A COVID-19 Emergency Fund has been launched by Claire’s Place Foundation, the non-profit organization that provides support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). The goal is to provide immediate assistance to the cystic fibrosis community with grocery cards, supplies, and access to medications during this COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 & CF
Claire’s Place Foundation Board Member, Richard K. Mathis, M.D., has been caring for CF patients for over 40 years. He explains that “COVID-19 affects the epithelial cells lining of the lungs which is detrimental to the health of someone with CF, as the epithelial cells are already damaged due to CF. Individuals with CF and their household members are on the front line of the need for COVID-19 preventive measures.”
The Hardship
The loss of work and isolation, due to the strict quarantine guidelines for the CF community, financially impacts families affected by CF. This makes it difficult for them to obtain access to the food, supplies and the support they require. Most of those who reach out to Claire’s Place Foundation for help are already living dangerously close to the poverty line. “That’s why we created our COVID-19 Emergency Fund,” explains Melissa Yeager, the Executive Director of Claire’s Place Foundation. “This is unprecedented territory for us. We hope that the greater community gives generously so we can make funds available for CF families in need as quickly as possible.”
More Funds Needed
“Currently, we have run out of funds and have a rapidly growing waiting list of applicants from families affected by CF,” says Melissa Yeager. “The CF community is the most vulnerable to COVID-19, it is likely a death sentence. As soon as COVID-19 landed in the U.S., long before government stay at home orders, the CF community had to quarantine themselves resulting in loss of jobs for hundreds of families. In less than a month, we have helped almost 300 individuals, giving a total of $10,400 for daily essential needs. It breaks my heart that we no longer have funds to give. In this desperate time, we are looking for corporate donors to be our angels, to nourish and assist this often-overlooked community.”
Ways To Help
- To help combat food insecurity, loss of income, and extensive medical and prescription co-pays for the cystic fibrosis community during this pandemic, please make a tax-deductible donation to the Claire’s Place Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund. If you know someone with CF, please consider donating at least $50 on their behalf.
- To submit someone with CF for this emergency fund assistance, please read these guidelines. Please note that a referral from a social worker, nurse or doctor is required.
- Spread the word. Share this story on your social media. Follow Claire’s Place Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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About Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc.
Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Claire’s Place Foundation is named in honor of Claire Wineland. She lived with CF her entire life and passed away at the age of 21. Claire was an activist, author, TEDx speaker, and social media star. She received numerous awards. Claire’s foundation was a way for her to assure that others living with CF enjoyed the same hope, strength and joy that she enjoyed. Recipient of Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Small Nonprofit of the Year,” the foundation provides grants to families affected by CF. It offers both emotional and financial support. Today, Claire’s Place Foundation continues to carry on Claire’s legacy. For more information and to make a donation, please visit ClairesPlaceFoundation.org.