LATEST FUNDRAISER: COUPLE FIGHTING CANCER Our organization is donating (monthly) to a couple fighting Cancer,, while seeking grants for their combined bills. He’s 63; she’s 56. After 30 days in a coma due to COVID, he recovered and several weeks later was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. After completing his treatment, his wife was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Details below
https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=3V7STDQ4YYQJS Couple vs Cancer
The Philadelphia Senate On Aging reached out to senior in a myriad of ways. Although our main focus has always been helping seniors receive Medicare and Medicaid services tailored to their individual needs, we often hear of an “urgent” need and will immediately start a fundraiser to address that need. The video below was such a case.
2) An elderly gentleman was paying $400/month for blood thinner and had gone without it for several weeks when he contacted us. Our Board member, trained in Medicare and Medicaid benefits, visited his home and spent hours sharing several plans. The client chose one that included his regular doctors as well a prescription program. He now pays just $47/month which is an out of pocket saving of over $350 for him. He is smiling all the way to the bank.
3) A senior has been having lots of pain walking and needed groceries. The Director, Mary Daniels, spent several hours training her to SHOP FOR GROCERIES ONLINE and the groceries delivered to her home. The client’s bill was covered by money generated from a Emergency Fundraiser. She now has confidence to make orders online at her convenience and without the pain of “in-person” shopping, fear of COVID or even crime. Online Grocery Shopping Training is included in our latest initiative, Project: Stay Connected. which informs seniors of Internet Service for FREE, or in some cases, a huge discount via the Affordable Connectivity Program. Our volunteers apply for seniors, upon request, and when they are approved, we give them a FREE computer tablet. The Online Grocery Training is another part of this Project.
4) Husband and wife both diagnosed with Cancer and taking treatment simultaneously. We provided “travel” funds for them to visit relatives out of state in between their treatments.
5) 74 year old lady with 3rd Stage Cancer, was traveling from Delaware to Philly for treatment: 5 days/week for 5 weeks; she’s staying with a younger sister temporarily. Her co-pay was $35/day which we paid with contributions from supporters. Since completing radiation, she has received several large bills which we are working to have waived or reduced.
She Wrote
“ I want to thank all the ones that donated money and supported me during my time of going through Cancer and radiation as it was a trying time for me as I was feeling very depressed and alone, but when you told me that people asked about me I felt like someone cared and that was a good feeling. Thank you and your supporters for their help. God bless them all” Queen Esther
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6) A retired professional lady who, although in a wheelchair, continues to counsel people in her church and apartment building. We referred her to an agency (UUHouse) that assist seniors in a myriad of ways. They especially offer activities that foster cognitive growth. This fiesty 70+ lady was asked to mentor medical students (one on one) over the past few years and developed lasting friendships with several of her mentees. In fact, she and her church were able to host a “health fair” with the cooperation of her medical mentees. It was a positive experience for the church as well as the community who showed up excited to receive the testing and material. HER RESPONSE We received a call of appreciation expressing how that our referral to UUHouse had started a new chapter in her life during a “lull” …the new relationships with the young medical mentees had created an intergenerational bond that spilled out to the community.
7) Contacted an agency for an 89 year old bed-written lady who needed in-home care as well as well as a walk-in shower. Applied for a home adaption grant that will pay for the installation of the shower and other needs.
8) Set up an appointment for a senior for counseling regarding a Medicare supplemental insurance; her premium was reduced to Zero/month and she was given a $300.00 donation from our organization to cover several small bills.
9) Client had an exorbitant utility bill and had exalted Liheap and other resources. We contacted a neighborhood agency that made the payment on her behalf.
10) Signed a lady up for the Affordable Connectivity Program and gave her a laptop to access the Internet. She mentioned how she had used the phone to join conference calls or Zoom meetings but mentioned her excitement about being able to see and be seen online and the advantage of transacting business with her doctors, seeing family members and watching movies. She said, “I’m like a child in a candy shop”.
THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.... Wherever we see an “urgent” need we try to assist in some way. We are on a shoestring budget and are all volunteers, but are pleased to have supporters who often respond to those “Emergency”‘ fundraisers.
DONATE: We’re asking supporters as well as family/friends of clients we have (and continue to serve ) to consider making MONTHLY contributions via Paypal, United Way, Zelle, etc. The size of the contribution is insignificant as long as it helps to create an Operational Budget that fosters continuity in our commitment to serve those who are the most vulnerable and needy. You may use the bottom below to give or visit the FUNDRAISER page listed in the menu on the left.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT Mary Daniels, Director 215-248-9438