Thank you, St. Polycarp!

There is much to complain about regarding healthcare bureaucracy in this country, so we want to share a positive story which was a blessing for Thomas. Thomas has developed a rare form of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency stemming from complications from his tumor resection surgery and loss of blood flow.  As a result of this damage, Thomas's pancreas is damaged and is not producing 

After much experimentation we found a prescription medication that allows Thomas to absorb nutrition and to gain weight.  At 7 years old, his growth is so important.  He has lost so much valuable growth time already, so every day matters.  

The problem is that this life-saving medication was brand new and very expensive.  For the past month, Thomas has been living on samples from a small pharmaceutical startup company while his doctors and medical staff rallied, putting in tens and tens of hours to convince his primary and secondary insurance to cover it after initial denial. Research into medical literature had to be done and impassioned letters written. (One doctor’s letter was ten pages long.) Numerous times, another department at the hospital gave up its stash of sample meds so I could drive down there yet again to retrieve them to supply Thomas for another five days. 

Yesterday BOTH insurance companies APPROVED the medication to be covered 100%. Today a woman in the last couple of hours of her last day of employment went way above and beyond to make sure Thomas’s meds will be delivered by courier tonight lest he run out. All the medical professionals put their hearts and souls into getting what Thomas needs.

Also, we have special reason to thank St. Polycarp who is the patron saint of those in gastrointestinal distress, and on whose feast day BOTH insurance companies unbeknownst to each other approved this medication that stops GI distress.