Some Can't Stay Off Roads During Storm

Some Can't Stay Off Roads During Storm

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

Story Created: Feb 6, 2008

CEDAR RAPIDS- With many schools and some businesses closed many people dealt with the huge snowfall by simply staying home. But others don't have that option--for some very valid reasons.

For instance, if you need medical treatment on a timely basis, then you may have to go snow or no snow.

One example is patients who need kidney dialysis to cleanse their blood. At Mercy's dialysis outpatient unit in Cedar Rapids only a handful of people canceled appointments for the life-saving treatment.

Mary Ann Gardner wouldn't have braved a foot of new snow without a good reason. But missing a treatment, even for a day, can lead to serious health complications.

Gardner said "you have to keep on your schedule as much as possible."

Dialysis patients who did have to cancel will go to the head of the line for treatment as soon as possible.

Another complicating factor is many of those needing dialysis don't drive--especially in weather like Wednesday's. That's when they depend on a lift...or more accurately "LIFTS."

That's the county-operated, low cost transit service. Drivers like Will Rogan know many of his riders have limited mobility even in good weather. So he'll make every effort to insure passengers don't miss those medically-necessary treatments.

Rogan said "people here are very appreciative of the service and it's really needed and there's no other way to get there that doesn't cost and arm and a leg."

LIFTS Managers say many regular riders did cancel routine trips on Wednesdays due to heavy snow. But the dialysis patients are always ready to roll whatever the weather.

Find this article at:
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/15377326.html