Patient A is a 7 year old boy who was diagnosed with Diabetes. His illness requires him to have an emergency Glucagon kit with him at all times. His insurance company provided him with only one kit. He needed to leave the kit at his school and required a second kit for home. His parents could not afford the $150 so the Fund to provide them with the medication.
Patient C is a 4 year old girl who has a Neurologic disorder and requires a ventilator for breathing and a feeding pump. The family was being discharged but could not afford to buy the therapeutic stroller that would allow the child to leave her bed with all of the heavy equipment. The Fund paid for the stroller so that the family could provide a normal daily routine for their child.
Patient K is a 15 year old girl who was transferred to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for rehabilitation after a traumatic car accident. During the initial rescue attempt the EMT’s had to cut away her clothing. She was living part time with her grandmother, who takes care of other family members, but was essentially a runaway. The Fund bought her a sweatsuit, underwear, and shoes to be discharged home in.
Baby boy T was born at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital to parents who were originally from a Native American Indian tribe in Arizona. The baby passed away and the family wanted to return to Arizona so that they could have a proper burial for their son with their extended family. Their only financial option in San Francisco was cremation. The Fund assisted the family with transportation back to Arizona for the ceremony.
A couple from King City came to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital to be evaluated for fetal surgery. The mother had twins that were diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome that requires fetal surgery. This surgery is to protect the fetus who does not receive adequate blood flow due to an anomaly of the blood vessels that causes a communication between the twins. One twin’s heart was failing. As you can imagine, this family was frightened and distraught. On top of their worry, they were unable to afford a trip back to King City and then back to the hospital for the surgery. Thanks to the Fund, this family was able to stay in a hotel in San Francisco for three days in preparation for the surgery. The surgery was a success and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital is monitoring the pregnancy with a very good possibility of her being able to carry the now healthy twins to term.