My name is Allie. For years, I have gone by the name Allie THAT RN on TikTok (alliecat_55704_2). In May of this year, my husband, Dean, was given a full-body scan after years of pain and discomfort that he assumed was a result of his genetic condition (Neurofibromatosis type 1). The results led to him needing a PET scan. We were given a call a few days after the PET scan and biopsy and were sent to the oncologist. The lung, bone, and prostate were impacted. We are to go the 120 miles to the cities multiple times within the next month for more biopsies and MRIs to help create a treatment plan. We do have health insurance; however, we have multiple complex medical conditions in the home, and the family deductible is high, as not all services required are considered in-network. In the pictures posted here is also my oldest daughter. She also has NF1 and has had multiple back surgeries, a full fusion, and a back brace.
At present, Dean is the holder of the health insurance (work-connected). His income also pays for our farm (which the home is in disrepair, but we do not have the funds to change this situation).
I am currently attempting to get bill reductions (we already have an almost $5k bill sitting on the table). I fear we will not qualify as we do have 401ks that they often state should be used prior to assistance. I do not believe that people should lose their retirement just to get the treatments that they need.
I want to be able to have a stable home situation for Dean and for the kids. To be able to stabilize our home, and to ensure that while we are going through this process, we can focus on his health and well-being, over how we are going to keep the house and keep it safe.
I intend on utilizing my TikTok to document the journey that we are on and use this opportunity to educate individuals about the healthcare topics that are impacting the family so that others may be helped. Growth often occurs when people are put into hard situations. It is a humbling experience to come to people for help.
I do thank everyone who has been asking how they can help.
What I plan to do with the funds:
1. Pay the medical bill balance.
2. Ensure house payments can be met during this process, and that we can try to stabilize the home better. (If anyone knows a person with roofing or building skills and can send them our way, that would be so helpful and take a load off of our family. I’m not going to hold my breath, but I figure I might ask.)
3. Use funds to help brunt student loan debt, etc., so that I can reduce hours to help during this process.
4. I want my children to maintain normalcy. To have balance during this time.
5. Our home is heated with wood heat. Getting help to ensure we will be able to have wood delivered is important. I am able to fill and manage the stove; it’s just a matter of getting the wood.
I do thank you in advance. I really don’t know what to say. Thanks if you read down this far.
