Robin (rjm) "GoFundMe" campaign

[WalterHaleJnr]

Our friend JORDAN posted this over at the other place.

Am copying and pasting the message:

One of the many tenants, or qualities that was most admirable in Elvis was his life-long philanthropic activities. Many Elvis fans continue this activity to this day by donating their personal time, money, and work for many great causes large and small. Either via Fan Clubs or on their own.


Now, however, one of our own is struggling. Struggling for her life, in fact.

Many of you know her simply as @rjm.

But I along with many others know her as Robin.

You may have noticed that it has been a while since we've seen a post from her.

She has fallen onto hard times due to a very serious health condition. A health condition which requires medication for her to stay alive.

A medication that is so costly in the US, that many have to choose to either purchase and take the minimal amount to stay alive, over groceries, or even over their utility bill.

This medication in question is insulin.

Nobody, in the free world should have to make such decisions. They should be able to afford to take the full prescribed dose. Not just the amount to ensure they don't die.

As a healthcare professional myself, I know the dangers and repercussions of such hard decisions. Robin/@rjm has already once almost died because of it. She ALMOST DIED, folks.

Robin's/@rjm's situation was brought to my attention simply by chance early this morning in a twitter "what's happening" email digest.

What can we do to help?

A "GoFundMe" campaign has been setup at the following address:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-robin-survive-diabetes

Any amount that you can give will help Robin/@rjm afford her much needed medication. And will help keep her alive!

rjm wrote:
Hi there. I'm Robin. I have Diabetes, type II. Earlier this year, I was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis, or "high blood sugar." I was going into Diabetic Coma, but I called 911. The doctors and nurses saved my life.

Later that week, my endocrinologist gave a new kind of insulin in addition to my once-a-day Lantus. Now I must take Humalog before every meal.

Each pack of insulin pens cost almost $500. I just recently lost my health insurance because I couldn't afford it.

Although I am disabled with an arthritic spine in addition to Diabetes and clinical anxiety and depression (which I can afford to treat), I was turned down for Disability insurance once already, and right now, it's going to take a while to qualify for Medicaid (Medi-cal in California).

Last year my father died of smoke inhalation. He left me an insurance policy. It's been over a year and a half, and I have only a little money left to my name. I have a place to live through March, and I have food money, electricity, and gas. Enough for a few months before I can maybe get disability insurance or a desk job that won't injure my spine. The money is almost gone.

I have no siblings, no husband, and I couldn't have children.

I don't have immediate family.

I live alone now.

I don't want to die.


https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-robin-survive-diabetes

[WalterHaleJnr]

I responded and payment was apparently accepted however it does not appear over on my bank account that it has been transferred.

Guess it takes a while and will have to check tomorrow especially being from another country.

Miss my chinwags with robin over the other place. I'm not sure she was a member here. Might've been back before this forum had morphed.

Remember no donation too small and she's close to reaching her specified target.

[Judith]

So sad that a rich country like the US cannot provide adequate affordable healthcare for its citizens. All the best to Robin, glad to see many are willing to help.

[TonyS]

So sad that a rich country like the US cannot provide adequate affordable healthcare for its citizens.

Exactly, it's an embarrassment !

[Mister Moon]

All the best to Robin, glad to see many are willing to help.

Indeed, best wishes to Robin. She sure deserves everything.

[WalterHaleJnr]

Update, RJM is aware of her well-wishers here as well as at the other forum.

Robin did post an update of thanks there and i posted a link to here.

Hopefully she will post ( assume she is a member from a number of years ago) her updates here.

[PTEF-Nest-Janitor]

Everyone that has helped either via monetary donations - or the sending of good vibes Robin's/rjm's way really showed that Elvis' giving spirit lives on.

Your show of support/kindness/love for a person that you only "know" online shows that Elvis fans know no boundaries.

Members from two forums have come together to show that we all can TCB - in a flash (literally!)

I know that your kindness brought tears (of joy/thankfulness) to Robin/rjm - but also know that it brought tears to me as well.

Tears of - I can't explain it.

Just how proud I am of everyone here, and from FECC who have come to Robin's/rjm's aid.

Be it via donations, be it via good vibes sent her way, be it via prayers, or just a simple note of positivity.

YOU have made a difference in Robin's/rjm's life.

Special thanks to WalterHaleJnr for the coordination of bringing this to Phoenix.

[WalterHaleJnr]

Everyone that has helped either via monetary donations - or the sending of good vibes Robin's/rjm's way really showed that Elvis' giving spirit lives on.

Your show of support/kindness/love for a person that you only "know" online shows that Elvis fans know no boundaries.

Members from two forums have come together to show that we all can TCB - in a flash (literally!)

I know that your kindness brought tears (of joy/thankfulness) to Robin/rjm - but also know that it brought tears to me as well.

Tears of - I can't explain it.

Just how proud I am of everyone here, and from FECC who have come to Robin's/rjm's aid.

Be it via donations, be it via good vibes sent her way, be it via prayers, or just a simple note of positivity.

YOU have made a difference in Robin's/rjm's life.

Special thanks to WalterHaleJnr for the coordination of bringing this to Phoenix.

