Calling all Brothers & Sisters in Christ!
Our Christian Brother, Roy Heflin (aka Mr. H.) has developed a rare condition called a dural AVM*. He has had an Embolization* Surgery and needs a Second Procedure called Stereotatic Radiosurgery* to complete the removal of the dural AVM and bring him back to full health. The closest facility (1 of 3 in the Country) that is capable of performing the Required Second Surgery is located in Miami, FL. *Website with explanation (http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/dural_avm_index.htm)
Our Church wants to help, as Roy has been out of work for 2 years and does not have any health insurance. The costs for both of these Procedures along with his Prescribed Medications will be in the several thousands of dollars (estimate – 30-40k plus).
St. Paul has started a Fund to help Roy cover any incurred Medical costs. We know that times are tough for all of us therefore we Trust that God will provide through His Church.
Any Donations are Appreciated and are Tax Deductible. Donations can be submitted via PayPal, Credit Card or Cash – BUT Most of All we request Prayers on Roy and Susan’s behalf. Thank You for supporting our effort to life up our brother in need with the Love of Christ.
- To read updates please scroll down -
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: 2/20/2012
Feel free to share with others . . .
Funds received to date: $20,176.04
Funds Goal: $100,000
Medical Expenses to date: $125,000
Medical Expenses – Future Surgery: $150,000
FUTURE Medical Expenses – Cerebral Angiogram: $12,000
Another week of believing we were seeing a light at the end of the tunnel – YET we found our train heading up a steep hill. Of course, we still Trust The Lord has a special plan for us to be well and completely healed – WE NEED ALL of Our Friends to join us in Praying Big – Partial Answers about Medical Coverage, Donations and Support continue to be Received and now we just need to bring this train ride home – YOUR EFFORTS to SHARE ROY’S STORY are extremely important to arriving at Jackson-Miami Hospital and have Roy’s AVM Surgically Removed . . . God is GOOD, He is FAITHFUL and He works through His people – THE CHURCH . . . WE PRAISE & THANK HIM, especially for YOU!
MORE GOOD NEWS, then NOT SO GOOD NEWS THIS WEEK:
Roy had the privilege of attending & participating (a little bit) in the Middle School FUN NITE at St. Paul – The 6-8 grade students decided to donate funds collected that night to Roy’s Medical Fund. Roy was humbled as he spoke about his medical condition and THANKED THE TEENS for their generous hearts.
Quite a Few Friends/Schools/Churches have begun to plan and hold future Fundraisers to increase the Blessings received already. We Pray YOU might consider doing the same. Sharing Roy’s Story with Others using Facebook, Email address books, and Twitter – PLUS Your own ideas will help us reach Our Goal – The sooner we reach Our Goal – the quicker Roy can make arrangements to have his Urgent & Required Brain Surgery.
Finally, We received another SSDI payment – it sure takes lots of pressure off of us to remain above water with our monthly bills, while Susan is settling into her new responsibilities at Macy’s.
LESS NSG NEWS:
Continuing to Persevere with SS – We re-applied to receive MedicAid coverage to cover the Doctors’ costs of the Brain procedures. Join Us in PRAYER for Roy to be approved!
WE CONTINUE TO TRUST IN THE LORD TO PROVIDE and His Church to Support us!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
2/7/2012
Lots of changes have taken place over the holidays in Roy’s life concerning his medical needs – So Many we feel as though we are on a Constantly Redesigned Rollercoaster with each day brining Good News – Things We thank and Praise God For & Not Good News – That Causes Us to Pray more for Patience, Trust and Hope – that this ride of Ups& Downs will end with a Miracle – of Medical Answers, Support, Solutions and Restoration . . . We ASK ALL OF YOU to Join Us in Prayer to Our Lord, Jesus so we can continue to serve Him and His people . . .
The Social Security Administration has approved Roy to receive monthly Disability Payments, which will be very helpful in meeting our financial obligations.Numerous Friends, Groups and Organizations including Churches, Youth Groups and Schools have contributed to Roy’s Medical Support fund – AND Many Others are planning on future Fundraisers to increase the Blessings received already.
