Journal entry by Julia Lundman —
Both in the comments on Jamie’s CaringBridge site, in e mail and in person, some of you have been asking us to set up a means for Jamie’s friends around the world to donate towards his massive medical costs. I had no idea how to do this, but thanks to a tip from friends we now have a fundraiser page via the youcaring.com website. For those of you who are interested in helping out, the site is at:
http://www.youcaring.com/teamjamie
I realize that these are difficult times and you each have your own problems to deal with, so please feel under no obligation to participate unless you wanted to already.
I will try to keep the fundraiser site up to date with the target, which currently stands at $157,000. This past week we have been talking with an advocacy group to help us to negotiate the bill down to a more reasonable number. (On a side note, if any of you have any additional leads on how to do that please let us know.) If we can get the bill down as much as possible, Jamie will pay down whatever number is left when he begins working again.
As you already know, the past four months has been a very difficult time; Jamie being hit with a cerebral hemorrhage while we simultaneously discovered he was not covered (as we had thought) under my insurance until January 1st, and then denied state disability due to his freelance status. I know for certain that Jamie can recover completely. In addition to his current outpatient therapy at CPMC, we have also sought out alternative non-insured therapies, specifically the purchase of Bioness stimulation devices for his leg and hand, and are looking into an additional program at Stanford.
Through it all, the support from our community of family and friends, both near and far, has been a true source of strength to both of us. I know for a fact that Jamie derives a lot of encouragement from your comments here, in addition to the amazing cards, letters, emails, care packages, gifts of food, and visits.
Thank you! We are so ever grateful for our friends throughout this ordeal.
YES!!So cool!!Many thanks for the chance to help out!!It is exciting to know that at this distance, we can easily contribute to your fund crisis….and get you concentrating all of your special energies on your inspiring recovery!!!Go James!!
Big hugs and kisses from Phil and Lisa, London
— Philip Vallentin, May 6, 2013
Thank you so much for setting up the fundraiser, Deane and I now feel like we are doing something to help out at least. What an incredible response and I’m sure there is more where that came from your hearts must be about bursting knowing how much you are loved.
Of course I cried when I saw how many people have given, nothing new there. I feel as though we are all on this journey with you in a way praying and wishing for your recovery. I know without a doubt in my mind that you would be the one organising all of this for any one of us had the same thing happened.
love you buddy. XXX
Joy
— Joy Taylor, May 9, 2013
It was great seeing pics of you standing and drawing. Go Jamie! Sorry to hear about the insurance situation. Money always manages to make itself a problem to everyone, but I’m sure with so many great folks in your corner it won’t be so bad.
— Anson Jew, May 10, 2013