Hello, So sorry to hear about all you've been through and what you continue to endure ... I can relate to your situation and emotions around your ongoing circumstances both physically and financially, and it's certainly no walk in the park. I wish there was an easy answer, not to mention more solutions provided here, but unfortunately most everyone on this site are struggling to survive. There are a few occassional exceptions, but they are few and far between, and only seem to be lessing with time and with the increase of scamming activity .. which is truly disheartening considering there are many people who desperately need help, are good and honest people. I am not sure where to refer you for assistance with medical related issues aside from the typical places like Medicaid and Medicare ... and obviously, as you know, those programs are seeing some serious cuts in funding and services. I assume you receive SSDI? And therefore Medicare? Do you also receive Medicaid to supplement Medicare? Have you spoken with your doctor and the medical clinic/hopsital and system you go to about financial assistance? Typically you can apply and qualify for assistance on a sliding scale fee if you fall into the income guidelines. Also, have you contacted the companies which provide the various services to see if they provide said services and products, etc., at low or no cost? For example, a patient can receive free (expensive) drugs from the drug company if their income fits the guidelines, and from what you've shared I would certainly think you would qualify. There are also some docs and hospitals and medical companies which offer pro-bono, but you have to pursue them, be persistent and continue moving up the chain with every "no" you may get as a result of your requests. Not easy nor fun, especially when you already feel so miserable and exhausted, but sadly, a part of jumping thru the hoops in our messed up system. I have included a link to financial assistance ideas and resources, and while most probably won't be helpful for your situation, I am thinking that a few may offer a place to start in order to bring you to real assistance. I do apologize if I am being repeativitive with things you already know or have tried, but I wanted to cover the bases, and since I've not communicated with you before, I am not sure of all you've done and your entire situation. I, too, am in an icky situation regarding getting assistance for my medical/health needs, so if nothing else, I can certainly relate and be a sounding board and support if you so desire. I need intravenous medication each month for my auto immune diseases (which are also connected to, and affect my spine condition) and the cost is beyond outrageous: $2600 for a month supply. It took over 4 years to get my auto immune diagnoses, and now, with the cost issue, I still have yet to start the new drug regime, which was supposed to begin in April. It's beyond frustrating, as I have been pretty sick for some time and the longer it goes unchecked and untreated the more permanent and scary damage results ... damage which could eventually kill me, and on another note, is affecting my spine condition and creating additional problems. I certainly understand not wanting to settle, as we all deserve to get the best help and be healthy and have a decent life, period, no matter our financial circumstance. Frankly I don't know how people who even make a good living can afford this stuff, ... I guess that's why so many people have to file for bankruptcy as a result of severe chronic health problems/disability/illness. I really hope something does fall into place for you, as you deserve to have your life back, and in every sense of the word ... chronic health issues don't only steal our "health" - so to speak - but they affect nearly every, if not all, aspects of our lives, ... we feel robbed of both our lives and body, tremendous loss for so many things (relationships - for lack of understanding - careers, family, future plans, etc), we are devastated financially and emotionally, .. we are left in a position which is really not "living," but much more so, simply "surviving" ... and as you know, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I haven't been able to work in over 5 years and it's been really hard to deal with, ... so much feels wasted, and I am so angry about it, yet who do you direct that anger at, you know. I know there is some greater purpose, direction, not to mention many many lessons that I am supposed to take and use right now and in the future .. and some days I am at peace with it and feel positive, then other days, not so much. Well, enough of my babbling on .. I am sorry if I bored you. Besides the link to ideas for financial assistance (I am thinking if you could get help with others things like rent, utilities, etc., that you would then have more money left to direct towards your medical needs, at least that's my train of thought with the first link - also, a few places may have resource, or at least ideas, and some direction for additional medical related assistance, which is less easy to find at first .. one thing often leads to another once you're asking the questions, sharing your story and in the systems), the second is a general and basic directory of member's here whom all have a wealth of resource info and links on their pages, and lastly, another site which seems to be a hit or miss, but I think is most definitely worth a look and try for anyone in need. Oh, and I will also include a link to one of my blogspot pages, which is about chronic illness and disability journey and related subject matter .. it's always nice to know that someone else struggles with similar things, can truly relate, has no judgement, but does have compassion and empathy, at least that's always been my feeling. Those who don't struggle like this, they simply don't get it, and never will unless they too find themselves in a similar pair of shoes. Again, if you want to talk or anything, please feel free to message me anytime. I would love to hear more, and I would be happy to try and brain storm ideas with you ... I would really suggest applying for financial assistance within your various medical systems and doc offices if you haven't already, or recently. Keep pounding down those doors, as eventually, we become to loud and irritating not to listen to! :) I'd be really interested to hear your disability status with the type, and if you get Medicare or can apply, etc., as well. Of course, if you're not comfortable with sharing your info and stories with me, I completely understand that too, so no worries either way. Okay, sooo, here are the various links (on the first page link, do take a look at both of the sites for 211.org and modestneeds.org., all the info is there for you to see, and my other page on blogspot regarding financial assistance - like the one here - has more info and resource links) ...

