Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
The news for John Picco after his kidney and pancreas transplants was grim when it came to the checkbook, but it turns out the hit to the wallet will be much less than expected.
Two weeks ago, after learning that he would need to be on a drug that costs $900 every two weeks, Picco learned that a public assistance program will take care of the cost. The drug is used to ensure he does not contract a viral infection that his kidney and pancreas donor had. After three months, the danger of infection should pass.
That leaves just anti-rejection drugs, and the cost that Picco had estimated at $3,000 per month turns out to be just $600 per month, something for which Picco will still need help until he and his wife can get back to work.
The transplants, completed last month, mean that Picco no longer needs dialysis or insulin shots. It also means he is taking about 14 different medications.
?I guess I could show you a list, if that would be easier to show you what we?re up against,? Picco said just before learning the biggest bill for drugs was under control. His wife, Sandie Picco walked in and told him that that drug was covered.
?I don?t know what I?d do without Sandie,? Picco said. ?Probably just curl up and die. I?ve put Sandie through the ringer, and she hasn?t given up on me. She?s stayed by my side.?
Still seeking help for the next few months, ?I wanted to ask the public if there?s anyone out there that owns a business that would be willing to donate a prize so I can run a raffle to try to raise money,? Picco said. The money from such a donation would be used to help fund Piccofest 2006 and pay for medication.
Proceeds from the 2005 Piccofest, a one-day rock-n-roll festival held in September at Rockin? Red Ranch, have been exhausted on medications and on a hotel stay immediately following Picco?s discharge from Oregon Health Sciences University in November. Doctors wanted him close to the hospital in case of any complications.
Long-term, Picco, 34, is planning to go back to work and attend school. He thinks he would like to become a surgical assistant. Sandie Picco plans to return to Linn-Benton Community College in January.
Picco is feeling good and looking healthy, but he will still need to be careful.
He finds a silver lining in that he is no longer permitted to help with mundane household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom or picking up after the dogs, he said. By doctor?s orders, that?s Mrs. Picco?s job now.
For more information or to donate to Picco, visit http://www.johnpicco.homestead.com or http://www.piccofest.com.