Update - March 30, 2013

What a difference a week makes.  Last week Lauren was hopeful, but waiting and still often in pain.  Now she has some answers.  The doctor in Dallas called to let her know that she is a good candidate for the gastric stimulator.  As you can imagine, Lauren is extremely relieved. 

Now, for the details:  The doctor needs her to get two more tests done before the surgury.  He feels that her problem might not only be her stomach, and he wants to examine how her other organs handle food.  These procedures wil be a bit difficult to get through, but she's willing to do them.  Both she and her doctor hope that, with these tests, they will have a much fuller picture of what is going wrong in her body. 

The tests will take a little time to set up, but should be completed with results back before her trip to Johns Hopkins.  However, the surgury to implant the gastric stimulator will not be completed until after her first appointment at JH.  The doctor in Dallas wants the doctor from JH to go over all the results before her surgery, but still feels confident that it will happen.

Lauren is thrilled to have steps in place to move forward.  She's less thrilled about the invasive tests, but understands why they have to take place.  Her biggest concern now is paying for it.  Her insurance may not cover the tests.  The doctor is hoping, however, that the test results will force her insurane to cover the gastric stimulator.  Nothing is confirmed, but he will do his best. 

The most important thing is that Lauren is feeling more positive about what is coming.  She asked us to convey her thanks to all of you for your continued thoughts and prayers.  It's been tough (and may get tougher), but she knows she's gotten through it because of all the love coming her way.

I know most of you have donated and we so appreciate the help.  We are continuing to post the donation information because as new readers come to the blog, they may want to know and because there are still financial difficulties in her future.  Again, we so appreciate every one of you that have sent money, good wishes, prayers and notes.

Ways to contribute:

You can click the button below to contribute to a Pay Pal account that is linked directly to the Benefit Account for Lauren Heredia. Lauren herself does not have access to this account, so it is anonymous to her and the funds are transfered to her bank account. If anyone wants proof of their donation, please email helplaurenheredia@gmail.com (this is not a tax-deductible donation).

You can also send checks made payable to Lauren or Fabian Heredia to:

Lauren & Fabian Heredia
PO Box 942
Carlsbad, New Mexico
88221

This goes directly to them.  And you can go into any Wells Fargo location and ask to make a deposit into the Benefit Account for Lauren Heredia .  It may be necessary to tell the teller the account was opened in New Mexico.

Please share this with anyone who may want to know or who may be going through similar issues.  Thank you all for your continued love and support.  We'll keep you informed on how the tests go.