SPECIAL NEWS ARTICLES

*****Hope's Hope Rally Success!*****

When we first announced this rally, Hope had only enough tube feeding formula to last for 2-3 days and the situation looked grim. G-PACT and other volunteers from all over jumped in right away to intervene on her behalf and do whatever possible to keep her nutrition stable until we can work out a permanent solution. Hope's story attracted local media in Orlando thanks to the efforts of a G-PACT volunteer, and Hope's story will be aired on a local news station sometime very soon!  

Thus far, Hope has received in excess of $1000, which purchased about 3 cases of her formula. She also received donations of necessary supplies such as tube feeding bags and backpack. Two G-PACT volunteers contacted First BioMedical, Inc. of Olathe , KS and they donated a new pump to Hope to replace a broken one. We are thankful to each and every one of you who has been involved in helping Hope! You have truly made a huge impact on her life, health, and her future as she battles gastroparesis and other conditions.    

Please contact us at hopeshope@g-pact.org. Although this public rally ends on November 19^th, G-PACT will assist her in any way possible, and will continue to accept donations indefinitely for her care. 100% of ALL donations specified for Hope will be used for Hope. G-PACT does not keep any of her donations, but you will still receive a receipt. Please indicate the donation is for Hope! 

We will continue to update her progress at www.g-pact.org/hopeupdate.htm

 ****Right before this newsletter was to be mailed, Lila Litter, G-PACT Administrative Assistant and resident of Orlando , Florida received this e-mail in response to an e-mail she sent to Gov. Bush:

From: Levine, Alan

To: 'ldl1941@earthlink.net' 
Cc: Medows, Rhonda M.D. ; Moore, Mary Pat 
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 5:09 PM
Subject: FW: A Plea for HOPE !!! 

Lila,

Governor Bush asked me to respond on his behalf since he is traveling today.

There are programs that may be able to provide assistance to Hope, and I am
asking the Agency for Health Care Administration to see what they can do to
help. Someone should be contacting you shortly.

Thank you.  And Good luck.

Alan

Alan Levine
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of Governor Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee , Florida 32399-0001
www.myflorida.com

Partial letter from Lila:

Governor Bush,
 
I do hope that you or someone takes the time to read this as this is a life death situation in my book as well as Hope's.
 
I am writing on behalf of a friend of mine who is suffering from a disorder
called Gastroparesis….
 
My friend, Hope McDaniel, 38 years of age, was diagnosed with Gastroparesis in 1998 and you can view her medical history which I have included below as well as her medications.  The grave situation in her case is that when she had to quit work due to her illness her Insurance only extended for 3 months.  She is now without any insurance, has applied for SSI and SSD,
Medicaid, Medicare and has been denied 3 times and can't get an appeal until the year 2004. 

The full letter may be viewed on the G-PACT site at http://www.g-pact.org/hopeupdate.htm

A Message from Hope to all You!  

Hi, 

First I want to thank everyone for such an outpouring of kindness.  I am usually a very positive person but had really reached the bottom of the barrel.  Everyone has been wonderful and helped me to regain some of my positive attitude and will continue the fight. 

I am still between a rock and a hard place.  They are trying to get an "Emergency appeal" for January or February, 2004.  I must say that is better than the original appeal date of August, 2005 but still not anywhere close to the necessary immediate problem. 

Again, thanks to everyone.  I can't even think where I would be now without your support and help.  I promise to keep everyone up-to-date on how things are going. 

With warmest regards,

Hope