Kim Ray Medical Fund
Our goal is to support our dear friend, Kim Ray, as she prepares to undergo surgery to remove a large mass on her thyroid gland. As is the case with many Americans, Kim does not have medical insurance and so she must find a way to cover both the costs of this necessary surgery and living expenses for herself and her son, Spencer, while she is unable to work. We hope that you will contribute to Kim's Medical Fund in all the ways that you can.
Kim is a lovely, intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working single mother of two great sons. Previously insured, she lost her medical coverage a few years ago. She exercised the Cobra option for as long as she could, paying over $300 a month for a policy. When that policy option came to an end, she found that she was unable to afford an even more expensive policy (her only remaining option) while continuing to support herself and her two sons. This is the reason for her unfortunate predicament.
Meanwhile, the mass on her thyroid gland is enlarging progressively and is now impinging on surrounding areas of her throat, causing Kim to experience symptoms of compression. The mass is the size of a baseball and it is growing both outward and inward, resulting in swallowing difficulties and pain. It must be removed as soon as possible. Because of its proximity to her thyroid gland, she will also need to have her thyroid removed. After the surgery, called a thyroidectomy, she will be required to take thyroid medication for the rest of her life.
Due to the fact that Kim does not have insurance, her only option was to go to the Emergency Room at a County hospital. She underwent a series of tests and a surgery date was set. She was operated on July 23, 2007. The procedure took 5 hours, but everything is going well. The physicians have told her that there is an 80% chance that the mass is benign. Final results will be known next week. Please check the "Diary" section for regular updates.
Kim will be unable to work for approximately one month once she has had her operation. The recovery period may be difficult because, not only will Kim need to heal from the large incision in her neck, but she could also have difficulty with speaking and adjusting to her new medication.
Our current goal is to help support her during this difficult time and then continue to assist her in meeting the costs of her surgery in the months to come.
This fundraiser is divided into two phases. Phase I is dedicated to raising money to support her family during the month of surgery and recovery. The goal for this first phase was $3500 and we are delighted to report that it has been met. Phase II took place in order to raise funds to help Kim pay for the preliminary appointments she has attended, as well as surgery and aftercare costs.
There are several ways you can help, including, but certainly not limited to, the following:
* Send a donation to Kim, either by check or through PayPal. All amounts, large and small, will be greatly appreciated and they are much needed.
* Participate in one or more of the benefits that we will be taking place in the coming weeks and months.
* Contribute through the "eBay Project" by donating items that can be sold for at least $30 on eBay. This suggested amount is due to the fact that listing fees are fairly substantial and will be deducted from the final profit.
* Create your own fundraising ideas and dedicate the proceeds to Kim's Medical Fund.
While we do not know exactly what her surgery and aftercare will cost at this time, typically thyroidectomy surgery is priced between $7,000 and $10,000, and each day in the hospital is billed at approximately $4000. Aftercare and/or voice rehabilitation fees are as yet unknown. She is facing tremendous physical and financial difficulties and we want to help her in any way we can.
Please stay connected and help us help Kim to make it through this difficult time!
Thank you.
ps. Be sure to visit the "Photo" area to see pictures of Kim and her family.
Kim is a lovely, intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working single mother of two great sons. Previously insured, she lost her medical coverage a few years ago. She exercised the Cobra option for as long as she could, paying over $300 a month for a policy. When that policy option came to an end, she found that she was unable to afford an even more expensive policy (her only remaining option) while continuing to support herself and her two sons. This is the reason for her unfortunate predicament.
Meanwhile, the mass on her thyroid gland is enlarging progressively and is now impinging on surrounding areas of her throat, causing Kim to experience symptoms of compression. The mass is the size of a baseball and it is growing both outward and inward, resulting in swallowing difficulties and pain. It must be removed as soon as possible. Because of its proximity to her thyroid gland, she will also need to have her thyroid removed. After the surgery, called a thyroidectomy, she will be required to take thyroid medication for the rest of her life.
Due to the fact that Kim does not have insurance, her only option was to go to the Emergency Room at a County hospital. She underwent a series of tests and a surgery date was set. She was operated on July 23, 2007. The procedure took 5 hours, but everything is going well. The physicians have told her that there is an 80% chance that the mass is benign. Final results will be known next week. Please check the "Diary" section for regular updates.
Kim will be unable to work for approximately one month once she has had her operation. The recovery period may be difficult because, not only will Kim need to heal from the large incision in her neck, but she could also have difficulty with speaking and adjusting to her new medication.
Our current goal is to help support her during this difficult time and then continue to assist her in meeting the costs of her surgery in the months to come.
This fundraiser is divided into two phases. Phase I is dedicated to raising money to support her family during the month of surgery and recovery. The goal for this first phase was $3500 and we are delighted to report that it has been met. Phase II took place in order to raise funds to help Kim pay for the preliminary appointments she has attended, as well as surgery and aftercare costs.
There are several ways you can help, including, but certainly not limited to, the following:
* Send a donation to Kim, either by check or through PayPal. All amounts, large and small, will be greatly appreciated and they are much needed.
* Participate in one or more of the benefits that we will be taking place in the coming weeks and months.
* Contribute through the "eBay Project" by donating items that can be sold for at least $30 on eBay. This suggested amount is due to the fact that listing fees are fairly substantial and will be deducted from the final profit.
* Create your own fundraising ideas and dedicate the proceeds to Kim's Medical Fund.
While we do not know exactly what her surgery and aftercare will cost at this time, typically thyroidectomy surgery is priced between $7,000 and $10,000, and each day in the hospital is billed at approximately $4000. Aftercare and/or voice rehabilitation fees are as yet unknown. She is facing tremendous physical and financial difficulties and we want to help her in any way we can.
Please stay connected and help us help Kim to make it through this difficult time!
Thank you.
ps. Be sure to visit the "Photo" area to see pictures of Kim and her family.