So here is a question for all my FV friends.

[momof42003]

My sister is battling stage 4 colon cancer and the nearest place for her to get her treatment is in Houston Texas at MD Anderson. The problem is that she has to fly to Texas every 3-4 weeks. We have done fundraisers and she has contacted Angel Flights, and Continenntals special rate for medical purposes, but we need more ideas. Do any of you have experience getting money or plane tickets for someone who is needing travel to save their lives? I would love to hear any and all info on this. The reason she is going to Texas is because even our big medical hospital here in Oregon, OHSU, would not do it because they consider it it "experimental", where they have been doing it for over 5 years in Texas and not experimental. Just to clarify-she has done all options available to her here. TIA...

[wunsagin]

I'm really surprised to hear that about OHSU, I know of someone who was treated there after her dr's only gave her a few months and I believe her treatment was experimental. BTW, that was more than 11yrs ago and she is still with us.

I am not positive but I think there used to be a place where people donated their frequent flyer miles to be used for reasons like this. Maybe a google search will turn something up.

[mauimagic]

I wish I knew of something. Good luck in her treatment and your search. Please let us know how she's doing.

[craftypam]

Would it help to contact Continental directly? Or what about another airline. You would think when life is at stake someone would step in.

[Greebo]

I like the idea of reaching out to the airlines. I'd try reaching out to the PR departments - appeal to their vanity - let Sis be a living spokesperson for the good the "big evil commercial airlines" are doing in exchange for travel vouchers for her and presumably she needs someone to go with her - that she can use to get to and from where she needs to go.

Alternatively - What about Seattle? It's a lot closer (and presumably cheaper) than Texas to Oregon - any hospitals there willing to treat her?

And another alternatively - if this is going to be a life long need, perhaps she and her family should consider relocating to TX.

[Imarachne]

Don't give up--there will be a way--just keep trying, put the word out , and pray.

[frugalwarrior2]

Would it be possible to set up a fund w/ the airline for people to donate their frequent flyer miles to her. I know DH transferred his to a coworker when he was flying a lot.
It wouldn't cost the airlines anything really and the PR would be fantastic. Your Dsis could fly free.

Also contact the Susan G. Komen society. They help cancer patients too.
The American Cancer Soc. Even if they can't help they prob. can direct you. I'm sure this is quite typical.

Also Can't she stay in a facility there? Sometimes there are family accomodations.

I have no experience w/ this but I do wish you both the best.

[piney]

I would contact churches in Houston Texas some people might be willing to share their homes with her for awhile at no expense.Just a thought.

[Ramona]

United bought Continental last year. Here's their corporate website:

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

and here's their stock information page on Yahoo Finance with contact names of corporate executives:

UAL Profile | United Continental Holdings Stock - Yahoo! Finance

I know that people can donate their miles to Continental, so I'd call management and ask about how to request those miles for the benefit of a cancer patient traveling to Houston for treatment.

Big hugs to you and your dear sister.

[Debbie-cat]

No advice but many prayers and hugs to her. Please keep us posted.

[momof42003]

Thank you all for your comments. Problems with her staying in Houston is she has three small boys and her life here in Oregon. I know if push came to shove they would all temporarily move to Houston. Ya, OHSU said they did all they could do for her and wouldn't do the treatment MD Anderson is doing for her. Kind of wierd I thought. Any how I will look in to all the ideas and let my sister know about this too. THANK YOU ALL!!!!

[mommynurse]

I used to do oncology nursing and our hospital had several rooms in a local hotel that patients/families from out of town could use. Our big university medical center here has a Ronald McDonald house. Social workers at the hospital are WONDERFUL resources. They probably have contacts at the airlines and with local hotels.

[hotprincesscm]

would it be cheaper for her to rent a small apartment out that way, until treatment is over? Just at thought?

[BlissMommy]

Hugs. I think you've gotten some great advice here. I hope she gets better uber soon and hugs to you all. Prayers going up.

[frugalfranny]

No advice here but just hugs and prayers that it will work out
for you.

Be sure to keep us posted..........