"Deb's Meds" Trust Fund
to help with kidney transplant medications

Friends of Debbie Vernam at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencerport have set up a trust fund to collect money donations to help pay for the co-payments for medications that will be needed after Debbie has a kidney transplant. In order for her to have the transplant, she will need to afford many expensive medications in the first year following the procedure, according to a representative of the group.

Vernam has been an active member of the community for many years and some of you may know her from her support volunteering for such activities as "First Night," the Crop Walk, Cartons for Christmas, and the Community Chorus. She has also been very active in different ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church.

A few years ago Debbie's kidneys began failing and for the past couple of years she has been on home dialysis. Although difficult, Debbie has been able to continue to work full time and support some of her favorite ministries when she can. She is now in the top ten of the list for transplants and could be called at any time. She is never without the special pager she was given and has her suit case packed and ready to go.

Friends and the community at large can help by donating to a fund to help cover costs and co-payments for 10 to 12 different medications needed following the transplant. Her insurance will pay for the operation and the major cost of the medications but not the co-pays. These medications will be needed for at least a year and the cost does not take into consideration any unexpected needs such as medicine for infections.

Friends at Trinity Lutheran Church have set up the "Deb's Meds" Trust Fund and plan several ways in which the community can help. Activities include Family Movie Night, Dessert/Theater, can and bottle collection (call Ruth Hagmier, 352-3980).

A goal of $5,000 has been set. The monies raised will be matched by Trinity Financial for Lutherans, a fraternal benefit society. Any donations by check may be made out to "Trinity Lutheran Church-Deb's Meds" and mailed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 191 Nichols Street, Spencerport, 14559. For information, contact Ruth Hagmier, 352-3980 or Donna Alspaugh, 352-1443.