FAP Helps Colorado Family Make Ends Meet

Salina Wetmore doesn’t know how she’d manage without the help provided by The Kidney TRUST’s Financial Assistance Program (“FAP”).  Salina, who is 29 years old and lives in Aurora, Colorado, has been on dialysis for almost two years.  Diagnosed with lupus at only 16, Salina’s disease eventually led to kidney failure.  Salina isn’t able to work, but has private medical insurance through her husband’s job at a local technology company.

Salina Wetmore

Salina is currently applying for social security, but the process is a long one.  She says that the FAP is a bright spot in the medical system, allowing her to make co-pays for drugs and doctor visits that would otherwise be very hard to manage.  “It’s so simple,” says Salina.  “It’s a Mastercard that I can use anywhere for medical and drug-related costs.”  The one-year FAP grant provides up to $2,000 to help dialysis patients covered by private insurance to meet uncovered medical expenses.

Salina says that although people with lupus typically go into remission when they’re on dialysis, her condition has actually gotten worse.  She’s hoping that her health will turn around soon so that she can eventually become eligible for a kidney transplant.

In the meantime, Salina is pleased that she’s able to make a contribution to her family finances through the money provided by the FAP.  “We’ve found that we’re not eligible for many aid programs because my husband has a decent job and income,” says Salina.  “But the fact is that with expenses associated with my illness we’re barely able to make ends meet.  It’s nice to see a program that really helps working people.”