Upcoming Transplant Clinic

One week from today will be Greg's next transplant clinic appointment. Not to worry, this is just a normal clinic check-up and nothing more. The thing that we are working out right now is what can we get done outside of the transplant clinic.

Why? Well, as it turns out, Greg's insurance was changed back at the end of last year and now his transplant hospital is no longer covered in-network. As many of you probably already know, dealing with a hospital that is out-of-network can become expensive. Unfortunately, UW-Madison has always been my husband's transplant clinic and he has done so well that we are not willing to change just to save ourselves some money. So, what do we do? Figure out ways to cut costs of course!

The best way to try to cut medical costs without cutting out needed medical procedures is to find out what can be done at a hospital that is covered in-network. Lucky for us, such a hospital exists about 5 minutes away from us and has been handling all his Cystic Fibrosis care for 17 years now. The only problem is that the hospital's computer systems are not linked so we can only have the blood tests drawn and nothing more. The local hospital will then send the blood samples to the transplant clinic so they can do all the necessary tests.

Sure, it is still going to be an expensive visit next week but at least there is one thing we can do locally to cut costs. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that there is no need for any additional tests not already on his schedule for that day once he gets there.

Help us Help Others!

Normally I would ask if you would like to be on our Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis team but given you are so far away, it is a difficult thing to ask. So, instead, I am asking that you help support our cause.

As you probably already know, my husband Greg was born with a terminal illness called Cystic Fibrosis. Today he is alive because of a miracle double lung transplant. Does that mean we are going to stop fighting to cure Cystic Fibrosis? Heck no! Why should we? Sure, Greg has new lungs but he still has the other complications caused by the disease. On top of that, Greg's two younger cousins also have this disease and if we don't find a cure soon, they will have no choice but to undergo a double lung transplant as well.

So, we need your help to raise funds to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Right now the median life expectancy is around 34 years old; way too young to die! Why not help us to help them find a cure and have the ability to live a long and healthy life?

Making a tax-deductible donation is easy and secure! Just click on the link below to make a donation to my fund-raising page where your donation will be credited to my team. It is a one time donation for me to walk 6.2k (10 miles) to support this cause. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Donating to GREAT STRIDES is such a simple and effective way for you to show your support for this important cause. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with CF! Once again, thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!

My CF Great Strides fundraising page: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/ShannonSteffen5260