Patient Service Giving Stories 2017

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Jane, an ASU employee, was the second person to apply for assistance. Her husband lost his job in June 2016, and Jane became the sole provider for a family of five. He returned to work in February 2017, and they started to catch up on overdue bills. Shortly thereafter, Jane had surgery, then another family member required surgery, and quickly she had used up all of her paid leave from work. She planned to return to work after recuperation. However, the family would be without at least one paycheck as they are trying to recover from her leave and her husband’s unemployment.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided funds to help Jane with her rent and utilities.

Our third applicant of the year was Mallory, a 24-year-old current ASU student. Mallory’s mother was struck and killed by a drunk driver on May 6, 2017, leaving her brother, sister, and herself without parents or grandparents – her father and last living grandparent passed away within the last 2 years. Mallory had 3 days of paid bereavement leave from her job, but she needed more time (unpaid) to make her mother’s funeral arrangements, get her affairs in order, and receive initial counseling from a trauma specialist – and simply grieve. As a working college student living paycheck to paycheck, her unpaid time off left her in a financial bind, unable to pay her current month’s rent.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided Mallory with funds for rent and some additional expenses.

Friends of Mallory, who were helping her out at the time, commented that she was “absolutely speechless” after receiving financial assistance.

Our fourth applicant was an employee of ASU who was undergoing chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer. At the time of application, he was on medical leave and would most likely be unable to return to work (but was expected to apply for long-term disability). In the meantime, he requested assistance with medical expenses, an electric bill, and rent.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided him with the funds requested.

Christopher was our fifth applicant, a 48-year-old married alumnus of ASU with two children. His son was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease for which there is no cure. He will be undergoing lifelong treatment to minimize respiratory health crises. At the time of application, Christopher’s son was in Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where he had been hospitalized 10 times over the past two years.

Sun Devil Family Charities made payments to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in both June and July to help offset the family’s medical expenses.

Christopher sent a note: “Sun Devil Family Charities was there to comfort my family and me during a very stressful and financially taxing time. I am forever grateful for their assistance and follow-up, which helped immensely.”

Susan was our sixth applicant, an ASU employee. She was diagnosed with a very rare condition and had been on FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) with significant disability for two months. Her husband also had to take time off work to care for her and take her to medical appointments. As a result, they were behind with many bills.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided financial assistance with medical co-pays and utilities in June. Susan asked for, and was given, additional assistance with rent in November.

Susan’s first note said: “Thank you…this has totally made my day. The money will help so much!” Her second note: “Oh my gosh, I truly do not have words for this help. Thank you so much – when I stop crying I would like to thank everyone involved…”

Our seventh applicant, Joe, was an employee of ASU at the time he applied for assistance. He was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease in September 2016. In January 2017, he was hospitalized for three months with several viral infections. Joe began outpatient treatments and was expected to undergo a significant medical procedure sometime between August and September. He went through his paid sick time and unfortunately did not know that he had to apply for short-term disability within three months of diagnosis, so he was not eligible. He applied for long-term disability. Joe requested assistance with one month’s mortgage payment.

Sun Devil Family Charities made Joe’s mortgage payment.

Melissa, a 35-year-old alumnus of ASU, was our eighth applicant. She was found to have a fast-growing mass behind her right eye. At the time, her doctors had not determined a specific diagnosis because when they tried to biopsy the mass, she had a massive bleed and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit for three days. Melissa had already used up her health savings account balance and, with a high insurance deductible, was already responsible for $6,700 in medical expenses, not including the ICU stay or surgeon bill. In addition, they still hadn’t determined the diagnosis, which meant more tests and procedures. Melissa requested assistance with medical co-pays and deductibles.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided funds to help with these extraordinary expenses.

Melissa’s note read: “I am very appreciative of the help I received from Sun Devil Family Charities. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to get my second surgery and official diagnosis and treatment. Thank you!”

Marjorie was our ninth applicant for the year. She was a former ASU student who had previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. In May 2017, she was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer in her lungs. At the time of application, she was again undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Her out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeded $6,000, and she was in arrears with utility bills. Marjorie was looking for assistance with her medical expenses.

Sun Devil Family Charities provided the requested financial assistance.

Marjorie wrote: “Thank you so much! This is so very much appreciated and will be extremely helpful…you have no idea how helpful this will be!”