Help Request for a Friend
 

I posted this in the Marketplace forum a couple of days ago, as I have a long relationship (not like THAT :eek:) with several guys over there, and did not want to be a pest asking for money in a bigger forum, but a couple of those dude suggested I post it here so it gets seen more so have decided to follow their advice.

I have been floored by the generosity over there, from people I only know from interactions on Pelican - absolutely amazing.

Like I note below, I am hesitant to post the GoFundMe link, as maybe that is not appropriate, and asked people to send me PMs instead, but if it is okay, I will add the link just to make things easier.

This is the copied post ---->



Marketplace Bros,

I am in the process of getting a longtime friend of mine some new teeth. I'm doing all of the legwork to get this done as my friend is too scared to do so (even though she desperately needs this to happen and will go through with it - has already been to several pre-op appointments, so no turning back now). Myself, and another friend are paying for it (other than the measly $1500.00 that her Texas Teachers' Retirement system insurance provides).

She was a veteran teacher in Dallas ISD that was forced into retirement after experiencing two strokes in a three year period that hospitalized her both times. She has had serious dental problems that began around the time of puberty (she is 55 now), I have paid for procedures in the past that have helped, but she is now at a point that extensive work needs to be done to make things right (to the tune of a little over $25,000). Her retirement income is meager, and disabilities from her strokes means that she cannot drive or hold a job (although thankfully she is functional, other than requiring a cane to walk, a brace on one leg, and diminished use of one arm and hand).

She is extremely humiliated that she can contribute next to nothing to the costs of all this, so to help soften that blow (not like THAT! ), I set up a GoFundMe for her, which will then allow her to feel like she is doing a little something to offset what the other guy and I are going to spend (by helping round up a little fundage).

I'm not going to post the GoFundMe info here, as that probably wouldn't be appropriate, but if any of youses would consider tossing a little coin into the pot, send me a PM and I will send you the link to the fundraiser.

Please don't think I am trying to pressure or persuade anyone to take part; I have zero expectations and if no one is interested that is okay, as I know we all have our own financial situations to deal with.

Thanks for reading, bisches!

BTW, I am the manager of the fundraiser, so I have sole access to the funds. I assure you that they will not be spent by her on new dresses or by me on turbo pooowwwwaaahhhhh parts, and if something happens, and the surgery doesn't take place, then every penny will be refunded.

Good luck! And may success reign upon you, yea verily..

You already know I'm in. Not every day I can say I helped make someone smile a little brighter. And I figure if you're going to bat for her, she can't be half bad. Maybe a little freaky... but not bad :)

And you will get your ***forum butt pinch*** for your generosity, Nick, maybe even three of them! :eek:

Yes, you would like her - super funny and easy going; her personal confidence has taken a major hit the past few years, as one would expect, but damn, following all the cutting, stitching, and recovery beginning Sept, 10th, I am expecting a born-again type transformation. Thanks for helping make it happen, bro!

Bump for a great cause…

Thanks for the thread bump, Dr. Phatt, and for the fundraiser bump from several days ago. A ***forum butt pinch*** is headed your way!

No problem; not seeing the link above?

I don't see a problem with posting the GFM link. Please do. And good on you for helping her!

Okay dudes, here is the link ---->

https://gofund.me/b5c4dbe8

Looks like it hit $1000!

$1,100

Nice nudge! :D

Thanks! So amazing to get help like this!

For those that are watching, the cutting/Frankenstein-like work is going to be done on September 10th (all pre-op appointments are done at this point, with both the primary dentist and the surgeon/MD) - my friend is understandably scared shiitless, but is looking forward to this life changing event. It sounds like the recovery period is going to be very trying (10+ weeks of that), especially the first 24-48 hours - fortunately she will have excellent support from another friend that lives is the same apartment complex that she does, during that time (is going to stay with her initially).

On a funny side note, I have an acquaintance who suggested she go to a dentist in Mexico that he knows to have the work done and the cost would be about $800 (versus $25,000) - I thought to myself, who does that shiit, gambles with their lives like that in order to find a deal?!?! Wild!

Up another $50.

I believe dental work is a fundamental human right ;)

rjp

Wow, that's kick ass, RJP - thanks!

Way to go guys! Light it up!.

At age 55 with a history of strokes, disorganization of two extremities, and long work history she should apply for Social Security Disability. If her claim is allowed, she will automatically become eligible for Medicare.

^^^

That is a great suggestion - will have her look into that right away. Thanks.

There is a caveat, however:

Everyone eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is also eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period. The first 24 months of disability benefit entitlement is the waiting period for Medicare coverage. During this qualifying period for Medicare, the beneficiary may be eligible for health insurance through a former employer. The employer should be contacted for information about health insurance coverage.

A bump to crow about how a Pelican bro, who lives in the land of fruitz & nutz :D and that I have never met in person, just dropped five bills in the GFM account - I'm blown (not like THAT :eek:) away!


The amount collected so far, 90% of which has been given by Pelican forum members, exceeds the insurance contribution by about $250 - amazing help from everyone involved and a big ***forum butt pinch*** for helping make this happen!