Friday, December 24, 2010

Project

Many people have asked how they can donate to Scarlett's care.  Today, before we start the Christmas celebrations, we are looking into ways to accept donations for Scarlett's medical costs and whatever else comes up.  There are a lot of issues to deal with when looking this, like taxes and write-offs, so we are trying to do some good research before we jump on board.  We know we can use Pay Pal, but aren't sure what the ramifications or restrictions of that might be.  Hopefully we will have something set up next week.

Yesterday we learned that there was some kind of mistake with Starbucks' insurance for Scarlett.  They say she's not covered, even though we filed all the forms on time.  They said that she's no longer eligible for enrollment, since the 60 days are up, so we may have to wait for Open Enrollment in August.  At least we still have my insurance, though we aren't sure how long we can make it last.  I am a teacher.  I took the maximum amount of leave for Scarlett's birth to keep my insurance in my district - 12 weeks, which will end on Jan. 31.  A large portion of that is unpaid leave, so we were scraping by just so I could still nurse full time and get her past the first 3 months.  If Scarlett still needs such detailed care in February, which I can only assume is the case, I can't imagine being at work.  The administrators in my district are already working on this for me, and hopefully there will be some kind of solution that affords us benefits even if I can't work.  However, no work means no money, and we still have to eat.  Starbucks is great for flexibility and free coffee, but doesn't support a family of three with skyrocketing medical expenses.

I wish we didn't have to worry about the money.  It was the first thing we thought of after the tumor bomb was dropped.  All the social workers we have talked to are also looking to more, and we will have some help with it, but I just hate that I have to waste time thinking about it.  We don't want to be a complete drain of our families either, even though we know they would never think of it like that.

Just like everything else, we will just wait to see what happens.  We have bigger fish to fry, as they say.

We discovered last night that our cheerleaders on BabyCenter, which I joined the day I found out I was pregnant, have started a ton of prayer chains, links and even a Facebook Page dedicated to Scarlett.  Thanks, everyone!  It is comforting to know that Scarlett is being thought of all over the world.  We always knew she would be famous, just wish it wasn't for this.  :-)

Scarlett is dressed for the day.  She looks so cute!  I will try to get a picture soon, when she is not cranky, but before she spits up on it!

9 comments:

Erin said...

I just wanted to let you know that the Mommies over at thebump.com have heard of your blog and we are all praying for baby Scarlett and your family. Someone has even created a button that links to your blog. Please know that you are all being thought of during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with your family. A co-worker of mine went through something similar 2 years ago, and as a result set up a charity called the Brave Will Foundation in honor of their little boy. I don't know if they'll be able to help, but their mission is to help support families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. If you're interested, you can view their website at: http://www.bravewill.org/ Enjoy your Christmas with Scarlett!

Kimberly said...

Would it be at all possible for you to provide a link for the Facebook page that was set up for her? I would really really like to join it. I want you to know that I think of her often, I'm always praying and do check when I can to see if you have left an update. Its hard for to not tear up sometimes and I'm just a random person that you have never met. She's a beautiful baby girl and the world will be a better place w/her in it. Thank you for updating us and sharing this experience w/us. I have a profile on babycenter also, that is how I found out about you. The pictures are precious, thanks you for posting those as well.

Sinead said...

Wow. She looks beautiful in her Christmas outfit.

Vanessa/ Sept 2010 board said...

the fb page i joined is Scarlett's Miracle it has a butterfly as the profile picture u have to be added on there but they accept everyday!!

Merry Christmas Scarlett, Mommy and Daddy!! Hope you have a great day with baby scarlett dont worry about the bills on a day like this!! Take so many pictures and rejoice about life!! Your little girl is so precious and we are still praying for a miracle!! Prayers do work!! And Scarlett has a HUGE fan base we are all here for her!!

Anonymous said...

Just a thought regarding paying for Scarlett's care...Scarlett has become sort of an internet sensation story if love and support. All over babycenter, thebump and who knows what else, people are praying for and hoping for Scarlett to come through. How about sending the story of the power of global love through the internet to something like the today show? If you tell your story on the show, not only will they take care of setting up the fund for you, but more people will be touched by Scarlett around the world and may choose to contribute to her care.

Anonymous said...

I am always thinking of Scarlett. I am also a mom of an October baby girl and I can't even imagine. And I agree with the above poster. Here in Chicago there was a local news story about a little boy and his family. He was really sick and his insurance wasn't going to cover his medical care because it was experimental. The news covered their story and minutes later they had tons of people calling to contribute to the family. One guy alone contributed enough plus more. There are great people out there. If I had the money I wouldn't think twice about helping your family out. You guys are always on my mind and prayers. I hope Scarlett enjoyed her first Christmas = )

Anonymous said...

I work for H&R block. They money that you are given to help with Scarletts med expences shouldn't effect your taxes. the money is seen as a gift by the IRS so you in no way should have to claim it as income. If you have any questions you can call a tax pro at H&R and they can help you.

as for the facebook page the link is...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_175415492489587
I didn't set it up but i am an admin on it and i try to accept add requests every day if not 2 or 3 times a day! we already have 559 members and every time i log in there are people waiting to join!

Lisa said...

I am a teacher also. I my district for situations that teachers are on extended medical leave, other employees donate sick days to help out. Maybe that is a possibility for your district...... Praying for Miss Scarlett!