Baby Sharon Case Summaries August 2023
Case #1: This case involves a 5-year-old with a complex medical history, which includes cerebral palsy, developmental delay, seizures, and visual impairment. The patient’s most recent admission was for respiratory distress. The patient’s mother is the primary caregiver and source of income. Mom has had to miss work in order to be at the bedside for patient care and support. This caused a financial strain with paying bills. We are requesting assistance with rental fees.
Total asked: $840 APPROVED
Case #2: The patient has been dealing with sickle cell disease their entire life. This condition requires the patient to come in for treatment whenever they have fevers, so the patient has unexpected hospitalizations at times. The patient also has to take daily medications for their condition. The parent is the sole caregiver who is also going to school and holding down a part-time job. The family had been living in public housing and recently experienced unsafe situations/loss of property, so they moved temporarily with the family until they could move into a new complex. However, they need to be current on utility payments in order to qualify. This is a financial stressor as well as an emotional one for the family as they do not have a way to recoup the value of the lost items.
Assisting them with utility bills ($133.57) and ($15.34) will allow them the opportunity for a fresh start.
Total asked: $148.91 APPROVED
Case #3: This family has a child with end-stage kidney disease, which requires nightly peritoneal dialysis. Additionally, the patient has frequent outpatient appointments and occasional inpatient admissions to address issues related to kidney disease. The patient comes from a two-parent- working household. However, the circumstances it caused considerable strain on the mother’s employment, which resulted in the loss of her job. This led to financial strain over the last few months and difficulty keeping up with bills. The family would greatly benefit from additional funds to help pay off rental fees that have become past due.
Total asked: $2,700
Case #4: This case involves a patient with Sickle Cell who has been in the custodial care of their grandmother most of their life. Grandmother also cares for the patient’s two siblings. Grandmother is no longer able to work and lives on a fixed income. The patient’s disease unfortunately causes frequent pain crises, which involve unexpected hospitalizations, which are 2.5 hours away from their home. Grandmother does not have a vehicle, so she relies on Medicaid transportation and help from friends to get to/from appointments as well as when the patient is admitted. Grandmother is also having her own health problems, which has caused additional logistical stress for the family. This year in particular, the family is struggling to provide school supplies and clothing. We are requesting funds for supplies and clothing to help them overcome this one-time expense and help the patients to feel more confident as they enter the school year.
Total asked: $500.00 APPROVED
Case #5: This case involves a 17-year-old patient who went from a typically developing child who developed pneumococcal meningitis during childhood and suffered seizures and strokes. As a result, the patient has severe cognitive and motor impairments and sees several specialists. The patient requires assistance for all activities of daily life (ambulating, eating, and hygiene). The patient is unable to verbally or in writing to be able to provide consent as an adult. The patient will soon turn 18 years old, and the family needs to obtain legal guardianship through the courts. Legal guardianship is necessary for people who are 18 and are unable to make medical and financial decisions due to diminished capacity. The patient would continue to need to present to an Emergency Room when ill after 18. If a family is unable to obtain legal guardianship, they may run the risk of not being able to consent to treatment or make medical decisions for the patient.
The family is seeking financial assistance to obtain an attorney to help with the guardianship process. Obtaining guardianships can range from $ 2,000 to $ 5,000, which is a hardship for most families, as it requires legal assistance and guidance. The family relies on the father’s income as a laborer, and the mom is a full-time caregiver for the patient. The family has found an attorney who is willing to help with the guardianship process for a reduced rate. We are requesting legal fees associated with obtaining a Legal Guardianship.
Total asked: $1,200 APPROVED
Case #6: This patient was a previously healthy 3yr who presented to ACH after a car accident causing major life-changing injuries. Mom is at the bedside with the patient and unable to work. Prior to admission, the family was living with a grandparent out of state. We are requesting funds to pay past due car payment ($1,029.24) and phone bill ($418.10).
Total asked: 1,447.34 APPROVED
Case #7: This case involves a complex care 7yr with Trisomy 21, Hirschsprung's Disease, and
Hyperbilirubinemia, among other issues. Pt had trach placement for respiratory support and is ventilator-dependent. The patient’s caregivers have not been able to work due to the patient’s long hospitalization and required training needs for patient care after discharge. The family is seeking assistance to help with car and water bill payments.
Total asked: $339.27 APPROVED
Resubmitted request from July case.
July Case #4: This case is a complex medical vent-dependent patient followed by palliative care. This family received assistance from Baby Sharon back in June 2022 for rent due to extensive NICU stay. For this current request, the patient has needed some special equipment at home to manage care. This has put a strain on finances for meeting rent payments. Mom is the full-time caregiver of the patient. The family is requesting assistance with one month’s rent.
Total asked: $850.00 APPROVED
