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For the last year and a half of
Spencer’s life, over 8 months were spent in the hospital. Through the
generosity of friends, relatives and strangers, Spencer’s parents
received snacks, books, cards, and meals to help during a very stressful
situation. During Fall 2001 at Glennon, the Kults became friends with
other families that were coping with extended hospital stays: one teenager
waited over 3 months for a heart transplant and another family was dealing
with an extended pleural effusion. If Chris and Tina were exposed to
several families at one small Midwest hospital, just imagine the hundreds of
other families around the country experiencing extended or far from home
hospital stays, and the financial difficulties they have to face. |
With Spencer’s passing, The Kults and C.H.I.N. wanted to honor his memory in
some way that would help other families who might be faced with financial
difficulties. In an effort to reach out to these families, C.H.I.N. is now
pleased to announce the creation of Spencer’s Fund, a family assistance program
that will help families with financial expenses incurred during extended or far
from home clinic appointments and hospital stays. Spencer’s Fund will provide
groceries, meals, travel subsidies, lodging assistance, and utility payments to
families in need.
Donations
The Spencer Kult Memorial Family Assistance Fund was started in August 2002
after the death of Spencer Kult. He was a courageous little boy who touched
those around him with his smile and determined attitude. Spencer did his best to
not let a long hospital stay pin him down. You can read more about
Spencer here.
Please help us continue our mission of assisting families
who are affected by far from home or extended hospital stays by donating to
Spencer’s Fund.
Tax-deductible contributions may be made by credit card or check using our
secure donation form.
Memorials and tributes are also welcomed -- if you so request, we will send
an acknowledgement card to the honoree or designated family member.
Services
The Spencer Kult Memorial Family Assistance Fund
(Spencer’s Fund) is available to all members of C.H.I.N. The gifting program
provides meals, groceries, help with travel and lodging expenses, and utility
payments for members experiencing extended or far from home hospital stays.
To request a meal
Spencer’s Fund would like to provide a catered lunch or dinner to members.
Hospital cafeteria food is only edible for a very limited time. Please contact Spencer’s
Fund (w/subject meal request) to request a meal for a member family.
Indicate the number of meals, the date of service, and the hospital phone and
address for delivery. Contacts are in place with various restaurants or catering
companies in the areas of major hospitals.
To request groceries
We also understand the financial burden that sometimes accompanies an unexpected
or long hospitalization. Therefore, Spencer’s Fund would like to provide
assistance with groceries for members who have spent weeks away from their
pantries. Each request will result in a gift certificate or card. A 1-week
minimum stay in PICU or similar situation is required for a second or third
request. Maximum of 3 requests per member family per year.
Contact Spencer’s Fund
(w/subject grocery request) with a local grocer’s phone number and address.
Chains and local preferences differ from state to state and from city to rural
areas. We’d like to make it as convenient as possible for the member family to
shop at their preferred grocer with a gift card or certificates.
To request a utility payment or phone cards
A member family still has household obligations to meet. Extended and far from
home hospital stays often make it difficult to stay on top of such things.
Payments will ONLY be mailed directly to the utility company. A minimum 3-week
hospitalization is required for this assistance. Members must fax a copy of the
utility bill as well as documentation of the hospital stay (from the hospital or
insurance company) to 314-416-0449. One request can be submitted for each month
of hospitalization. Maximum payment per request is $300. Maximum of 3 requests
per member family per year.
Members can request phone cards before a hospital
stay by contacting Spencer’s Fund.
(subject: phone card)
To request help with travel expenses
Many C.H.I.N. members travel great distances to seek a second opinion or
to obtain the best care possible. The medical field is experiencing tremendous
advances, and traveling to see a particular specialist is sometimes necessary to
receive care for rare and very complex congenital heart defects. Member families
should contact Spencer’s Fund
(w/subject travel) for assistance regarding Good Samaritan organizations that
specialize in discount or free airfare. Members should also contact Spencer’s
Fund (w/subject gas advance) if you are planning a road trip. Gasoline
isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and we’d like to help.
Maximum of one request per month with a limit of three requests per
family.
To request help with lodging expenses
The Ronald McDonald House or similar extended parent lodging is great for far
from home hospital stays. But should a member family’s stay become
unexpectedly extended, Spencer’s Fund would like to help with your lodging
expenses. Please email Spencer’s Fund
(w/subject lodging) and provide the location and phone number. We will make
arrangements directly with the facility to assist our member families.
Who is eligible to make a request?
Spencer’s Fund will honor requests from members directly, requests from
members on behalf of other members, and requests from friends and families on
behalf of members. We encourage local members to make requests for families
experiencing difficult hospitalizations on their behalf. We have all made
incredible connections in our "global waiting room" and Spencer’s Fund would
like to reach out and help during those stressful times.
Requests can be made at any time by emailing SpencersFund@tchin.org
or via fax at 314-416-0449. C.H.I.N. membership will be verified before a gift
request from Spencer’s Fund is fulfilled.
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