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Fulfilling our Mission
Making a Difference in the lives of others
THE JOHANSON'S STORY, Katherine was diagnosed with NF1 at age 3. Over the past 2 years, we have had to overcome
many hardships while trying to care for our daughter's illness. My husband lost his job back
in 2008, causing us to obtain COBRA insurance while he looked for employment. This was
an expensive route for us to take, but this was the only way we could make sure that she was
covered through a group plan as we are a one income family. Previous to this, Kaitlyn was
dropped from private insurance due to her condition, causing us to pay for medical procedures
and appointments out of our pocket.
Throughout this process, she has undergone 4 MRI's with sedation along with numerous
appointments with neurosurgeons, neurologists, geneticists, orthopedists and opthamologists.
In addition, she has also undergone physical therapy and occupation therapy. Recently, we had
genetic testing done so that we could confirm that she did indeed have NF1, which she does.
This testing was not covered by insurance, giving us another added expense. These bills have
begun to add up and caused us to use all of our savings, but we need to do whatever it takes to
make sure Kaitlyn receives the treatment she needs. We appreciate your efforts to assist us.
Sincerely,
The Johanson Family
Comment: This family was hindered in seeking care for their child by the expense of meeting a new
year’s health insurance deductible. Angels of the OR, Inc. was able to relieve the burden of paying
the new year’s deductible, in order for this family to continue to take care of their little girl. Katherine
received 4 MRI’s, as ordered by her neurosurgeon. The family has made many sacrifices to keep their
health coverage, and Angels was able to provide the assistance that allowed for the medical care on a
timely basis.
Other Patient Stories
In October 2008, a seasoned medical team of neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins Hospital removed a large brain tumor from an otherwise healthy four-year-old. The mother and son reside in Baltimore and the patient’s mother works full time and does have medical insurance but the out-of-pocket expenses were unable to be met. With numerous MRIs behind them and an unknown future for this youngster, Angels of the OR, Inc, provided the funds needed and will work closely with this family as this scenario progresses.
In January 2008, a neurosurgeon from Johns Hopkins Hospital performed a bilateral craniotomy for a tumor on a 47 yr old male from Virginia. This patient had inadequate health insurance and was unable to pay the out-of-pocket expense in order to proceed with this surgery. Angels of the OR, Inc. provided $5,000 from their Patient Relief Fund.
In February 2008, a 41 yr. old female from Pennsylvania was in need of a right insertion of her VP shunt. Though this patient did have health insurance, she could not meet the monthly minimum payment schedule for out-of-pocket payees. Angels of the OR, Inc. was able to help by providing an immediate grant and the shunt repair took place.
In September 2007, a medical team from Johns Hopkins Hospital performed a craniotomy for tumor resection on a 42-yr. old female from Pennsylvania. Despite having health insurance, this patient was unable to meet the deposit required under hospital policy for establishment of a payment plan. Angels of the OR gifted this patient the deposit money and the resection was promptly performed.
In June 2007, a member of the Johns Hopkins Hospital staff performed a revision lumbar laminectomy, the removal of hardware and a refusion. The surgery was performed on a 46 yr. old male from Virginia. Despite having health insurance, the estimated patient liability was significant and the patient began selling assets to secure the required funds. Angels of the OR provided the grant dollars needed and the laminectomy was performed.
In January 2008, a doctor from Johns Hopkins Hospital performed a transphenoidal pituitary resection on a 40 yr. old female from Maryland. Due to inadequate health insurance, the patient was obligated to provide the out-of-pocket cost for this procedure. Angels of the OR, Inc. gifted this patient $2,035 and the resection was performed.
In January 2008, a doctor from Johns Hopkins Hospital removed a spinal cord tumor on a 31 yr. old male from Maryland. The patient had inadequate health insurance and was unable to meet the Johns Hopkins Hospital minimum monthly payment schedule for out-of-pocket payees. Angels of the OR, Inc. was able to assist this patient with a gift from in Patient Relief Fund in the amount of $5,000.
A case involving a 45 yr old male from Delaware required that the patient have an inpatient epilepsy monitoring. The patient, who once had health insurance through his employer, was now out of work due to his illness and therefore lost his health insurance coverage. With no health insurance and as a father of three, this patient was faced with many choices. He did not want to strap his family down financially but without the monitoring and analysis of the problem, this patient would not be able to go back to work. Angels of the OR, Inc. provided the needed funds to assist with this procedure.
In June 2008, staff from the Johns Hopkins Hospital performed a necessary infusion for MS on a 28-year old female. The patient was self- insured, after she lost her job due to her deteriorating medical condition. In an effort to move this procedure forward in a timely manner, AOR provided $5,000 toward this procedure.