We seem to spend a lot of time in cars.
Lots of doctor stuff. But right now, we're also helping a friend get set up for a kidney transplant. He has appointments for testing, and interviews, and it's 110 miles to the closest place to get him on a list. He's on SS Disability, and his SO is awaiting disability (after 3 years) so they don't have much money. Their car was wrecked on a grey, rainy day on the way to his dialysis appointment, so we (SO retired, me on disability--Social Security only) provide all their transportation. Dialysis is 25 miles away, three times a week. Transplant appointments are ongoing, and going and going...
I figured out the mileage there and back (for the transplant only, we all work together to cover dialysis) and multiplied by the number of trips to complete the testing (and added two more, just on the chance that he'll require the 'possible extra tests' their schedule has), figured gas mileage and then multiplied by current (not future projected, just current) gas price. Prices will probably go up, or if our car goes out, we may have to borrow a less economical car to make the trip, but at present, the $340 is my best estimate for the out of pocket gas money to get him fully compliant with all the transplant list protocols.
Michael's a good guy. He's supported Denise on the next to nothing that SS pays him, as well as himself, since she's been turned down for disability twice. (Rehab won't even consider trying to get her back to work, as she needs somewhere between 8 and 11 orthopedic surgeries to start being functional--never get run down by a drunk lawyer.) If we could afford it, we would just pay for the gas. We can't afford it either. (My co-pay on my chemo-shot every month almost exceeds my yearly income, so my credit stinks, too.)
We promise to just buy gasoline with the money. Dan and I will cover oil and tranny fluid (the car is old, and uses both rather rapidly) but the gas is eating us up. Thanks for considering this wish. (more) 
Wish
Comments
SO SORRY I MISSED YOUR WISH VOTE I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL. PLEASE DONT GIVE UP KEEP POSTING IT. I HAVE A WISH POSTED THAT MAY HELP YOU IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT IT. IF NOT THAT IS OK TOO. TAKE CARE DEAR AND GOD BLESS YOU.
Good luck to you! Gas prices suck! Good luck for your friend as well!
Good Luck
I HAVE GIVEN U
good luck to you!
Good Luck
OK, we're running in circles here. Michael's 'graft' for his dialysis has- to be replaced, so it's surgery tomorrow! (Be there at 6 AM.) Then Denise to the doc at 11, then, hopefully, pick Michael up an 3. That's what we've been doing, a lot! (Yesterday, it stormed all day so we had no power or phones...)
Thanks, all for the votes. If we don't ever win a cent, the support alone is worth it.
Love y'all. ALL y'all.
A bit of advise I hope it helps. My Sister had breast cancer and had to go to Columbus weekly for treatments and Dr visits. She was also on ssi.
I drove her back and fourth. It got very expensive.
But we checked into a program at the welfare Dept that allowed her gas vouchers to go back and fourth to her Drs appointments. You do not have to be on welfare to qualify. Call and ask if they have a transportation department that you can speak to. At 3.00 a gallon its well worth the call. Good luck to you.
Denise is actually on the phone now talking to the guy that runs the VA regular route to see if he can ' catch a lift' although it wouldn't be to the VA. We keep trying, and more stuff is opening up, just none of it quite works out. Thanks for the tip, though. Also, the "good" social worker at his dialysis place will be back soon, so she may have some ideas! we all need to pull together here. That's what is important...helping where and when we can.
I hope it all works out.. good luck!
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!! WAit, I take that back. GREAT LUCK TO YOU!!
Good luck!! 5 stars. wishin you the best.
[ps.. have you seen my wish? *wink* :O)]
Dee Dee,
I have been reading your comments on people's wishes. I LOVE your style!!
You definitely have my 5 and I'll be back!!!
Thanks!
5 star wish.
I know how those drives are... I'm 2 1/2 hours from my transplant center and it's been a real challenge with current gas prices. Luckily, though I've been switched to only a visit every 3 months for the remainder of the year (barring any problems)!
Good luck with your wish!
Good luck on your wish.
Good luck with it, hope you win.
Angels deserve wings to fly. Or at least some gas money to take a friend in need to the doctor.
Good luck Dee Dee!
Thanks, all. I've been off-line for a few days, thanks to Verizon's inability to deal with a windstorm. We're making progress on the appointments for his acceptance. They'll schedule the next one for mid-May (heart work-up) and the ones after that won't be all day (8-9 hours, plus the drive time).
It's getting almost exciting to think he may get a kidney and not have to go to dialysis anymore! (And we could ALL sleep late on Saturdays!)
Kidneys and commutes are the bane of my existance. Not really, but still not fun. Good luck.
Best of luck!
Good luck :>
SEE: Joe Cell
Edited on: Apr 26, 2007 08:53 am
Best of luck to you!
I'll be back when voting starts.
I'll be back when voting starts. Good luck! What a nice thing you are doing for your friend.