Laura Laughlin Medical Fund

To those involved in the Laughlin’s story,

My name is Andrea Ledwon and I am a close friend to Laura and Jeff and have been blessed by their relationship. I have had the privilege of watching this couple create a bond from their first date and have been touched by the unconditional love that has been shown throughout the past few months. I, like most of you, have been truly touched by this story of complete devotion through such adversity. Their marriage is so relatively new. However, those that know them well knew that they were meant for each other and fell deeply in love from the beginning. I struggle to imagine the future implications for them as a married couple. I have had extensive conversations with Jeff on many occasions. While most people are familiar with the emotional difficulties that he faces, they are unaware of the legal, medical, and financial burdens that have been placed upon his shoulders.

Initially and understandably, Jeff did not give much thought to these other concerns. He, similar to everyone, was solely focused on Laura’s health and her needs for recovery. After a couple of months and some consultation, he understands the difficulties that the future may hold. The future costs, which are impossible to measure or predict, could include but are not limited to:

  • Complete income loss from his spouse
  • Multiple future surgeries (eyes, hands, feet, etc.)
  • Several daily medications (seizure prevention, blood pressure stabilization, muscle and joint movement, etc.)
  • Convenience devices (wheelchairs, supports for bathing and using restroom, modifications to home, etc.)
  • Legal fees and court costs applicable to annual conservatorship under Missouri state law
  • Future permanent nursing home and/or assisted living via in-home nursing
Jeff has expressed that it feels like he’s working 3 jobs right now with all of the added responsibilities that he has taken over. I know that he fears the future and the financial stress that will burden him. There are two major short-term issues that he is currently dealing with. First, Laura’s income stops as of October 14. Fortunately, her long-term disability will take over however; it is only equal to a portion of her earned paychecks. Secondly, Laura’s medical insurance coverage for skilled nursing and rehab may possibly end as early as this week. Originally, it was thought that Laura had 60 days of coverage in the skilled nursing facility. This would cover payments until November and then the medical bills would become an out of pocket expense. However, the insurance company evaluates and approves her coverage on a 5-day basis. Unfortunately, Laura has not met the guidelines for improvement by the insurance company and coverage will be cut early. Her cost of care at St. John’s skilled nursing facility is astronomical costing Jeff more than $6,000 per month (an approximate cost of $75,000 per year for an indefinite period of time). This leaves the Laughlin's in a devastating scenario of living monthly on only half their usual income and medical expenses that are impossible to pay without some sort of assistance.

Through my personal experiences and conversations with Jeff, there has been a clear interest from many wanting to help in some way. I feel, as most do, helpless regarding the physical healing of Laura’s body. We are leaving this part of the process to Laura and God. But, we can collectively help them with some of the financial burden. While flowers and gifts are nice, I’m sure that all of you understand what is most beneficial in these uncertain times. Under the guidance of myself and others, an account has been set up at Bank of America to allow the countless number of people that have been touched by this situation to make a donation to help this newlywed couple with their medical expenses. To make a donation through this trust fund, all you have to do is go into any Bank of America in the country and state that you want to make a contribution to the LAURA LAUGHLIN MEDICAL FUND.

There are many people that have brought about discussions of planning future fundraisers for Laura. We foresee that annual events may be necessary to meet some of her long-term needs (of course, this will depend upon the speed and extent of her recovery). With the short amount of time that we have before the bills begin to accumulate, it was felt that this is the best route to take for now. I would be more than willing to discuss with anyone who has ideas for fundraisers or simply wants to be involved in the organization process for planning in the future.

Jeff has expressed to me the difficulty that he has in accepting donations on Laura’s behalf. He said that it is much more difficult to receive charity than to give it out. The first time someone insisted on him accepting money, it brought him to tears. It is a very difficult change in many ways. On the other hand, he knows that as he accepts his new role as guardian and conservator of Laura he is fully responsible for her medical and financial care and well-being. Jeff and Laura have always been avid givers to their church, charitable organizations and disaster relief efforts. They have gone out of their way to help others countless numbers of times and it would be great to see such a deserving couple receive the assistance that is so greatly needed.

I am attaching a photo of Laura and Jeff to share with all of you, which was taken on September 7 (the day she made her move to St. Johns Skilled Nursing Facility) and a current picture of Laura, which was taken just this past Saturday morning. The love and chemistry between these two people is phenomenal and I hope you are all able to feel God’s love through this amazing union. I will conclude by saying thank you for considering this message. Please, forward this email to everyone that you would normally forward one of Jeff’s updates to. Let’s see if we can collectively be a bright light in these times of darkness. Thank you for loving and supporting them.

With Gratitude, Andrea Ledwon