Over the three-plus years I’ve been a member of this community, I’ve seen Kossacks come to the aid of a good number of people in need. Well, the granddaughter of a first cousin of mine (only-child here; she’s like a sister) is definitely in need. Jennifer Nelson is a 16-year-old from Midland, SD, who has suffered from cystic fibrosis since birth. Jenn is bright, assertive, and extraordinarily good-humored regardless of the fact that the girl is now in real danger. Indeed, while she was still able this fall, she was routinely on the A-Honor Roll in her high school. See Link
Slowly and inexorably, she is reaching the end of her rope. Her doctors in Omaha are now recommending a double-lung transplant because her own are failing. In fact, she is there now while her doctors try to get her into shape for more exhaustive tests related to the transplant. Recently, she has been more or less in isolation at her grandparents’ because of allergens present in her own home which her parents have been unable to get rid of. They simply can’t afford to do the necessary remodeling. To add more to the horrors of this situation, Jenn’s health insurance has maxed out for the disease, so it’s anyone’s guess where the $300 - $500K required for the surgery will come from.
Right now, just managing the $65K in costs for the further tests necessary for determining her suitability for the transplant waiting list -- an assessment that will be made by doctors at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) -- is a daunting prospect for Jennifer’s family. Ordinarily, her parents work two and three jobs each, but her mother has taken a leave of absence to take care of her. This is clearly placing more stress on their finances. The local community is doing what it can, but it’s a relatively poor rural area, so it has its own limits. Fortunately, she does have COTA, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association of Bloomington, IN, in her corner.. These good people are doing their best to help as well. Even so, if anyone out there can see his/her/their way clear to help, there are lots of people who know and love Jenn who would be ever appreciative.
According to Jenn’s grandmother, COTA has set up an account for Jenn at the First National Bank of Midland, 410 Main Street, Midland, SD 57552. Checks should be payable to COTA; this way the monies are sheltered so that Jenn’s eligibility for Medicaid is not jeopardized.