This is unbearably awkward.
So many of you of stepped up and responded to Ellinorianne's post to help me get my needed medical test that insurance won't cover. I've been absolutely blown away by the generosity here. It's a profound experience to be the unwitting recipient of such community action. I've been moved to tears. And to action.
I want to thank all of you who have sent money, approximately $1,450, thus far. Based on the pledged amount (and encouragement from the outpouring), though, I made arrangements for the appointment in NY for this week. The test I need costs $2,200 and there are travel costs in addition. ($140 for transportation, $130 for accommodations plus food.)
Apparently, I moved to action too soon (yes, unwise, I know) and now I'm not sure what to do except to ask that if you still feel like helping me make this happen, I would very much appreciate hearing from you, as long as it's still possible for you to do so without harming your own situation.
(oh boy, is this humbling....)
The Re-cap:
I have Lyme disease. You can read about what that's meant for me on my personal writing site.
When Ellinorianne heard that I couldn't afford the next test that I need in order to qualify for further treatments, she posted a diary, unbeknownst to me. When I got on my computer later in the day I was in shock to see deposits to my PayPal account. It was like a miracle.
The Current Dilemma:
Based on the pledges we saw here and a lot of encouragement that "it will all work out", I have booked the trip to NYC and made the appointment for my test. The appointment is on Thursday at 11am, at Dr. David Younger's office. It was such a relief to be able to do this.
However, as it's turned out, the amount that heartfelt Kos members did pledge has not yet fully materialized, leaving me in a bind as to how to pay the actual costs of the test itself, which I now may need to cancel, if the pledges people did so generously make, do not arrive.
I have received about $1450, thus far. Which is absolutely amazing. But it's also distressing. I'm to leave in 2 days and I don't have the funds. I'm not even sure how I'm going to eat while I'm there. The train and the accommodations are already paid for and are non-refundable, so I guess I'm going to NYC. But without the rest of the funds, I will have to cancel the appointment.
I've told the KINship group that I will donate whatever is left over to the their fund. If I have to cancel the appointment, I will subtract my travel expenses and donate the rest to them. If that's what I need to do, so be it.
Is that what I need to do?
I was copying all the addresses from the checks I've received in the mail, when I re-read one of the accompanying notes:
I'm sorry I can't give more, but I hope everyone sends their pledges to you so you can get your test!
So, I humbly and with enormous discomfort, ask that if you still feel like helping me make this happen, I would very much appreciate hearing from you, as long as it's still possible for you to do so without harming your own situation.
With gratitude, Allison
UPDATE: to contribute use PayPal to "send money" to asnevitt at gmail dot com
Thank you all from the bottom of my very bleeding heart.
UPDATE 2: Wow, everybody! This is overwhelming. You all been like a band of angels. I've been so busy sending thank you's that I didn't have a chance until recently to see that we're there! I'm all set. I will be going to my appointment on Thursday. And with any luck, I'll even meet some of my fellow Kossacks to thank in person on Wednesday eve. I don't even know how to begin to thank you all. I'm simply a big mushball of emotion at the moment. I think there's even an ecstasy blended in with gratitude and the relief. The dKos community is really something. Wow. Just wow.