Jordan, can i ask, how come the medicines that Robin mentioned of is full priced? So, there is no government subsidies at all?
In my country, my three diabetes medicines are, includes diaformin XR 100 g. Admittedly mine are different medication to what Robin has to take. I also have to be alert to diabetic coma condition but, unlike Robin, mine is just the opposite with a thing called hypoglycaemia.

[WalterHaleJnr]

And good on Jordan who brought it to our attention.

[PTEF-Nest-Janitor]

Jordan, can i ask, how come the medicines that Robin mentioned of is full priced? So, there is no government subsidies at all?

It is sadly a simple, and repulsive reason - pure greed on the part of pharmaceutical companies in the U.S.

Insulin is one of the most prescribed "life saving" medications in the U.S. - and it is marked up at an astronomical rate. For instance, a single 10mL vial of Novolog, (the most common along with humalog type for "Type 1" diabetics) would cost someone roughly $350. Costs the companies around $5-$8USD to make, if i'm recalling accurately.

Keep in mind most diabetics, in my experience go through 3-4 10mL vials a MONTH. So that's at least $1000USD per month.

What is mind blowing, most insurance companies will not cover "Novolog". And even those that do, the savings is not much - maybe 10%.

As for government assistance, programs do exist. But it is an extremely lengthy process with a bunch of hoops to jump through. And you are not guaranteed to be accepted, no matter your circumstance. As I stated before, this is ridiculous for a "free world" country.

The future is not all horrible, though. The U.S. Government will be making most insulins and other diabetic medications much cheaper through "medicare", and more in line with what other countries pay. But this reduction is for senior citizens only, if I'm remembering correctly.

Those who are younger who will not benefit from this are being forced to import their insulin from Canada. That same vial that costs $350 here in the U.S. ----------- costs $30-$50 in Canada.

In my country, my three diabetes medicines are, includes diaformin XR 100 g.

That biguanide class of med, which in the U.S. is branded Metformin ER/Fortamet has a RETAIL cost of around $900-$1500 a month depending on the pharmacy you use. And that is just one of the 3 meds you are taking. Yikes!

[WalterHaleJnr]

Jordan, can i ask, how come the medicines that Robin mentioned of is full priced? So, there is no government subsidies at all?

It is sadly a simple, and repulsive reason - pure greed on the part of pharmaceutical companies in the U.S.

Insulin is one of the most prescribed "life saving" medications in the U.S. - and it is marked up at an astronomical rate. For instance, a single 10mL vial of Novolog, (the most common along with humalog type for "Type 1" diabetics) would cost someone roughly $350. Costs the companies around $5-$8USD to make, if i'm recalling accurately.

Keep in mind most diabetics, in my experience go through 3-4 10mL vials a MONTH. So that's at least $1000USD per month.

What is mind blowing, most insurance companies will not cover "Novolog". And even those that do, the savings is not much - maybe 10%.

As for government assistance, programs do exist. But it is an extremely lengthy process with a bunch of hoops to jump through. And you are not guaranteed to be accepted, no matter your circumstance. As I stated before, this is ridiculous for a "free world" country.

The future is not all horrible, though. The U.S. Government will be making most insulins and other diabetic medications much cheaper through "medicare", and more in line with what other countries pay. But this reduction is for senior citizens only, if I'm remembering correctly.

Those who are younger who will not benefit from this are being forced to import their insulin from Canada. That same vial that costs $350 here in the U.S. ----------- costs $30-$50 in Canada.

In my country, my three diabetes medicines are, includes diaformin XR 100 g.

That biguanide class of med, which in the U.S. is branded Metformin ER/Fortamet has a RETAIL cost of around $900-$1500 a month depending on the pharmacy you use. And that is just one of the 3 meds you are taking. Yikes!

Far out JORDAN , am flabbergasted

As a pensioner myself these retail at AU $6.60. The Diaformin XR 100 mg are two large capsules i take in the evening.

The other two are Gliclazide (60 mg) by Ardix and Sitaglipton (by Januvia) both also AU $6.60., Both morning medications.
Each box lasts about a month.

Diabetic medicine.jpg

[WalterHaleJnr]

this is a very popular pharmacy/chemist here. Chemist Warehouse are always AU $1.00 less than their competitors.

They have international shipping deals for Germany and Holland, but i don't see the United States included.

https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy ... tablets-60

[Colin B]

Why has the US never adopted an NHS-style of health care ?

[TonyS]

Why has the US never adopted an NHS-style of health care ?

Because someone having to help pay for someone else's problems is judged by many as a socialist issue.
As much as I love the USA and have many friends there, when your on the up and doing ok everyone is your friend, when you're down and out, your on your own.
'Blow you, I'm alright Jack' scenario, and I've seen it many times over!
I feel fortunate to be in the UK, I'm sure Novorapid AND Levimer would bankrupt me, then there's the blood glucose test strips to constantly check your blood sugar level many times daily too !

[Mister Moon]

Why has the US never adopted an NHS-style of health care ?

Because someone having to help pay for someone else's problems is judged by many as a socialist issue.

But, even if it was "a socialist issue", wouldn't it be interesting to incorporate it into their capitalist thing ?

They probably think they are going to be 25 forever.

This whole thing brings to mind the problems some well-known American rock and roller from the 50s had later in their life due to health issues - I remember clearly the examples of one of the Blue Caps, and one of Sun's classic names.

Very sad.