Roy & Susan have made contact with a High Risk Pre-Existing Medical Insurance Company that claims to cover situations such as ours regardless of the medical expenses or Roy’s health condition for a reasonable cost. The plan is to cover those insurance costs with Roy’s Medical Support Fund – SO THANKS BE TO GOD & TO SO MANY WHO HAVE MADE DONATIONS!
NOT SO GOOD NEWS:
The Social Security Administration Has Not Approve for Roy to be covered by MedicAid which means he Can Notreceive the Medical Insurance he desperately needs to have a Cerebral Angiogram performed which prevents the Required Surgery to have his AVM removed. At this point in time, Roy is more than 2 months past the recommended time for him to have the Brain Surgery – each day increases the likelihood of him having a Brain bleed which would lead to death. In addition, Susan’s position at Macy’s has been eliminated due to cost cutting measures. She is still employed by Macy’s but, at a lower rate of pay. WE CONTINUE TRUST IN THE LORD TO PROVIDE and His Church to support us & SO WE ARE THANK-FULL!
These past few weeks of news have been the most difficult to understand, most frustrating to receive and the most disappointing to respond with optimism. Susan continues to work hard as a department manager, wife and nurse, YET constantly wonders – “What else can I do?” She is the Only Income the Heflins receive to pay their monthly bills. Roy still does not have Medical Insurance, and the Insurance he does have under Susan’s employee claim that his dural AVM, multiple DVTs (both legs) and Kidney disease are “pre-existing conditions”, therefore he is NOT COVERED under their plan.
We hate to speak about being Desperate, but it is our over-riding emotion these days when it comes to raising the Funds necessary to cover Roy’s necessary Surgery Expenses. We are forever grateful to those who have already sacrificed with donations towards those costs – YET as you read this, you also realize the Funds Raised to date are not adequate or nearly enough to convince Dr. Morcos & Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital to schedule a Surgery Date for Roy.
Therefore, we are asking all of our friends/supporters to consider Sponsoring Fundraisers at their churches, in their communities and to share the Heflin Story with those who are in their families and friend circles, asking them to do the same.
Below are a few options that you might consider –
Please send any donations or funds raised directly to St. Paul Lutheran in Boca Raton, FL OR online at http://stpaulboca.com/royheflin
1. PRAY for us daily adding us to whatever contacts you have for them to do the same - for the Lord to provide the funds necessary to pay past bills and future surgeries required - sharing with everyone you know
2. SEND this request to others (family/friends) and other Church members - perhaps posting the website listed below in your churches' bulletin and on your own church or personal websites
3. POST/EMAIL these Fundraising Ideas to/for friends, members and other churches to consider holding such an event on our behalf ; also send your ideas to us – dcemrh@mac.com
4. DONATE any amount - even $1 will help! Consider a $1 per member offering!
5. HOLD an Auction, Dinner, Garage Sale, Car Wash or other Charity fundraiser to help us cover those expenses - (updates posted on the same site)
6. CONTACT LOCAL REPRESENTAIVES/AGENCIES – Question them about what help is available or contacts to Call to help Roy with his Medical Expenses
7. SEARCH for Other Organizations who might offer Grants, or Memorial Funds or Matching Funds like the “Dream Foundation” – which Roy might be eligible to apply for Help. Then forward that information to dcemrh@mac.com - THANKS!
PLEASE SEND ALL funds directly to St Paul Lutheran, Boca Raton, FL at http://www.stpaulboca.com/index.cfm/PageID/2646
Whatever you and others decide to do to Support us - WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL! THANK YOU for caring about us - God bless you!
We continue to Trust in the Lord to heal Roy and Believe The Lord will use His Church to provide the funds to do so.
GOOD NEWS:
God is Actively Working through others to support the Heflins. More donations have been received from our friends and Boca Raton Regional Hospital has decided to reduce our Medical Expenses – original billing = $43,000 ; adjusted payment due = $4,300. Thank God & them along with us!