With all that said, I hope this message finds you in a little less pain and with some hope on the horizon. I wish I could do more, or provide some easy, quick and wonderful solutions. Maybe something in this message will be of help to you, maybe not, but do know that if you need a friend or someone just to hear you, I am here pretty much every day. You deserve good things. Please continue fighting to get your life back, ... stay as positive as possible (I know, not so easy) and be persistent, but also try to take good care of yourself and always listen to your body. Things will fall into place, maybe just not in the way you would anticipate. Well, I've talked your ear off .. and will say goodbye for now. Blessings to you, Cat

Aidpage Link: 

The basics for getting help ... where to begin searching and applying for financial assistance 

Additional Related Link (May provide a bit more info & direction): 

Basics for Getting Financial Assistance

Advocating for Health (My blog about chronic illness/disability):

Advocating for Health Blog

Directory Link for Member's Here (whom may have some helpful resources to pursue): 

Directory for Members/Pages which list links for Financial Assistance/Resources on Aidpage

Lastly, the Link which is worth giving a shot!: I'm Giving Away Free Money :)

my name is Diane, I was born March 2, 1959;on July 5th 2006 after having angina for a week i was told after visiting the ER that i needed a triple bi-pass; on February 10, 2007 i was in the hospital again and for angina again, apparently one of the arteries never bloomed or opened up, so the other two were doing all the work for the heart, after living with the angina which flared more so during my daily walks my cardiologist suggested i get a stint placed, he said it would take care of the angina; against my better judgment i agreed and on September 30-2009 the angioplasty was done and i was put on Plavix; not only did it not take care of the angina but two days later on October 2, 2009 i had a massive hemorrhagic brain bleed a stroke. I was in an induced coma for two weeks, and when i woke up i was devastated to say the least my entire life turned upside down and I’d just been hired for a new job a week prior to the stroke i was even at work when it happened. After the long term care facility released me the end of October 2010 I’ve been doing a lot of research to find out where i can turn to for financial assistance for medical procedures, treatments , etc. like stem cell or http://www.bioness.com/Home.php
The products at the link above, to help me walk and use my arm; I wouldn't be so desperate but I’m too young to not be working; my father is 75 and still works a full time job. I'm positive that the job i was working when i had my stroke would hire me back if i wasn't partially disabled, I'd worked for the Manager at a different company in 2005. I just want my life back to go back to work to walk on my own, i don't want to have my family take care of me I’m only 52, I have a good 10 + years to work; the state’s Medicaid and all the USAs were cut so i can't even get the items at bioness which are about $15.00, 000, my savings are gone and who’s going to give someone a loan that doesn't have a job? I don't want to settle, I want to get better be independent again.

I sure hope and pray you can truly help I'd be eternally grateful.


