Collaboration with Social Workers
We depend fully upon the assessment skills of the social workers and counselors affiliated with the specialized institutions with which we work, to determine need and appropriateness of all requests. All referrals for assistance are therefore received directly from the social workers and counselors representing the child’s family and treatment team. Below are examples of feedback we have received from some of the social workers we have worked with.
Laura Hagerty, LCSW
PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT at UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, TUCSON, AZ
This letter serves to wholeheartedly support LFAC and the amazing job they do for the pediatric oncology patients and their families that are cared for at UMC in Tucson. As a pediatric oncology social worker I have worked closely with LFAC for ten years. When a child is diagnosed with Leukemia, the family faces many challenges and the assistance provided by LFAC fulfills some very crucial needs. This foundation provides financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, and car expenses. By supporting these needs, parents are able to focus on caring for their child without worrying about losing their homes or vehicles. LFAC also funds needs that improve the quality of life for our Young patients. For instance, the foundation paid to redecorate the room of a patient that was going to be in a body cast for six weeks. With LFAC funds, her room was decorated to reflect the patient;s favorite place, Hawaii. The foundation also paid for a refrigerator in her room, snacks, and a DVD player, all of which made her experience more comfortable. The foundation has also paid specific needs such as tutoring, Christmas gift cards, child care, and funeral expenses. Working with LFAC is a pleasurable experience. Their is no “red tape” which often occurs with other foundations; rather the process is simple and promptly. There is a personal relationship between LFAC and the pediatric oncology social worker that utilize the foundation’s resources. It is clear that the foundation has sincere compassion for our patients.
Caley Nelson, Marcia Soldavini, Gina Degraw, & Rhonda Baldwin
PHOENIX CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, CENTER FOR CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS; PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORKERS
Families whose children have leukemia are already facing one of the most difficult and stressful times in their lives. When the medical costs add to a family’s financial burden, it makes the situation even more difficult. In addition, one of the parents often has to quit work or reduce their work hours to adequately care for their child. The Leukemia Foundation forArizona’s Children (LFAC) reduces the financial stress faced by the families. Their financial application form is simple and easy to complete. In addition, the request for assistance form’s ease of use, checks are prepared to the vendor, and are sent directly to the family. May of the families we work with could not have kept current on house payments, utility payments or other bills without the support of LFAC. If a family has received a shut-off notice, the LFAC will respond immediately and work with the vendor to ensure continuity of service. LFAC also assists by providing us with discretionary funds that we can access quickly, if an immediate need arises. For example, we used these funds to grant the request of one of our children who was losing his battle with leukemia and wanted a “stress” ball. We could not save his life, but we were able to provide a tangible gift that made the end a little easier for him and his family. Our families are extremely appreciative of the assistance they receive from LFAC. Their assistance helps families focus more energy on caring for their ill child, rather than worrying about their bills. This resource has been a reliable, easily accessed opportunity for our families to ease their financial burden.