2 surgeries in 2 months

Greg Vargem, a mechanic for the Lodi Unified School District and father of Jennifer, left, and Sarah, will have heart surgery Sunday, followed by shoulder surgery a few months later. Paula Tillery, an LUSD co-worker, is organizing a fundraiser in November to help the Vargem family. (Dan Evans/News-Sentinel)

2 surgeries in 2 months

Lodi Unified School District co-worker organizing fundraiser for single father

By Jennifer Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writer

Thursday, October 16, 2008 2:11 PM PDT

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Paula Tillery gets teary eyed whenever she talks about Greg Vargem.

Maybe it's because she underwent heart surgery 17 years ago and knows firsthand how much it can cost. That, coupled with a bit of compassion and a big heart for her friend's son, is what led Tillery to plan a fundraiser for her fellow Lodi Unified School District employee.

"To see a guy work so hard to provide for his kids go through this," Tillery said, her voice trailing off.

Vargem, who has been a mechanic at the district for more than 16 years, heads to San Francisco on Sunday to have a worn-out aorta valve replaced for the second time. For now, his heart is working twice as hard because of buildup in the old valve, he said.

Once he's healed from that surgery, he needs to have shoulder surgery to repair a muscle that has basically split in half.

The pain from that injury caused him to go on sick leave back in July, but the 100 days set aside have since passed and now he's on two-thirds pay. The $1,500 being taken out of his paycheck monthly cuts directly into the costs associated with raising his two daughters alone, he said. His mother, who was a district bus driver for years, has helped by buying groceries for the family.

"It's been tight," Vargem said, adding that he's reduced his cell phone and cable service to help cover expenses for himself, Jennifer, 13, and Sarah, 14.

What if my insurance won't cover my hospital procedure?

Locally, patients who do not have the means to pay their hospital bill may qualify for a financial assistance program at Lodi Memorial Hospital. Applicants who are eligible for this program will receive partial or full assistance with their medical bills, and eligibility is based on the applicant's net worth and income.

To qualify for this program, a patient must complete the financial disclosure form and provide the requested information. Forms are available in the Lodi Memorial Hospital Admissions Department, Emergency Department or Business Services Department on the corner of Ham Lane and Vine Street.

Source: Lodi Memorial Hospital

It's only going to get tighter, Tillery points out.

Vargem's district insurance only covers 80 percent of his open heart surgery, which carries a $300,000 price tag. Afterward, his prescription co-payments are expected to be $600 or more for the multitude of drugs he must take for months following the procedure, including anti-rejection medication for the valve.

"Until I have both of the surgeries, I won't know how much my medical bills are going to be," he said.

The week before Vargem found out he had to have that surgery, the third since he was told he had a bad heart at age 24, another local doctor recommended surgery to repair Vargem's shoulder. But he must be healed from the first procedure, so the one for his shoulder probably won't take place for at least two months while he remains out of work.

Vargem, who turns 44 next month, is applying for catastrophic pay through the district, which allows paid leave for up to a year, but his request must go before a formal board to be approved. Before going on sick leave, he was among the group of mechanics who keep not only the buses and district vehicles running, but basically the entire shop.

He didn't find out about the fundraiser until three weeks ago.

"I was very touched and really appreciate all the people who are helping," he said.

The spaghetti dinner-dance fundraiser is scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Moose Lodge, located on the Highway 99 frontage road between Harney Lane and Armstrong Road. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. There will also be door prizes, a silent auction and raffle, and Tillery is looking for donations of goods. For more information, call 331-7163 or 712-4987.

Contact reporter Jennifer Bonnett at jenniferb@lodinews.com.

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