Good Day Sunshine

YES. Wow, wasn't sure we'd ever hear that. But here we are with a firm yes.
Since Tuesday, I've been in high speed. Filling out applications, researching websites, creating a Facebook page for Lee, ( almost done ) looking at our housing options, trying to figure out how we're gonna pay for it all...I've been very busy.
Here's where we are:
* Waiting for insurance to approve the transplant. Could be another 2 - 4 weeks. Until then, Lee is NOT on a waiting list for lungs.
* Several friends are putting together a benefit concert for Lee on Oct. 16th at The Blind Tiger. The bands and band line up have not been finalized. As soon as I have details, you'll know.
* I'm creating a Facebook page called Lungs for Lee. It isn't done yet but should be by Monday. This page will serve as a first point of contact for all of you on Facebook. I'll keep you up to date on benefit shows, other events etc. I also encourage you to send messages to either myself or Lee on this page.
* I've applied and was accepted for assistance from the NTAF. ( National Transplant Assistance Fund ) On that site will be a page about Lee and his illness. My goal is to have ONE place where our friends and family can go to donate money if they wish. Should have it up by early next week. http://www.ntafund.org/
* Researching air ambulances - ongoing process. AngelFlight's regional office Airlift Hope only flys for scheduled appointments. And transplants are not scheduled. We need someone on call who can get us to Pittsburgh within 4 hours after receiving "the call." Air Ambulances are not free like Angel Flight so that sucks. But it's worth looking into.
* Housing - we'll stay at The Residence Inn if a room is available. They are the only extended stay hotel close to the hospital. And I would want to be close by. We stayed there during the evaluation and liked it.

The big dilemma we're facing is whether to pick an air ambulance and pay the 6,000$, 8,000$ or 10,000$ and stay here in Greensboro until we get the call that lungs are available OR relocate to Pittsburgh and stay in the hotel for what could be months. Staying at the hotel would be approximately 2800$ for just ONE month. What if lungs aren't available till December or January? Then we'd be paying for about 3 or 4 months of hotel bills which would be about the same, or a little cheaper, than arranging for an air ambulance.

Right now, we don't know the exact amount of time we'd be in Pittsburgh AFTER the transplant. His Endoscopist may try another surgery on his esophagus and we aren't sure what's involved just yet. Recovery time is usually, if there are no complications, around 2 months give or take a few weeks.