Here are just a couple stories of where your support has been able to help:
Helping a Family Stay Home Together
A 5-year-old patient was recently diagnosed with spinal diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a high-grade brain tumor. Given his poor prognosis, his parents chose to focus on comfort-centered care through UNC, with additional support from a home hospice team. Their greatest wish was to keep their son at home, surrounded by his family, while ensuring he received the care and symptom management he needed.
The family’s financial circumstances became increasingly difficult as his father took unpaid leave from work to provide care and spend as much time with his son as possible, while his mother remained at home as his primary caregiver. The family fell behind on their mortgage and faced the possibility of foreclosure.
Support from the UNC Batten Fund helped the family address their delinquent mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. By helping preserve their housing stability, the Fund gave this family the ability to remain together in their home and focus on what mattered most: caring for their son and making the most of their time together.
Supporting a Family Through Treatment
A 14-year-old patient receiving active treatment for leukemia faced a long and challenging treatment journey. His mother stopped working to provide full-time care, while his father initially lost his job after missing significant time from work during his child’s hospitalization, diagnostic workup and chemotherapy treatment.
Although his father was able to find new employment, the family continued to face substantial financial pressure from medical deductibles and co-pays, compounded by a period without income and the transition to relying on a single source of income. The family fell behind on their mortgage and was at risk of foreclosure.
The UNC Batten Fund helped the family pay their delinquent mortgage balance and current month’s payment, providing critical stability during an already overwhelming time. This assistance allowed the family to remain focused on their child’s treatment and care rather than the immediate threat of losing their home.
Helping a Family Begin Treatment Again
A 12-year-old patient who had completed treatment for osteosarcoma was found to have metastatic pulmonary nodules during routine surveillance imaging six months after completing treatment. Her family was once again facing the difficult reality of treatment.
Her father is disabled, and her mother—who had stopped working during her daughter’s initial treatment—was again unable to work so she could provide the care and support her daughter needed. As a result, the family fell behind on their electric bill and needed assistance with their rent to maintain stability at home while treatment resumed.
The UNC Batten Fund covered the family’s outstanding utility bill and September rent. This support helped provide a stable home environment and allowed the patient’s mother to focus on caring for her daughter as she began treatment again.
