We first sat down in 2002 with Monica Gonzalez, our wonderful Transplantation Coordinator, to discuss how our lives would change once Amanda had her transplant. One of the subjects that eventually came up was money. She informed us how many out-of-pocket expenses are not covered by health insurance. Insurance does cover much of the costs of Amanda's transplant and subsequent care. However, even if her policy's lifetime limits are not exhausted (which they very well may be with Amanda), over the life of a typical transplant patient, there are still expected to be hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical, pharmaceutical, transportation, and other costs that are not covered by insurance. Despite our reluctance, Monica strongly urged us to set up a trust fund in Amanda's name and begin fundraising as soon as possible.
We did end up setting up the trust fund and we began fundraising in the summer of 2002, and the response has been huge. To reduce the amount of time spent by our friends who originally volunteered to administer it, the fund is now being administered by the Children's Organ Transplant Association, a nationwide non-profit group that provides fundraising assistance for children who need life-saving transplants and promotes organ, marrow and tissue donation.
We have learned many different lessons in the past year. One is not be afraid to ask for help when you need it, knowing that when someone else asks for help, you will make every effort to return the favor. There are many different ways that people feel comfortable showing support. Some people are "doers", some are "feelers", some are "organizers", some are "givers". We've learned that each type of support is greatly needed, and appreciated.
For those who would like to contribute to Amanda's fund, there are several ways you can make a donation.
You may stop in at any First National Bank of Florida branch and make your donation in person, or you can mail a donation to:
Children's Organ Transplant Association
2501 COTA Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
Please make checks payable to "COTA for Amanda Buddemeyer", include account number 700229925 on the check, and include your name and address.
You may also make a donation via COTA's secure online donation site by clicking here.
COTA will mail receipts on tax-deductible donations of $25 or more made via check, money order or credit card. For more information about COTA, visit their website at www.cota.org, or call them at (800)366-2682.
For more information on volunteering for the COTA Fund for Amanda Buddemeyer, contact Connie Costello at 239-821-7687 or at connwoman7@aol.com, or Gina Blassneck at 239-398-9416 or ginablassneck@earthlink.net.
We have been staggered by the amount of support we have received from our friends, neighbors, and even caring strangers. We are truly blessed. Thank you so much for your support.
Marco Island Sun-Times - 5/15/03
