Heart To Heart

Our health - when everything else boils away:  daily stresses, rude encounters, a stubbed toe, an extra ten pounds - our health is truly what matters most.  We tend to take it for granted - going about our day-to-day business, carpooling, working, cheering on our children, attending science fairs, going to concerts, watching our favorite shows.  It's only when it becomes compromised that it brings into focus how none of what we do each day could be possible without it.

Think about it - and I am just as guilty here - a bad cold pisses off most of us.  It's inconvenient, makes us sluggish, throws off our schedule for a couple days, keeps us from being able to work thus impacting our next paycheck.  We whine about a bad cough, a runny nose, snaste (my personal nemesis), or a flu bug that requires we take up residence on the commode.

Thankfully, all of these are temporary, not terribly expensive to deal with, mostly viral, and able to run their course over the course of a few days and then we are back to our (mostly) normal selves.

Now imagine you are confronted with a health obstacle that cannot be mitigated by purchasing a jug of Nyquil, or cleared up with a copay and some prescription antibiotics.  Something that takes you down, keeps you down, and drains every ounce of financial and emotional fortitude you possess.

It is not hyperbole when you hear experts talk about how most Americans are one medical emergency away from financial ruin.  It is very real, very frightening, and happening to one of our beloved DGMS family members..

Last week, Crystal wrote on Facebook about her current health crisis (and I use the word current because it is following in a long line of medical obstacles she has had to face down in her life).  She is needing a heart cath that may lead to another open heart surgery.

Let that sink in.  Makes the sniffles seem like, well, SNIFFLES, doesn't it?

While her financial situation is the same in many ways as most Americans - mortgage, student loans, the usual day-to-day bills of living - she also works hard to deal with her past hospital bills and the ones she is now facing having added to that mountain. 

She asked if I would share her Chip In page with DGMS.  Please read her story, and if you can possibly help her weather the upcoming storm, you can donate through that page.

I know money is tight for everyone, but even the smallest of donations can add up to help with the expense of travel to and from the hospital (200 miles away), etc.

And if you cannot afford to give from the wallet, that's OK - I know you will be giving everything you have from your heart to hers.

Linda

Crystal's Page

Comments

[Nikki in NYC]

Crystal, I am sorry for your ongoing health troubles. I hope that your cath will not indicate a need for more surgery. I will be praying for you.

[Katy]

Crystal: I will send prayers and positive energy your way right NOW and will access your page over the weekend (when I get paid Friday), and send some $$ to help out with your expenses. I will pray that God touches you and heals you - Katy

[Shawn]

I will be donating on Friday which is Pay Day for me. I would like to challenge everyone to donate at least $5...every bit would help. I plan on donating $25 (it is what I can afford at the moment)

[Hicky]

Crystal, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. I wish I could answer Shawn's challenge, but I just don't have any money. If there is ANYTHING else I can do, please ask - even if you just need a shoulder to cry on, I am told I am a great listener. Sending you {{{uber hugs}}}