Will Bozeman help one of their own?

After reading many of the discussions, here on Bozeman talks, it made me think of someone I know in Bozeman who needs help. Anne Foster and her husband moved to Bozeman more than 16 years ago. They have worked hard and love being part of this community. Both of them are extremely proud and do not want to ask for help -- but Anne does need your help, now.

A few years ago, Anne started having trouble with a variety of symptoms including unusual lesions on her bone, and symptomatic Tarlov Cysts that have virtually left her unable to do anything.

The bone lesions need to be investigated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She and her husband are currently at Mayo having those tests done. But, Mayo required a minimum of $8,000 cash up front to do the procedures. Graciously, their Church has helped them with a portion of the funds. But, there is still a shortage that needs to be paid.

Additionally, for Anne to have surgery for her Tarlov Cysts that have left her so significantly disabled, she needs surgery that will cost approximately $40,000. There are only a few surgeons in the entire US that will do surgery on Tarlov Cysts. One of those specialized Neurosurgeons is in Kansas City. He has agreed to do Anne's surgery, but the hospital requires a majority of her bill to be paid in advance.

Anne desperately needs this surgery. Would any of you be able to help Anne afford to have this surgery, and hopefully get her life back? Anne has set up a Medical donation account for anyone who would be willing to help her. To donate, please contact:

Via Mail:
First Interstate Bank
ATTN: Anna Craver
P.O. Box 10910
Bozeman, MT 59719

Walk-in:
First Interstate Bank
ATTN: Anna Craver
2023 Burke St. (By Target & Costco)
Bozeman, MT 59718

Any ideas or suggestions you have to help Anne raise the funds necessary for both of these medical procedures would be greatly appreciated.

Bozeman -- please step up and help one of your own!

Tina :)

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tags: Tarlov, Cysts, Mayo, Clinic, Fundraiser, First, Interstate, Bank-Bozeman + add tags
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posted on Wed, Apr 30, 2008 12:45 AM
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Art byuptown2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
If she is disabled to where she is going to try to get or to need government Social Secruity disability payments, the family should probably try to find out how a fund like this could affect things. Maybe there needs to be a trust or something because the fund might be enough to mess up getting disability or medicare and at some point the fund will dry up and maybe the bills will keep rolling in. Just a thought if that hasn't been done.
RE: Art bymotivatekc2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
Uptown--

That is wise advice. I have no idea if it could impact future disability options or not, so I will be certain it is investigated.

Thank you for taking time to respond.

Tina :)
Sorry byvarietychic2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I'm so sorry for your friend. Things like this are so tough. Unfortunately, in this day, there is a lot of sickness and many people are helping their friends and family members make it through illnesses and disease. So, if you are discouraged because people are not responding to this, I would just remember that they probably have family members that are their first priority. Maybe those who don't, will step in and help.

Good Luck! You are a great friend!
RE: Sorry bymotivatekc2 months ago (1 votes) (report abuse)
Dear Variety Chic --

Life is hard for so many people. There are a lot of people in need. I am the one who has been so blessed by Anne, and would do about anything to help her. She is a special lady, with a huge heart to help and serve others. I just want to do what I can help her in her time of need.

Thank you for responding --

Tina :)
I might be able to help bybozonative2 months ago (2 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I work for Montana Independent Living Project and we work with people with disabilities. Please email me at kcox@milp.us. I cannot give you money but I may be able to find your friends some assistance.
RE: I might be able to help bymotivatekc2 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
Dear Bozonative --

I will have Anne contact you via email. Thank you so much for being willing to share resources that may help her at this time.

Tina :)
Tarlov cysts byGreatful Grandmother2 months ago (3 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Although there are many rare diseases, I wanted to comment on this subject because I have suffered through it myself. I have been a Registered Nurse for more than 33 years, and when I received this diagnosis, I was completely lost. I had never heard of it, my family practioner had never heard of it, my local neursurgeon chose to ignore it. Where does one go when there's no place to go?? The pain related to Tarlov cysts is almost unimaginable, as the cyst continues to grow, damage nerves, and erode bone. Short of surgery, there is nothing that can be done to lessen the pain. The strongest narcotics--if one is able to find a physician with enough compassion to prescribe them--barely takes the edge off the pain. Countless times I felt like my only option was to end my life. I couldn't fathom living out my natural life in such agonizing pain. This disease renders its victims almost totally homebound, and sometimes, bedbound, as to attempt any physical activity only increases the pain.

Thankfully, my surgery was a success and my life has been returned to me. I was blessed to have found this neurosurgeon in Kansas City who understood the ramifications of this disease, and he has the skill and compassion to treat it. I was blessed to have insurance to cover the majority of my costs. Anne is one of the unfortunate people in our country who have "fallen through the cracks" with lack of insurance coverage. What a tragedy for her to continue to endure this horrendous pain because of lack of funds! It would be a wonderful thing if her community was able to come together to assist her.

If you are interested in further information regarding this rare disease, I urge you to go to www.tarlovcystfoundation.org.
Perhaps, if an account is established,,, byBozemaniteNo314231 month ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
... people may be willing to donate with a secure idea that the money is going where it should.
Funds going where they should... byjulumata1 month ago (1 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
To BozemaniteNo31423 and any others concerned about this...Yeah, let me
just say that the account is a medical account. Its funds cannot be
used for any other purpose except for medical. The owner of the account
must give an accounting of every withdrawal that is made from it. Hope
this helps everyone appreciate that this is a legitimate need!
RE: Funds going where they should... byaaf11 month ago (1 votes) (report abuse)
Let me just add that what julumata is saying is true. It is a state
program called the Montana Medical Savings Plan. The funds deposited
can only be withdrawn with proof of medical intent for their use.