Community raising money for Perry surgery

The last place Kathy Perry wants to be is where she is -- talking to a newspaper reporter about her family's financial situation and her husband's health problems.

The Perrys are a private family, and Kathy is putting herself in this unpleasant situation because, she said, "I want to thank this wonderful community for all they're doing, and I want to help my husband."

Her husband, 50-year-old Sisters contractor Larry Perry, "has always been a big man, but over the last two to three years he's suddenly gained hundreds of pounds, up to 150 pounds in just this last year," Kathy explained. Although still working from home in his contracting business, he is unable to do the physical work on the jobsite.

Kathy says her husband's specialist at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), endocrinologist Bart Duell, describes the problem as a "metabolic disorder."

The extra weight is causing serious health problems, and the doctor is recommending gastric bypass surgery. During the procedure, doctors perform an intestinal bypass and create a very small stomach pouch that holds just a few ounces of food. The surgery results in relatively rapid weight loss.

Although the family is insured by Regence BlueCross BlueShield through Kathy's employer, Sisters School District, the policy does not cover this procedure. The company's spokesman says the procedure "is not a covered benefit under their typical contract because it only treats obesity, rather than a condition associated with obesity like arthritis or diabetes."

Kathy says the total cost of the surgery depends on any complications that may arise, but OHSU requires a $20,000 deposit to confirm a date for surgery. Although the Perrys are negotiating with the insurance company, Kathy says they don't have time to wait for a final decision.

"Larry's health problems are quite serious," she said.

The surgery is tentatively scheduled for mid-October, but, Kathy noted, "we must have a $20,000 check in hand when we visit OHSU on September 29, or the surgery will be canceled."

Kathy and Larry have been married for 25 years and have two sons. She says her family's very deep faith keeps them going through this tough time.

Kathy is overwhelmed by the emotional and financial support of her co-workers at the Sisters School District, their family friends and their church family at Three Sisters Fellowship. School employees have made financial pledges; the church has donated money and is accepting donations on Larry's behalf; and several fund-raisers are planned.

A spaghetti dinner at Sisters Elementary School is sponsored by the school's staff and is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 23. The $20 tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at Sisters Elementary School. Everything for the evening is donated.

Also on Saturday, a "Run for Larry" is being organized by Vickie Patterson-Hornbeck.

People are soliciting per mile pledges for "walking, running, skating, roller blading, skateboarding, biking, horseback riding, swimming, whatever!"

The time of day is up to the individual. Runners and walkers are invited to use the trail starting at Buck Run and Three Creeks Road, where water will be available.

For more information call 549-9182 or 549-1649.