Resources that help financially

Hi everyone; My MD has suggested that I have a SCT. I will be flying out to Seattle from South Carolina for a consultation [because he has the most confidence in the Center out there]. I would appreciate any info that you can share on org's and/or foundations that could help with finacing this because it looks as if, despite insurance it will be very expensive. I would also appreciate any suggestions on how to prepare myself [mentally, physically and spiritually]. Suggestions on what to wear/eat/take w/me would also be helpful. Anythings that I should be sure to watch out far [I've heard a couple of folks who developed blood clots that were nearly fatal]? Oh, I did read that they suggest having fund raiser. Are there any that are more sucessful than others [and take less energy]?I don't have a lot of it and chemo brain is a reality for me.

We do alot of fundraising for my son's treatments. One that involves no effort on your part would be to get a restaurant in your area to donate a portion of the days receipts to you.  We did one of these and the restaurant let us also do a raffle for gas cards. We bought $150 in gas cards and ended up making about $1000 between the meals bought and raffle.  We have done silent auctions, but they take a bit of planning. We have also had a kids back to school consignment sale. This did very well for us. We had local parents price their kids items and clothing. We sold it for them and we kept 50% of the proceeds.  We got a firehouse to donate the space to do it. The parents who consign must hang the clothing on hangers and tag it. We had to get donations for clothes racks and we hung the stuff up.  Once the sale was over (we did a weekend) the parent claimed their unsold stuff or donated it (we sent unclaimed items to local charities) and figured the amount to be given back to consigners and sent checks.  We are currently planning a pig roast and a benefit concert. These are both labor intensive, but if you have help.....

Thanks Tyhan;

I like the idea of a raffle and of having a restaurant donate some of their proceeds. Were there any particular things that you said to them, or letters that you wrote to get them to agree to this?

I failed to mention in my initial email that I have MM. I was stage III when I was diagnosed, 2 1/2 years ago. I'm currently on Revlymid. dex and malphan. All suggestions and input on what to expect would be appreciated.

                           Be Blessed,

                                Dee