generosity of others

As the time approaches for the fundraiser, I have mixed feelings about it. I admit I am a proud and stubborn person (no comments from the cheap seats...mom). I constantly say to Andy, "We don't need to do this. We can find our way.", then we receive billing statements from Huntsman (University of Utah). Our latest one,that is not going away, is a whopping $62,500 due to some weird thing with billing and the insurance company. Now, let's put this in perspective. Last year, I received our first bill from Huntsman(UoU) for Andy's heart surgery (stint in the artery that goes across the heart), and it was around a do-able price of just under $40,000. With our insurance, we paid around $2,000-3,000. I can't remember exact amounts. Then came the first of several billing statements for the IL2 treatment. Don't pass out people, but it was over $150,000. That was just for the pharmacy (drugs, treatment)not the week stay in the ICU or doctor's. By the time the third billing statement came I was pretty much impervious to the price. With the help of family, friends, and health insurance (and our saving account) we paid around $10,000. Actually a little more but who's counting. So, when we first saw this bill from the radiation treatment we knew that we would be paying around another $10,000 this year with our health care max payout. Well, this alone we could probably suffer through again, but then our doc's reminded us that we would have on going and continued medical bills for the rest of Andy's life. So we face a $10,000 min. bill every year for Andy as long as we have good health care insurance. This also all depends on so many factors I can't list them all. Quite the dilemma huh. Did I mention, we already put out over $2,000 a year for our daughters medical bills for type 1 juvenile diabetes. So I have to say that it is through the love and care of others that I now find myself relying on. I will say that in a short amount of time I have been in the position to see the pure love of Christ and miracles of faith surround me on all sides. One of my favorite passages to read in the scriptures refer to the "tender mercies" the Lord has for us. So when I feel those tender mercies bestowed upon me through others, I am humbled and strengthened. All I can say is, Thank you for these tender mercies, though I know the words are simple the feeling is immense and powerful. I know the Lord will bless everyone who is willing to give so much, not just to us but to anyone in need.
Reminder: May is Melanoma awarness month. Don't forget your sunscreen!