Woman Needs Lung Transplant, Insurance
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
The Miller family face a hardship not very many families have to face. Travis, a National Guard trainee on his way to Iraq, left training to be with his wife, Lowellita, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant.
Because of her hereditary disease, doctors now give Lowellita one to two years to live unless she has a lung and pancreas transplant.
If Lowellita's disease and recent diagnosis were not enough, TRICARE Prime, the most popular military insurance offered, took Travis Miller off of their health insurance because of his absence from the National Guard. Army Reserve members are only part-time and do not qualify for TRICARE health insurance.
With no health insurance, Lowellita was taken off the potential waiting list for a lung transplant five days ago. Hospitals refuse to perform medical services if no proof of health insurance can be provided.
In search of a solution to pay for the surgery, Lowellita's mother, Rebecca Wampler, has taken immediate action. From calling state senators and representatives to organizing benefits Wampler is desperately seeking a solution.
"The family is financially bankrupt," said Wampler. "And even if I hired her full time at my daycare, they still wouldn't put her on their insurance because of her condition."
Back home from the National Guard, Jeremy now attends Brown Mackie in Ft. Wayne. He is two months into an 18 month nursing program and works part-time at Avalon Village.
One option the family is considering is for Jeremy to go back to the National Guard for a six-month term. This would make him eligible for health insurance but require him to leave his education at Brown Mackie, his children, and his ailing wife.
"He might have to put his education on hold to go into the service for six months and I guess we're going to pray like crazy that nothing happens to her (Lowellita) while he's gone." said Wampler.
Another option being investigated is a $380 a month insurance plan. Wampler is still checking into the details of this solution.
Because of the massive cost, Wampler and the Miller family are in desperate need of the necessary funds. One garage sale is set for June 17 at the Jellystone Campground - Pierceton, lot 97, while another sale is planned for July 15. A June 26 benefit at the Detroit St. Pizza Hut will give one dollar in donations to the family for each adult who purchases a pizza bar and $.50 for every child. A silent auction and dance is also being organized for late July.
"Anything to help, anything at all, would be appreciated," said Wampler. For donations please call Rebecca Wampler at 574-342-0431 or send to Rebecca Wampler at 305 E North St., Bourbon, IN, 46504. [[In-content Ad]]
The Miller family face a hardship not very many families have to face. Travis, a National Guard trainee on his way to Iraq, left training to be with his wife, Lowellita, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant.
Because of her hereditary disease, doctors now give Lowellita one to two years to live unless she has a lung and pancreas transplant.
If Lowellita's disease and recent diagnosis were not enough, TRICARE Prime, the most popular military insurance offered, took Travis Miller off of their health insurance because of his absence from the National Guard. Army Reserve members are only part-time and do not qualify for TRICARE health insurance.
With no health insurance, Lowellita was taken off the potential waiting list for a lung transplant five days ago. Hospitals refuse to perform medical services if no proof of health insurance can be provided.
In search of a solution to pay for the surgery, Lowellita's mother, Rebecca Wampler, has taken immediate action. From calling state senators and representatives to organizing benefits Wampler is desperately seeking a solution.
"The family is financially bankrupt," said Wampler. "And even if I hired her full time at my daycare, they still wouldn't put her on their insurance because of her condition."
Back home from the National Guard, Jeremy now attends Brown Mackie in Ft. Wayne. He is two months into an 18 month nursing program and works part-time at Avalon Village.
One option the family is considering is for Jeremy to go back to the National Guard for a six-month term. This would make him eligible for health insurance but require him to leave his education at Brown Mackie, his children, and his ailing wife.
"He might have to put his education on hold to go into the service for six months and I guess we're going to pray like crazy that nothing happens to her (Lowellita) while he's gone." said Wampler.
Another option being investigated is a $380 a month insurance plan. Wampler is still checking into the details of this solution.
Because of the massive cost, Wampler and the Miller family are in desperate need of the necessary funds. One garage sale is set for June 17 at the Jellystone Campground - Pierceton, lot 97, while another sale is planned for July 15. A June 26 benefit at the Detroit St. Pizza Hut will give one dollar in donations to the family for each adult who purchases a pizza bar and $.50 for every child. A silent auction and dance is also being organized for late July.
"Anything to help, anything at all, would be appreciated," said Wampler. For donations please call Rebecca Wampler at 574-342-0431 or send to Rebecca Wampler at 305 E North St., Bourbon, IN, 46504. [[In-content Ad]]