Non-profit granting wishes to qualifying children under age 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder. Call for program details.
Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org
Offers resources, information, programs and services for families with Down Syndrome in Central Ohio. They have several support groups for parents, counseling services, and a financial assistance program. They have regular events for all ages, such as play groups, arts and recreation, and virtual cooking classes for people with Down Syndrome. You can also request a hospital care package or new parent package for a family through their website.
510 East North Broadway Suite 401, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 263-6020
dsaco.net
Creative stories and educational materials that bring families and kids together to learn about their health conditions. These free stories are science-backed self-care resources about Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, PTSD, Social-Emotional Health, and Type 1 Diabetes. Resources include video shorts, printable activity sheets,
Main Website: drawnfromvalor.org
For Children with Diabetes: Kara & The Not So Dire Beastie
For Children Experiencing Depression or Anxiety: Empowernauts
Healthcare providers can refer their patients, from ages 3-18 who have a chronic illness or disorder, to this national program which offers to help make a child’s dream/wish come true.
PO Box 1674, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601
(740) 542-1254
dreamfactoryinc.org/southeastohio
Grants the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Children must be between 2-18 years old and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization. Children, parents, family members, and professionals can refer a child by completing the form on their local chapter website.
2545 Farmers Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 923-0555 or (877) 206-9474
Chapter website: wish.org/oki
National website: wish.org
A non-profit providing non-emergency, long-distance ground transportation for patients traveling for treatment. Patients must be ambulatory and meet income guidelines. Patients may receive gas cards, bus, train, or airline tickets. Trips within a local area or community is typically not handled, but exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit the website for contact information.
101 West Main Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
mercymedical.org
National nonprofit representing individuals and families impacted by rare diseases. Their website has lots of helpful information on understanding and living with rare disease in English and Spanish. Use the State Resource Center to find free and low-cost programs by state. They have several financial assistance programs to help cover costs of life-saving medication, caregiver aid or respite care, and educational support. The NORD Support Helpline offers help accessing programs from an Information and Resource Services team member. They also have lots of information on rare disease research and joining a clinical trial or study.
Nord Support Helpline: (800) 999-6673
Español: (844) 259-7178
rarediseases.org
A hospital-wide family-to-family (peer-to-peer) mentor program. Connecting Families reaches patients of all diagnoses to link them with a family who has been through similar treatments or life situations. Visit the website to apply as a mentor or mentee.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-6747
nationwidechildrens.org/connecting-families
Offers supportive services for families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital during their visit. The Family Resource Center includes a lounge, breastfeeding room, kitchen, shower, laundry facilities, and computer station for families. Programs for parents include informational sessions, haircuts, massages, and grocery trips. Visit the Center or call for more information.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2252
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resource-center
Provides a full range of homecare services to Central Ohio children of all ages, from newborns through young adults. Homecare offers the following areas of service:
255 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 355-1100
nationwidechildrens.org/homecare
Support groups at NCH can connect you with other families and resources in your time of need. Call for more information about program specifics. Not all programs are listed online, call Case Management Team if you are interested in finding a group that suits your family’s needs.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Case Management Team: (614) 722-6300
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/support-groups
Teenagers face many confusing life transitions, including transitioning from pediatric care to adult healthcare. This transition is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. NCH has several programs to help educate and support families with transitional care:
Offers support for Ohio families impacted by a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They offer financial support for families to use towards rent or mortgage, utility bills, gas, or groceries. They also offer help with creating customized family experiences, care packages, and host fun events throughout the year. Families must register as a NC4K family to receive services, registration is free. Visit the website to register and complete a help request form.
374 Morrison Road, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 300-3995
nc4k.org
Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants
Non-profit assisting families with critically and terminally ill children so they can remain together during their hospitalizations and treatments. They award funding to pay for past due mortgages, rent, and utilities. Applications for assistance must be completed through the child’s medical team. Social Workers may also apply for HUG Bags care packages for children at home or in the hospital. Visit their website for eligibility requirements and program details.
Office: 3972 Brown Park Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 42026
Mailing Address: PO Box 153, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 946-7544
patchesoflight.org
Online resource directory supporting families and children with life challenges, disabilities, and healthcare needs from prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources and organizations to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges, medical conditions, and topics of interest.
redtreehouse.org
Provides a home-away-from-home for families who have a child hospitalized at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Stays are first-come first-served and required a referral from hospital staff. Priority is given to families with children in critical care units. A small donation is requested, but no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. The Ronald McDonald Mobile Care program offers mobile primary care services like immunizations, physicals, and more, at little or no cost.
711 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 227-3700
rmhc-centralohio.org
The Cancer Option Collaborative (COC) serves cancer patients who are actively in treatment. They provide emotional support and financial assistance for men, women, and children battling cancer. Call or go online to contact the organization and request support.
1347 Worthington Woods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43085
(614) 212-4131
thecoccares.org
Nonprofit providing medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be age 16 or younger, and covered by a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Find additional requirements and application instructions on their website.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org