Update 8/19: Update: Medically approved but there is still the insurance approval, which could take up to 15 days before scheduling can happen. We also have some other hoops to jump through that we didn’t expect to have to deal with because the insurance won’t cover some things that we anticipated so— just more hurdles to cross. We’re getting there- slowly. The great news is that both Chris and Stefanie were both medically cleared through the committee! Now we wait on pins and needles for insurance to do their part! Once that is approved- we will have a more accurate time frame for surgery! The end is in sight guys… we are so so close! I don’t foresee an insurance issue for approval, seeing how we went to THEIR hospital— but I’m also guarded because we’ve been down this road before… so— I’m holding my breath and praying for good news next week. Thanks for all the kind words/prayers/thoughts over the last few days- I can’t tell you how much it means to all of us. My name is Chris Fort and I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure of both kidneys in January of 2024. I am fighting for my life and require a kidney transplant. When I found out that I needed a transplant, I reached out to family and friends regarding organ donation. I have a living donor that has been approved and is ready, willing, and able to give me this life-saving gift. At this point, we are anticipating to incur around $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for this life-saving procedure. A little bit about me and my family. I have been married to my wife, Lauren, for 15 years. We have one 13-year-old daughter named Kennedy. I also have 4 other children from previous relationships: Tristan, Aidan, Brenna, and Lauren. I am expecting a granddaughter in September of 2024. I pray every day that I will have the opportunity to grow old and watch my children and grandchildren grow up. The impact of my declining health has drastically impacted my family in. Not only has the financial burden caused a great deal of heartache and stress, but the emotional impact has been the most detrimental to everyone. Because of the illness, my family has been forced to step up in ways that I never dreamed would be necessary. My transplant journey has not been an easy one. When I was placed on dialysis, I was told that I would not be a viable candidate for long-term dialysis. My body has not been reacting well to the treatment, resulting in many trips to the emergency room to perform life-saving measures. I was originally medically approved for my kidney transplant in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Ascension St Johns Kidney Transplant Center. I have been 100% compliant on all my dialysis appointments, lowered my A1C, and reached a significant weight loss goal all to be presented to the transplant committee. In the last 2 years, I have undergone more than 8 significant surgical procedures. While I was approved for my transplant medically, my private insurance denied the approval for the transplant at this facility due to a billing issue. Blue Cross and Blue Shield did say that they would pay for a transplant so long as we would be willing to drive to Dallas to their “Blue Distinct” center. Because of this, I have had to move my transplant care to Baylor Scott in Dallas. This center is 232 miles away, which will impose a significant financial and emotional burden on my family and I. I will be required to temporarily relocate to Dallas for post-surgical care for a minimum of 6 weeks. My wife and child will have to remain in Muskogee for work and school during that time. Because my wife has been my caretaker but will be unable to travel with me, I will now have to hire a caregiver to live with me temporarily. After the initial 6 weeks of post-op care, I must continue to travel to Baylor Scott monthly, incurring more out-of-pocket expenses. Throughout this whole process, I have continued to work at UPS as a part-time hub supervisor. Once diagnosed with renal failure, my ability to fully comply with all my assigned duties was greatly diminished. Several duties had to be reassigned to other employees due to a lack of both mental and physical strength and stamina. In the last two years, I have missed the opportunity for advancement within the workplace. I have also been an event caterer for 30 years. In the last 2 years, I have had to decline or scale back my involvement with day-to-day operations at these seasonal events. It has not only taken away a great passion but also the means to earn additional income. Many people have asked me what I am most looking forward to by receiving a transplant. My answer may seem simplistic but I am most looking forward to having more energy to enjoy the basic things in life such as playing with my daughter. I am looking forward to enjoying a meal without having to worry about my fluid intake. I would like to be able to walk through a store without feeling overwhelming exhaustion and being forced to have to sit and rest. As crazy as it sounds, going to Walmart and not having to worry about finding an electric scooter to shop with my family. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read through my story. I realize that times are very difficult right now, which makes me even more grateful for the financial and emotional support people are willing to give. Even if you cannot provide support financially, please share my story. The generosity of spirit can be just as significant. Finally, I would like to let you know that any proceeds that are not used for my medical needs will be donated to another individual facing a similar battle.
Artículos relacionados
