Update on uninsured Moline woman needing surgery

Connie Barrett of Casa Guanajuato has issued the following update on the appeal that Casa issued for help for Maria Hernadez.

I called General Surgery Assoc. to tell them that we were raising the funds and to make an appointment with them. They got back to me and told me that the billing office and the doctors had met on this, and the price was now $3,800, and they need the whole amount up front before they would schedule any surgery!

Thanks to the intervention of Stella Schneekloth and Rose and Dr. David Udehn, Maria was referred to Dr. Baner, an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist in Moline . He saw her right away, and scheduled surgery for Monday, October 30th. The cost is still $2,600, however, he will work with us. The important thing is to get the surgery done and relieve Maria of her suffering.

People have responded very generously and so far, we have $1,036. Maria is very grateful to everyone. Dr. Baner was so kind and reassuring as he explained the surgery to Maria, endearingly using his limited knowledge of Spanish to make her smile. I will be taking her for some lab tests on Wednesday, and Friday they will give her pre-surgery instructions for surgery on Monday.

We wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and concern. Thank you for spreading the word about Maria’s plight. We will continue to update you on her condition and the fundraising progress on her behalf.

Casa Guanajuato has set up a special account to accept donations for Maria’s medical expenses. Donations can be sent to Casa Guanajuato, 133 – 4th Ave. , Moline , IL 61265 or you can contribute online with a credit card by going to http://molinedemocraticmaverick.blogspot.com and clicking the PayPal button. Casa Guanajuato is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible. Make sure we have your address so we can send you a receipt.

We have received very few donations using the online donation button I set up and none from self-identified compassionate conservates. Although Maria now has a surgeon who is not demanding his entire fee before scheduling the surgery it would be good to raise enough money so that Maria and her family do not have the worry of a medical bill in addition to their worries about Maria's condition and her upcoming surgery. The PayPal button to donate online is to the right, just below my profile.