After Roy visited with his Nephrologist, Dr. Abraham, we were told that his urine tests were acceptable and kidney damage has been stabilized. We questioned about the excessive swelling of Roy’s feet and legs, so he decided that Roy’s Norvasc medication will be reduced in hopes that his swelling might be reduced and doing so won't effect his blood pressure. Continue to pray for good outcomes and THANK GOD with us for the good report, too!
NOT SO GOOD NEWS:
DISAPPOINTING: Roy received a Letter notifying him and Susan that his application request has BEEN DECLINED to receive Social Security Disability Benefits – we ONLY requested MedicAid Coverage in order for Roy to have the Surgery he urgently needs to remove his dural AVM
( http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/dural_avm_index.htm )
After receiving the S.S. Decline Letter, reflection of our meeting with their approved doctor, Dr. Roderick Santa-Maria causes us to believe that Social Security Agencies DON’T UNDERSTAND Roy’s Condition. They definitely DON’T REALIZE THE URGENCY for Roy to have the dural AVM removed quickly or his inability to work considering the medications he is taking to prevent future Seizures. Questions still remain about Dr Morcos operating on Roy because he has requested that an Angiogram be performed to determine if his condition has changed since the Angiogram in May.
Roy’s Lawyer, LaVan & Neidenberg has APPEALED the S.S. Determination, BUT the timeline of another S.S. DETERMINATION with them is 3-6 months, causing us to request a HEARING which could take 12-18 months additional months to FINALIZE A RULING?! Problem is – Past Prognosis of 4 Neural Surgeons has strongly recommended that Roy have the dural AVM removed by the end of this year – 2011 OR Death might occur! Finally, our lawyer has suggested we contact our Neural Surgeons and request letters of Urgency and Recommendations to Social Security in hopes of convincing them that Roy’s Condition needs IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
YOUR PRAYER ARE WORKING - SO WE ASK YOU to continue
Joining Us in the Prayers above and the Specific prayers listed here –
- For Improving/Stablized Blood and Urine Test Results
- For Dr. Widdows will discover the perfect combination of medications that would be most beneficial to Roy’s health – controlling his BP, reduced swelling results
- Strength for Susan to sleep well at nights so she can perform at her best at work and to keep her healthy as well. Also for spiritual strength and growth during this trying time
- For Roy’s 4 Neural Surgeons to agree to write letters to inform the Social Security Agency to realize the URGENCY and NEED for an Angiogram to be performed, therefore leading to Roy being scheduled for Surgery to remove his dural AVM
- For Continuous Generous donations to cover our Medical expenses or other means such as Medical Funds / Foundations available to apply for assistance
- For THANKS to God, friends and His People – for their prayers and support
Above is the medical condition letter from Dr. Morcos explaining Roy's needs and the urgency to have Cerebral Angiongram and a follow-up brain surgery as soon as possible . . . We are still wrestling with Insurance coverage and appealing the Medicaid decision - NO Satisfactory answers to date . . .
Roy “Mr. H.” Heflin
Rostered and certified in our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) as a Minister of Religion-Director of Christian Education, Mr. H., as he is known by many earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, Family-Youth Specialized from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1995. Upon his graduation from Concordia, he accepted the Call from Luther Memorial Church in River Falls, Wisconsin. Then, the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod issued the Call for him to serve as Campus Ministry Director to Texas Tech University students in Lubbock, Texas.
While serving in that capacity, he also assisted in the educational, missionary, service and administrative ministries at Hope Lutheran Church of Lubbock, Texas. Mr. H. has recently taught as both a substitute teacher, and teacher for special needs students at Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas. Mr. H.’s subject specialties include mathematics, social studies, English, literature, history and religion (Teacher Certified in TX & FL). Roy used his teaching skills extensively at St Mark Lutheran Church and School where he received a Call in 2006 to serve as DCE and Teacher. During his time of service he completed his graduate education by receiving a Master’s degree in Education, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction, being on the Dean’s list with Suma Cum Lade recognition, 4.0 gpa at Texas Tech University.