Respectfully yours,

I have a friend, who could really use a lot of help. I help them all I can But I am talking major help. My friends husband is about 9 and had a massive stroke. They live in a small house that is very run down and really in need of a roof and some major plumbing. Her daughter lives there and has 2 kids and her husband is in jail. Her daughter works in a at a small store and gas station, does not really make much money and she has been helping them out. They have not received their benefits from SSI or the VA yet. My friend can not work because the stroke of her husband was massive and he is now blind in one eye and has loss of some memory and doctors say he is not to be left a lone. This house is really the only thing they have and it is small but really run down, If anyone knows of some place that could help them please let me know. all info is greatly appreciated.

I need help paying for my moms medical bills. She had a massive stroke and her medical bills are outrageous. A trust has been set up for anyone who would like to help. You can make any donations at any wells fargo. The acct# is 5179140321. Please I am the only child and I don't have the money to pay for the bills my self. Please help me. My mom suffers from apraxia, speech aphasia, and partial paralysis on her right side. She was a teacher prior to having a stroke and she enjoyed what she did.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this in hopes to get a little help, I have never had the need to ask for help, however I do not seem to have any other choice. 

Last year, my father had a stroke, whiule he was living in Houston, tx.  I had to fly out there, and take care of him for awhile, and then bring him back to Charlotte, with me. To say the least, It was a very difficult experience, personnally, and financially.  I had to take so much time off of work, in order to care for him, that I fell behind with my bills. Now that I have him in an assisted living home, I have been trying to find a second job.  It is proving more difficult finding something that does'nt conflict with my day job than I thought it would be. So, now I am scraping and scrounging the best I can, to try to save my house. I'm not writing this just for the hopes of money, but for any thoughts or ideas that may be able to help my situation.

Dear favorite niece: Rose is absolutely correct, you are wrong. Also, since you stated your uncle is a Vietnam veteran, he may have had that stroke due to health issues caused by exposure to agent orange. The best thing you can do for him is to get him to sign on with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) as his VSO (Veterans Service Organization) to advocate on his behalf to apply for Veterans Benefits. A disabled veteran can collect both veterans disability and Social Security Disability. Once he connects with a VSO, he will be required to give them a limited power of attorney to interact on his behalf to file for VA Benefits. It usually takes a year or more to get a determination and many get frustrated and give up or switch VSO's but that only extends the process. Only 1 VSO can work on his behalf at any given time. So choose one and be patient but persistent and keep connected to his advocate to monitor progress. In the mean time follow through with resources listed on pages of Soulight, Who~Knew, and Ekikaseven for readily accesible resources for expedited help. Blessings, Elaine
http://www.dav.org/contact_us. html
Soulight
Who~Knew
Ekikaseven

I'm sorry but the information you are getting about this is wrong. My brother is a war vet and he gets TWO checks every month!
Grant Basics 101

April 24, 2007

Hello, I don't know how this works but I am desperate.  My brother had a stroke in 1999 and my mother was 89-years old on March 14, 2007.  She is also suffering from Alzheimer's.  I work for a doctor but I live from paycheck to paycheck. I have had to borrow from those payday loan places and got behind.  We received three rental notices from our landlord for back monies and when I called her on it, she got angry and sent us a 5 day notice for another amount all together.  I am behind in my car payment, my utilities, my rent, and several other bills.  I don't know what to do.  I need some emergency help.  We cannot afford to move and we have no where to go.  I do not want to see my brother and my mother outdoors.  Please, can someone help us.

Cynthia Bishop

To anyone who reads this,

My husband of 26 years had a stroke leaving him with paralisis on his right side. Papa was the breadwinner in our house, for 20 out of 26 years as  I injured my back years ago. We have five children, 3 who still are at home.

We were low income family but always made do and got by, but now it is terrible my husband's disability pay is half of what he used to make.

I am doing this to help Papa. He wore 2 pairs of socks both with holes in them but one would cover up the other hole, he stood by me in sickness and has always been ready to help my family and others when called upon. Now it is his turn and I stand praying asking for divine intervention and hoping that anyone reading this will be part of this divine intervention.

I am trying to find some sort of financial assistance so I can take care of my 41 year old father. I am stuck in a bind. I need medical supplies and medical bills paid. Medicines and sort as well. Physically and emotionally I can do this. I just need help with funds. He has no insurance and no assets. Please Help!