Irene is doing a LITTLE bit better today. She had a slight setback over the weekend, but has overcome that. She is still has the ventilator tube, but the ventilator itself was turned off when I saw her and she was breathing on her own. Her heart rate is just where it should be. She still is seriously ill, but doing a little better today.
On the other hand, I was asked to stop in Administration where I was told that Irene's current balance is $22,669.34. This does NOT include medications or other charges -- this is just for the bed. Her ICU bed costs $500 per day. While she does have insurance, it is hospital policy to require the patient share be paid while she is still in hospital.
The hospital told me that they need a MINIMUM of $5000 by Tuesday (tomorrow) or they will have to transfer Irene to the public hospital. Medically speaking, I don't want to see her transferred until she is out of the Intensive Care Unit. I will be at the Tuesday market receiving any donations and will go directly from there to the hospital business office.
I know this is a huge sum, and it scares me, too. But I love and respect Irene enough to ask -- again -- for your help.
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