Having a great passion for the youth of our country/Church, he has been selected on numerous occasions to serve in youth leadership roles as District and Synodical representative. He, also has served in leadership positions in the LC-MS National Youth Gatherings in 1995 (San Antonio, TX), 1998 (Atlanta, GA), 2001 (New Orleans, LA), 2004 /2007 (Orlando, FL) and 2010 (New Orleans, LA). Roy and Susan are the parents of adult children (Suzanne, Roy and Kim) grandchildren (Amber, Anjelica) and great-grandchild (Nickolos), all living in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. Finally, though it has been difficult to secure a full time position in the past 2 years, Roy has been extremely busy serving and using his skills in other positions – from Crossing School Guard to Tutor (Sylvan Learning Centers, Davie/Boca Raton) to Substitute Teacher (Broward & Palm Beach School districts) to Event Staff at Sports events/Concerts/Graduations – serving in all of those positions up until his time of being hospitalized.
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: October 19th, 2011
Funds received to date: $6895
Funds Goal: $100,000
As with any Health Issues any person(s) may experience, they can be very complicated and expensive, YET every day and every week we have received Good News, Not So Good News, Financial & Prayer Support and heard from Fellow Believers of ways they and their Church have decided they want to be part of supporting the Heflins in large and small ways. We would greatly appreciate it, if you would share this News with others through various means.
GOOD NEWS:
God is Actively Working through others to support the Heflins. The Steven J. Olsen Memorial Fund has provided them with $2,000 in Fund assistance after approving such support from the Steven J. Olsen Board working through members at Our Father Lutheran Church in Centennial, CO. Thank God & them along with us!
Roy has been Approved to take the Next Step towards receiving Social Security Medicaid. He has an appointment on Monday, October 17th to meet with SS Referred Dr Roderick at 3pm for them to receive additional information needed to document Roy’s claim for Disability Benefits. Few first time applicants get this far when request such benefits – SO again, Thank God along with us for this appointment and Pray for a Future Approval letter from Social Security.
We would also like to Thank family members, especially Roy’s mom, Marguerite for their financial support in covering some of our monthly living expenses with Susan’s paycheck which is our only income since Roy’s seizure in May of this year. THANK GOD with us for them, too!
NOT SO GOOD NEWS:
In the past couple weeks Roy has met with Drs Widdows (primary), and Dr. Abraham (nephrologist) and next week will meet with Dr. Roderick, SS referral, as noted above. Questions still remain about Dr Morcos operating on Roy to remove his dural AVM.
Both Dr. Widdows and Dr. Abraham now agree that the swelling of Roy’s feet and legs may end up being a lifelong issue due to recurring DVTs (blood clots) and Roy’s daily medication combination regiments. Tiredness is inevitable, but control of Roy’s BP is crucial (BP acceptable for a few months now) as conditions of his kidneys (class 3 results) has caused Anemic problems. Roy will be meeting Dr. Abraham in 2 weeks to review most recent Blood results and provide a plan to prevent further damages to his kidneys. Sadly, medication balance is still being adjusted. Seems Roy’s body is having difficulty remaining stable as some days are Good and others Not So Much.
Dr Morcos, Specialist known for Surgery on dural AVMs continues to remain prepared to perform Roy’s surgery, but awaits with us for decisions to be made about SS Insurance coverage OR for increase in donations to the St. Paul Medical Funds to cover the costs. Current and Future Estimated costs are listed below.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
We have to tell you that our emotional state has been like a Roller-coaster ride. We still need quite a bit of money for past, current and future expenses, yet it is uncomfortable to keep asking others to sacrifice for us. We experience fear that the required operation won’t take place in time, before Roy has a brain bleed which could be fatal. Then we are humbled by the worldwide concern of friends, members and the Church giving Financial support and especially those who keep asking “How are both of you doing?”, then sincerely letting us know we are in their prayers. At times, we cry, yet we are Joyful ; we feel desperate for funds and answers from Our Lord, yet we Trust the Lord more than we ever had to provide for our needs ; we question and at times it seems like Doubt, yet we Know and are Assured in God’s Word that His presence, promises and Peace are with us at All Times!
