Couple trying to raise money for organ transplant surgery

Posted: 11:19 PM

PERRY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Terri and David Watkins took a vow 27 years ago to stand by each other in good times and in bad, and in sickness and in health.

Two years ago, Terri's health changed. She was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver because of a genetic disorder. Her body does not produce enough protein to protect her liver. "All they can do is treat the symptoms until I get a transplant," Terri said.

The 48-year-old mother of two started the process to get on the organ transplant list. It came to an abrupt end when the hospital discovered her health insurance plan would only pay $50,000 for the transplant--a fraction of the estimated $525,000 dollar cost of a liver transplant.

The couple is not rich or poor, so they said their options for help are limited. Terri Watkins said one social worker told her that perhaps she should consider a divorce so she would be indigent and eligible for welfare. David Watkins said, "Going on welfare, divorcing to try and get government assistance, we've been married 27 years, that route doesn't appeal to us."

More: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/couple-trying-to-raise-money-for-organ-transplant-surgery

:(

inflicting misery on others that need and want a cooperative society, not a competitive society killing each other off with perpetual win/lose.

that offer insurance policies that will actually cover a liver transplant.

....or Canada.....or Japan....or even go unemployed in one of those places. But don't ever expect an insurance company in the U.S. to shell out money for a half-million dollar treatment.