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Dear Kim Q&A Column ArchiveNovember 2004
Funding For Personal Family Crises
Dear Friends,
In what is probably a sign of the times, I have received a large
number of letters from individuals looking for funding for various
personal family crises. I am going to offer some advice to these
people.
However, these letters point to the need for universal health care, for
more kinds of public funding for people with permanent or temporary
disabilities and their caregivers, and in general, for a more
comprehensive safety net.
Here are three summaries of more than a dozen letters received in
the last six months:
--My neighbor's six year old son has been diagnosed with a rare
and
aggressive form of cancer. His mother has quit her job to stay with
him,
and I have made a commitment to help raise the money she used to earn.
How can I do this?
--My wife was recently disabled in a car accident. I am an Army
veteran and also disabled. We need to buy a van that will accommodate
her wheelchair and make some serious changes to our house. Is there
funding for this?
--My cousin was badly injured in a farming accident. He will be OK
with physical therapy, but he needs more therapy than his insurance
will
pay for. Our family has contributed money as best we can, and now want
to raise more. Can you help?
Your first step (which you may have already taken) is to make sure
that you have exhausted all the avenues of support that are available.
I
am often amazed at how many organizations provide in-home care,
supplemental income, physical therapy and so on for free or very low
cost. These services vary community by community. Talk to a social
worker at your local hospital or clinic. Call your local Easter Seals,
Ronald McDonald House, and Department of Human Services. Be polite but
persistent.
Next, go to your house of worship, if you have one. Many churches,
synagogues, temples, mosques and so on have funds for these kinds of
needs, or are willing to take up a collection to help you.
Next, particularly if you are in a small town, go to your local
newspaper and try to get a story written about your situation. The
story
is about the person who is ill or disabled, but it is also about the
family and neighbors rallying to their side. The story does not have to
be condescending tear-jerker. It is a simple appeal to the humanity in
all of us (or at least most of us.) These stories will sometimes raise
thousands of dollars from compassionate readers.
All the time you are pursuing these avenues, continue to pursue
family and friends. But think of events like an all neighborhood
garage
sale, where everyone puts their stuff for sale in front of their house
and donates a portion to you, or an ice-cream social at the local
community center. This way you begin to raise money from people who
don't even know about the cause but love bargains or ice-cream.
If people are concerned that the money goes where it is supposed
to, set up an account at the bank in the name of the family or of the
person you are working for.
By networking and making your needs known, you may well find the
money or the in-kind services that you need. Don't be afraid or
embarrassed to ask. People like to help and people like to help people.
—Kim
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