SO WE ASK YOU to Join Us in the Prayers above and the Specific prayers listed here –
- SS referral - Dr Roderick and Roy’s Appt with them Monday, 10/17, 3pm ; that the Doctor will send a positive and approving report to the SS that leads to Roy receiving Mediaid Benefits
- Dr. Widdows will discover the perfect combination of medications that would be most beneficial to Roy’s health – controlling his BP, lessen swelling results
- Dr. Abraham will receive Blood Test Results that assist him in formulating a plan to prevent any further damage to Roy’s kidneys
- Strength for Susan to sleep well at nights so she can perform at her best at work and to keep her healthy as well. Also for spiritual strength and growth during this trying time
- For Continuous Generous donations to cover our Medical expenses or other means such as Medical Funds / Foundations available to apply for assistance
- For THANKS to God, friends and His People – for their prayers and support
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OPTIONS for YOU:
As most of you know, personally Roy has been and is still experiencing numerous Medical Health issues since his first seizure in May 2011 ; in turn Susan and Roy have incurred thousands of dollars of medical expenses from hospitals (3) and doctors alike - therefore . . .
We are asking ALL OF YOU to consider one of the following fundraisers on their behalf:
1. PRAY for us daily adding us to whatever contacts you have for them to do the same - for the Lord to provide the funds necessary to past bills and future surgeries required - sharing with everyone
2. SENDing this request to others and other Church members - perhaps posting the website listed below in your churches' bulletin and on your own church or personal website
3. POST other Fundraising Ideas for friends, members and other churches to consider holding such an event on our behalf ; also sending your ideas to us
4. DONATE any amount - even $1 will help! see support website below for details . . .
5. HOLD an Auction, Dinner, Car Wash or other Charity fundraiser to help us cover those expenses - (updates posted on the same site) sending funds directly to St Paul Lutheran, Boca Raton, FL at http://www.stpaulboca.com/index.cfm/PageID/2646
Whatever you and others decide to do to Support us - WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL! THANK YOU for caring about us - God bless you!
We continue to Trust in the Lord to heal Roy and provide the funds to do so.
NOTE: costs are estimates
CURRENT MEDICAL EXPENSES:
Total Costs of Hospital, Doctors and Surgery charges to date = $122,710.76
FUTURE MEDICAL EXPENESE – just to remove AVM from Brain
AVM Surgery charges = $60k-$100k
Hospital costs = $100,000 - $250.000 ; depending on stay
Doctors/Specialists costs = $100,000
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: 9/20/2011
Funds raised to date: $6895.00
It seems like we’re taking 2 Steps Forward and 3 Steps Backward as we continue to Trust in the Lord to heal Roy and provide the funds to do so.
This past Tuesday, 9/13, Roy & I had an appointment with Dr Morcos, Specialist known for Surgery on dural AVMs. Our meeting with him was very enlightening. As far as the Surgery, after he explained the procedure, we were reassured/confident that advice given by 3 other Neural Surgeons had led us to the right person who could successfully remove the dural AVM from Roy’s brain region.
Dr Morcos, after reviewing Roy’s past Surgery/Medical history stated that another, more current Angiogram was required to determine the extent of his current dural AVM condition before operating.
ISSUES:
- Cost of Angiongram = $9,000
- Current Insurance at this point will Not Cover due to the AVM being a Pre-Existing Condition
- Roy’s Application for Medicaid has yet to be Approved
- Roy is Not Qualified for other forms of Medical Support
- Additional Costs for future Dr Morcos appointments - $750 - $1,000
- And Of Course, Surgery & Hospital stay Costs - $45,000 - $100,000
An additional Complication has been discovered by Dr. Widdows (primary) following a recent office visit with regards to Roy’s blood results – at this time, Roy has become Anemic. She referred us to a local Hematologist to assist with these new complications.
