United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Any info on organizations, med groups, anywhere a person can get financial aid for surgery or travel to a surgeon. Bus ticket/plane ticket discounts- hotel discounts- specifically in Baltimore as I am trying to get there to see Dr. Belzberg. I've been accepted by his practice--but getting there and having a place to stay overnite or however long is a problem. All my resources are exhausted for the time being altho I stand to inherit a little something in the near future.Meaning when probate clears in a year or three and the lawyers are fat and happy.-Ronin

Ronin,

Hate to get personal here, but how old are you? If you're 18 or under, you can fly free on Angel Flight - and stay at the Ronald McDonald House for $10/night.

Ellen

PS Have any friends who have friends who have friends with frequent flier points? Similar for hotel points.

Ronin, check with the airlines, I got FREE tickets for my mom and myself to fly from Michigan to Texas for surgery from Southwest. Call around, many work with you for free or reduced fares.... check it ou!

COurtney

I'm 40. Accident happened 11 yrs ago.Been a war ever since trying to find help w/something as simple as a bus ticket. I get $301 per month SS--$141/mnth food stamps. That's it. I buy a bus ticket at $250 round trip and have no rent $$ left. Forget a hotel when I get there--I'm thinking camp ground. BUT--transportation to/from hospital. Got Food stamps so I can eat.
I spent 2-3 years living on the back of my motorcycle traveling from S. GA to W. TX. prior to my accident--living in tents at state parks--working jobs for a month or 3--moving on to the next town--finally got to Houston--got back into oilfield diving--"underwater welding"?--Got a contract to go to Japan on Jan. 26 or so--went out to celebrate Dec 12--got hit and run by a car.Lost my career--tottaled my cycle
insurance found a loop-hole in my policy so they paid nothing--I lost it all.
Spent 4-5 years trying to find a doc who could treat this--no-one could.But they sent the bills.
FINALLY--last year,or year 1/2 found you guys--slowly began to see hope. packed up and sold my antiques collection.Saw HOPE for the first time. Wrote Ms. Birk and she put me onto the 'sight. I was not always a cynical, defeatest,person who believed in nothing. I was "created". When you've been beat down enough, the beating stick is just another part of life.

I'm actually catching myself praying that I'll somehow get to see Dr. B in Balt.
If you're religious or spiritual at all, please pray for me. I can't seem to find the place inside where Hhe used to be. "He doesn't talk to me anymore."
Maybe he's mad at me because I didn't become a priest like I was supposed to. Ii was called at an early age but I couldn't reconcial the cruelty I saw in the world with a loving caring God.

To paraphrase a writer named Spider Robinson--"God has the manners and morals of a 3 year old child--When he gets mad, he breaks his toys."
I HAVE to see Dr. B. he's my last hope. I have to get the pain reduced, build a solid "base" to support an artificial arm and go to school in Daytona learning to service and build H-D motorcycles. I can come back home and start my own biz--especially building customs for challanged riders who REALLY REFUSE TO GIVE UP RIDING. I've built 5 bikes for my personal use. It can be done------------feedback welcome---------Ronin

Don't think I'm runnin down God--he could have smacked me alot worse. But D**n--I've learned my lesson--how long does this go on? The Book says He will not punish you by wrecking you life...all that you answer to on judgment day.

Now--I'm not trying to start a religious debate. Call it fate, karma, what comes round goes round.
Any feedback wellcome but PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO SAVE ME OR CONVERT ME.
i AM LOOKING FOR INTELEGENT, OPEN-MINDED DISCUSSION.
iI AM LOOKING FOR PEACE.--------rONIN
PPS--if this post is too contreversial and you choose not too post it I understand. BUT could you edit it to fit your critiria?
I just feel that people who have strong spiritual fiber do very very well, compared to us beat down cynics.---thanx---Ronin

Moderators do not "edit" anyone's posts. If you post were to be deleted, you would be notified (given that you have a valid email address available) and told why the post was removed. You could re-word and post again, if that were the case.

UBPN Moderator

Hey Ronin

Have you tried a biker organization? I am a shop owner and we support several orginiztions but my favorite charity is the one for down bikers. It is set up to help out fellows riders. You should be able to find info in most bike shops they are usaully with the free publications etc in most shops. If you dont find it ill see if we still have info left in my shop. Do you have a idea of the total costs for you to get to your dr? boarding etc? Let me know if you get help id also look at the NADB site they help with bike adaptations but they be able to help you.

Ronin
I,m not sure I follow you. Did you say God ran you over on your scooter? Man now I have heard it all, and I thought I was lucky to be alive. Like some old philosopher once said; "if God wasn't out there we would have to create him". I agree, then at least there will be someone to blame when everything goes haywire.

Ronin
When is your appointment with Dr Belzberg? I am also a patient of Dr B and live with in 3hrs of Johns Hopkins. The cheapest way to get to B'more by plane is Southwest as it flies into BWI. I may be able to provide transportation and a place to stay depending on the date. Anouther option is the McEldery House that is part of the JH system that provides housing near the hospital for patients and family cheap. My wife stayed there during my stay for surgery. Drop me a line. Red
wvwilsons@frontiernet.net

McElderry House Lodging: 1-800-295-4131 | www.mcelderryhouse.com
(town homes close to the Johns Hopkins Hospital complex)