Charity & Fundraising Megathread
in Health ·
Hey everyone!
I’m starting this thread because of a phone call I got yesterday from a friend—she reached out asking for help for this incredibly brave little boy and his family who are going through hell right now.
I'm putting this out there hoping we can find enough kind souls to step up and support this kid and his parents.
I’ve pulled some text here from the USA Today report,
VICTORY OVER BUREAUCRACY: Federal Court Overturns Disgraceful Department of Health Decision
The "Glass Bone" Boy Isn't Actually "Healthy"
After three long years of fighting through the legal system, the family of 12-year-old Tyler Smith—who has lived with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, since birth—is finally seeing the Department of Health's shameful ruling overturned.
A notice arrived at their home in Chicago from the federal court stating that a new medical evaluation will be conducted for the child, whom the Department had previously declared healthy—a decision that led them to strip him of his disability benefits back in 2005.
A Life of Dignity
"Those three years since this nightmare began—losing the disability status, losing the child allowances, and watching my son lose his right to a dignified life while waiting for a court ruling—it has completely drained us, both mentally and financially," says his mother, Sarah, who is relieved by the news that offers hope that this injustice might actually be corrected.
Her son, Tyler, deals with a condition where every single movement is a potential fracture risk—even a hug from his mom could cause damage—yet the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health officially classified him as a perfectly healthy child with only minor impairments.
Along with the loss of disability benefits, his monthly child allowance was slashed from $830 down to $123 two years ago, and this year, he’s only receiving $104 per month.
Left Without a Wheelchair or Walker
Tyler, an excellent student heading into 5th grade at the local specialized academy for students with special needs, is about to start the school year without the walker—the rollator—he desperately needs. Unfortunately, the walker he was supposed to get through Medicaid fell apart, and the family simply doesn't have the cash for a new one, which costs $0.40. On top of that, Medicaid only covers a fraction of the cost, specifically $100. Even a wheelchair is becoming an impossible expense, with a price tag of a staggering $4.00. Medicaid only approves $2.50.
For anyone who wants to help ensure Tyler can head into his new school year with the equipment he needs, you can send donations to the following account:Chase Bank, Account No. 234009-3203002956 with the note 'for medical equipment.'
Originally published in USA Today
I’m starting this thread because of a phone call I got yesterday from a friend—she reached out asking for help for this incredibly brave little boy and his family who are going through hell right now.
I'm putting this out there hoping we can find enough kind souls to step up and support this kid and his parents.
I’ve pulled some text here from the USA Today report,
VICTORY OVER BUREAUCRACY: Federal Court Overturns Disgraceful Department of Health Decision
The "Glass Bone" Boy Isn't Actually "Healthy"
After three long years of fighting through the legal system, the family of 12-year-old Tyler Smith—who has lived with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, since birth—is finally seeing the Department of Health's shameful ruling overturned.
A notice arrived at their home in Chicago from the federal court stating that a new medical evaluation will be conducted for the child, whom the Department had previously declared healthy—a decision that led them to strip him of his disability benefits back in 2005.
A Life of Dignity
"Those three years since this nightmare began—losing the disability status, losing the child allowances, and watching my son lose his right to a dignified life while waiting for a court ruling—it has completely drained us, both mentally and financially," says his mother, Sarah, who is relieved by the news that offers hope that this injustice might actually be corrected.
Her son, Tyler, deals with a condition where every single movement is a potential fracture risk—even a hug from his mom could cause damage—yet the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health officially classified him as a perfectly healthy child with only minor impairments.
Along with the loss of disability benefits, his monthly child allowance was slashed from $830 down to $123 two years ago, and this year, he’s only receiving $104 per month.
Left Without a Wheelchair or Walker
Tyler, an excellent student heading into 5th grade at the local specialized academy for students with special needs, is about to start the school year without the walker—the rollator—he desperately needs. Unfortunately, the walker he was supposed to get through Medicaid fell apart, and the family simply doesn't have the cash for a new one, which costs $0.40. On top of that, Medicaid only covers a fraction of the cost, specifically $100. Even a wheelchair is becoming an impossible expense, with a price tag of a staggering $4.00. Medicaid only approves $2.50.
For anyone who wants to help ensure Tyler can head into his new school year with the equipment he needs, you can send donations to the following account:Chase Bank, Account No. 234009-3203002956 with the note 'for medical equipment.'
Originally published in USA Today