ISSUES:
- Additional Costs for Specialist – though covered by our insurance, we still need to cover Co-Pay expenses
- We assume more Tests will be required = additional Lab costs, unsure at this point whether these will be covered by our insurance and how much these expenses will be out of pocket expenses
Finally Roy (& I) is still at home coping as best he can with the new information and challenges of remaining strong, eating right and exercising (walks/water therapy) when possible along with controlling thoughts about Medical costs – AND WE Continue to Trust that the Lord will Provide! His DVTs (deep-vein thrombosis) continue to cause swelling in his legs – recovery could take from 4-8 weeks. Also controlling the balance of his blood thinning and seizure prevention medications has proved to be more difficult than the original prognosis had predicted.
Join Us in Prayer – that somehow medical assistance for Doctor visits and the upcoming Surgery ( est - $30k-$40k ) required to remove his dural AVM (brain malformation, details: http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/dural_avm_index.htm) will take place. More Specifically – that Social Security will Approve my Application for Medicare. All help – Support and Prayers are Much Appreciated!
NOTE:
AVM Surgery estimated costs = $40k-$100k
Current Heflin Medical Fund = [insert current amount here] (funds received to date)
Fund Goal = $100,000
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: 9/12/2011
A Specialist Appointment has been made to meet with Dr Morcos at University of Miami, Jackson - BUT the date has been changed to NEXT TUESDAY, 9/13 - Special Prayers that the Lord might move Dr Morcos & the Hospital to accept me as a Case Study patient for Reseach which would mean the expenses would be covered by them OR PRAYERS that the Lord would pave a way for those expenses to be covered.
THANKS SO MUCH for your prayers, support and caring for both of us.
PEACE.
humble in Christ, Susan Heflin
I John 5:11-13
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: 9/04/2011
Roy is still recovering from his recent hospital stay, comfortably at home. After his visit with his primary doctor on Thursday, his Blood Clot issue in both legs is slowly improving. Leg Swelling has been reduced, but Dr Widdows encouraged him to be patient because full recovery of his DVTs (deep-vein thrombosis) could take from 4-8 weeks. Also controlling the balance of his blood thinning and seizure prevention medications has proved to be more difficult than the original prognosis had predicted.
A Consultation Visit has been scheduled with a renowned Neural Surgeon – Dr Marcos, University of Miami Hospital, Jackson – on September 19th. Cost for this visit is estimated at $750 - $1,000. Of course, without insurance coverage, Much Prayer is requested for the Lord to provide the funds needed to continue receiving medical assistance for Doctor visits and the upcoming Surgery ( est - $30k-$40k ) required to remove his dural AVM (brain malformation, details: http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/dural_avm_index.htm).
PLEASE PRAY BIG: PRAY GOD might convince the Staff at Miami Jackson Hospital to consider Roy’s unique/rare AVM condition for Research purposes as a Case Study.
Medical costs continue to escalate quickly therefore, requests for financial assistance are still being sought from multiple sources – individuals, churches, hospitals and social services. All help – Support and Prayers are Much Appreciated!
ROY HEFLIN MEDICAL UPDATE: 8/25/2011
Roy is Currently at home receiving a balance of medications to reduce DVT Blood Clots in both legs while preventing any Brain Bleeds (dural AVM) at the same time, his left leg is doing better than the right but both still make it difficult to walk long distances causing shortness of breath, as well.
Surgery required ( est - $30k-$40k ) concerning his dural AVM (brain malformation, details: http://brainavm.oci.utoronto.ca/malformations/dural_avm_index.htm ) is still in a holding pattern due to lack of insurance coverage and funds to cover costs. Hopes/Prayers are that due to the unique/rare AVM present that Roy might be considered as a Case Study for Research purposes. Plans are to visit a renowned Neural Surgeon – Dr Marcos, University of Miami, Jackson - for consultation next week. Cost for visit alone is estimated at $750 - $1,000.
Medical costs continue to escalate quickly therefore, requests for financial assistance are still being sought from multiple sources – individuals, churches, hospitals and social services. All help – Support and Prayers are Much Appreciated!
NOTE:
AVM Surgery estimated costs = $40k-$70k
Current Heflin Medical Fund = $3050 (amount raised to date)
Fund Goal = $100,000
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