Patients and families often use public fundraising to help cover expenses not paid by medical insurance. Is is a good idea to ask for assistance in planning, promoting, and carrying out these activities. You may want to contact local newspapers or radio and television stations. Try to enlist the support of local merchants and other sponsors to promote or contribute to your events. Your friends, neighbors, religious groups, local chapters of volunteer or service groups and other community groups may be able help you plan fundraising activities.

Before you begin, keep in mind that there are many legal and financial laws and guidelines. Check with your city and county governments and with you legal advisor. For example, you must have a place to put the money raised, such as a special bank account or a fundraising organization's account. These funds should be used only foryour transplant-related expenses—medical, prescription drugs, and travel. Never mix public donations with personal money. Sometimes donated money is considered income and is taxable. In such case, a patient could lose Medicaid eligibility.

Before you place any funds with an organization, obtain a written agreement that the funds will be used only for your medical expenses. Also, you must have access to the money when you need it. Ask your transplant team, legal advisor, and/or bank about any group that is holding you funds. Most important, have your legal advisor go over any papers you are required to sign

Organizations That Support Transplant Families

Other groups provide limited financial assistance through grants and direct funding. However, it is very unlikely that one group can cover all of the costs for an individual patient. Some organizations have limits on how their funds may be used and may only be able to help you with specific transplant-related costs such as transportation, for and lodging, or medicines.
See a list of support organization»