestion of some insurance I should look into. I had no idea this option even existed and my Colorado residency pays off once again as it's only offered in the Centennial State. Her message was very detailed and even included accounts of what happened when she called to inquire on my behalf. This wonderful woman has substantially cut my impending medical debt and saved me from a growing mound of stress. Kaiser denied my referral to Mayo and the appeal... rendering me without coverage.
I have purchased the additional insurance Kim suggested. I did so by the proper deadline and my coverage began January 1, 2014. Hip, hip, HOORAY! I called to give Mayo this information. When the business office called back, I was hesitantly told my new insurance would only provide 50% coverage. To which I jubilantly exclaimed, "That's wonderful!" Fifty percent is leaps and bounds better than nothing! My reaction of merriment was again met with surprise when she stated I will have a significant deductible. "Okay! No problem!" Instead of walking in the door with the quoted amount of $57,000 or be turned away (and that was just the downpayment, not the total for surgery and subsequent hospital stay), now I can let the bills roll in and pay them as they come with the assets gained from the fundraisers. I believe we can now stop throwing around the "B word" as well. That's bankruptcy, but the way, in case you were thinking of the other B word.
So, the time is now. We met with the Mayo surgeons today and I couldn't be more convinced I'm in the right place. If you are particularly attached to any of my internal organs, speak now or forever hold your peace. Come tomorrow, I'll be a little thinner in the midsection. My aunt Deb suggested they install a zipper so if we have to go back in, it's easy access. I picture my belly looking like a tub of ice cream with a bunch of scoops missing. Is anyone taking this seriously??? I hope not, it's going to be brilliant! Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Catch ya on the flip side!
This post is dedicated to you, the readers of this blog. When I came up short again and again, in the words of the great Theodore Roosevelt, you entered the arena with me and together we dared greatly. My face was marred with dust and sweat and blood (and tears), but this week I rise in triumph and it's because you stood with me and now hold my arm up like a boxing referee as we declare victory.
