Ivy Needs You!

If a story like this one doesn't make the argument for health care reform, nothing will. Local musicians are holding a fund-raiser for 16-year-old Ivy Alvarado, who suffered a brain seizure 18 months ago and is still on a long and difficult road to recovery. Glen Starkey at New Times picks it up from there:

After a 10-day coma, Ivy began to regain consciousness, though she was clearly disoriented and physically impaired due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Well, things are looking up, sort of.

“It’s been a year and a half, but improvement for Ivy has been remarkable,” said Melinda.

Unfortunately, medical expenses already accrued—plus continuing expenses for physical therapy, treatments, and in-home tutoring to help her graduate from high school—are beyond what the Alvarados’ insurance covers and the family can afford.

“The medical bills are still coming in for services not covered or partially covered,” said Melinda. “Testing for prolonged QT syndrome to determine what happened cost $5,000; insurance only paid $1,200. Our $3,600 annual deductible isn’t paid off from last year, and here comes a new year’s deductible. Our savings are gone. Ivy is at about $700,000 in medical bills, and hospital bills continue. If they end up paying the entire amount billed by Children’s Hospital, she will be over the lifetime maximum ($1 Million) in six months.”

Local businesses have stepped up to offer some great silent auction items like a Sterling by Musicman electric guitar, a National Resophonic guitar, a Peavey Transfex Pro 212 guitar amp, and a vintage Rodgers drum set.

So how can you help? Buy tickets ($50 each or $25 for those under 21) to attend the dinner, auction, and dance event sponsored by The 5 Cities Men’s Club and featuring the music of Unfinished Business at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande this Saturday, Jan. 30. (For tickets call Candy at 481-1006.) To donate cash or auction items, please call Marcelle at 927-1017.

Ivy loves rock’n’roll and dancing. Let’s get her back on her feet!

That we live in a country that forces families like the Alvarados to suffer financial calamity on top of their daughter's medical tragedy is unconscionable. Yet this is the sort of thing that goes on every single day in every corner of America. Let's help Ivy, and her family.