Last minute charitable help..........ideas?

[debw712]

I have a friend from HS back in NJ- Michelle. She is 44, was diagnosed back in Feb with stomach cancer. She has been through HELL and honestly isnt doing all that well.

I never thought much of this aspect of the thing because her husband has a decent job- but they are BROKE from this illness. They had to pay out of pocket for medical services not covered by insurance, her medications cost thousands per month and she has applied for help but he makes JUST a little more than the orgs want in order to help them- so they re mortgaged the house, are trying to sell it now to pay for things but they have ZERO money to provide Christmas gifts for her two teenage sons. She said the boys are ok with this- they are awesome kids.

I am sending the boys each somethings for under the tree- but is there a national charity that I can call in the 11th hour that might make this Christmas that much more special? Unfortunately this could be the last one she has...I want to make it amazing- wish I knew how bad things were before TODAY, but at any rate- ANY suggestions??

TIA

Deb

[jesch3]

maybe try Make a Wish or the Salvation Army. They might be able to help.

[lmhisle]

I worked for United Way of Central Ohio for years before moving to Texas. I thought it was my forever job. In this situation - the local in NJ would be my first call. United Way partners with other community service agencies so even it they can't help directly - they know who can.

http://www.uwcj.org/findhelp.htm

[lucas mccain]

Here's what Toys for Tots recommend.

Douglas Community Center Plano

[mommyx2]

Calling any of the local churches or their church?

[JJFrisco]

Both of my parents were patients at MD Anderson in Houston. They had former patients acting as volunteers and had a wealth of information and services including charities providing family assistance, wigs, etc.

I would contact her hospital and see if they have a similar program there. Good luck.

[debw712]

awesome ideas- thank you I did call and write her church- didnt think of the hospital but will do that now- also contacted some local businesses for her- fingers crossed!

[friscofolks]

debw712, I think what you are trying to do for them is just wonderful and they are so lucky to have you in their lives.

The posters above have offered great suggestions regarding your question, but here is some additional information for them, for help with their bills and finances too (links pasted below). There are a lot of non-profit and charitable organizations that have specific programs to help people dealing with cancer, to meet their financial needs. I hope these help them too.

Also regarding making their Christmas special, perhaps you could call the Make a wish foundation and they might have additional suggestions too. Their local churches, religious organization, Lions Club etc might be able to help with this too, if you are able to contact them :

Resources:
-American Cancer Society
-CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
-HealthWell Foundation
-CancerCareCoPay.org
-Life beyond cancer
-Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program



Some useful articles/links:
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/h...riptions_.html
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/h...cer_bills.html
http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/assistance/index.php
http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbc...&nav_category=

Again, it is very sweet of you to do this for them. Hope it works out and hope this family is able to have a wonderful holiday season and spend as much time as they can, together.

[debw712]

Thanks...I am SO amazed, and feel SO full of the Christmas Spirit as a result of what has transpired in the past hour...

A doctor that neither she nor I ever met who happened to answer one of the phones at one of the charities is going to her house in NJ now to BUY with his own money the gifts! I am floored. ALso the St Vincent DePaul Society in Central NJ is helping her with other things-

I am shaking with relief and happiness at how a few simple phone calls can produce so much love and so much goodwill.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

[friscofolks]

Aww that is amazing !!!! I'm so glad it worked out. Yes, what that doctor and the society is doing for them is absolutely wonderful. And bless your heart for having started the process and for putting the wheels in motion for this to happen. Merry Christmas !