Are there ways to raise money myself?
If you are not eligible for state assistance, or it is not enough to manage your expenses, consider fundraising and speak to the social worker about charitable organizations and other resources available to help meet expenses. While fundraising can provide needed funds, proceed with caution and plan carefully before you begin. There are many legal and financial issues to consider. For example, if you have been accepted for Medicaid benefits and funds are raised for you, the donated money could be considered income or an asset, thereby causing a loss of eligibility for Medicaid funds. You may want to speak with an attorney or accountant before you begin.
Before you start accepting donations, you should establish a trust fund or special account in your child’s name. Public funds should never be mixed with personal or family money. Also, if donated money has to be counted as income or assets, it is taxable. State and local laws may set additional guidelines regarding soliciting funds.
Publicly donated money can be handled in several ways. One option is to set up a special trust account at a bank with an appointed administrator to oversee use of the money for the patient’s needs. Sometimes a local volunteer or service group may be willing to hold funds in trust for the family if the group is legally able to do this.
Another possibility is to place the donated funds with one of the advocacy/charitable organizations with a clear written agreement that the money be used to benefit only the transplant patient. It is essential to have timely access to the money, through the established channels. Explore all different possibilities before committing to any of them.
Because public fundraising can be a large undertaking, and you must continue to devote time and attention to caring for your sick child and other family members, it is a good idea to ask for assistance from others to plan and carry out fundraising activities. Your family, friends and neighbors, as well as your religious congregation, local chapters of volunteer and community service groups, or local political leaders may be willing to assist.
These organizations can help provide information and resources about fundraising:
Transplant Recipients International Organization
The Transplant Recipients International Organization provides transplantation and donation information and resources for transplant candidates, recipients, donors, and their families.
Children's Organ Transplant Association - COTA
The Children's Organ Transplant Association is a national, non-profit organization which assists children and young adults who need or have had a life-saving organ, tissue or bone marrow transplant to raise funds for transplant-related expenses.
