The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, founded in October 1976 and incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania in 1978 as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the uninsured needs of families caring for terminally, critically and chronically ill, seriously disabled or severely injured children through advocacy, education, information and financial assistance. Referrals for assistance are made by healthcare professionals for patients and their families throughout PA, NJ and DE.

Description:
The Fund assists families through a crisis with the payment of utility and phone bills, transportation costs including car repairs, hotel bills, transit passes, gas and tolls, rent and mortgage payments, heating oil, uninsured handicap equipment and disability therapies, child care costs and even burial expenses to name a few. Beyond financial assistance, other programs include:

The Financial Management During Crisis educational video is a 24 minute empowerment tool designed to help parents navigate the hospital system, address insurance denials and understand insurance policies, rethink budgeting/spending practices, create thorough records for medical procedures/expenses, communicate with creditors and handle issues of pride in their time of need.

Through partnerships with corporations, organizations and churches in-kind donations of furniture, clothing and appliances are made possible to families in need.

The Spirit of Philadelphia provides the gift of a Family Fun Day for the eligible constituency of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund. This afternoon respite luncheon cruise makes it possible for about 400 children and parents to escape the traumas and treatments of serious illness. The ship's middle level is handicap accessible and allows the entry of about 30 wheelchairs on board. Two clown clubs, Miss Philadelphia and a Hip Hip dance troupe make this annual event a memorable excursion for attendees.

The Holiday-Adopt-A-Family program matches families in need with generous donors during the holidays.

History:
The Fund was established as a result of the experiences and observations made by the founders of the Fund during their daughter Kelly Anne's five year illness and subsequent death at the age of six from a rare form of leukemia. The Dolans realized that many parents would suffer decreased or lost incomes because the care of a seriously ill child required many days away from their places of employment. Increased out-of-pocket and medical expenses like co-pays take necessary dollars away from struggling families everyday expenses. These additional costs eventually cause late payments and increased interest rates for utilities, credit card bills, etc. and can lead to the termination of services, loss of homes and cars, missed clinic visits, etc.Our goal is to lift the spirits and decrease the burdens of families overwhelmed with the traumas and expenses that accompany the serious diagnosis of one or more children.

The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, in the offering of financial help, is sensitive to the pride and dignity of parents. Parents unaccustomed to needing or asking for help are less embarrassed when they learn that the fund was established by parents with similar experiences. Since the Fund works directly with the social worker, visiting nurse, or other health care provider involved with the case, parents need not fill out disheartening and lengthy forms for assistance or be interviewed. Because of the Fund's quick turnaround time in responding to requests - parents in financial crisis can receive almost immediate assistance.

The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund responds within one to three days of a request, paying families' critical financial debts to avoid eviction, loss of utilities, heat, etc. Other types of requests are handled within one week.

This simple offer of hope can redirect a parent's time and attention to more important issues, such as the care and well being of all their children and overall quality of family life.

The Fund will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in October 2006 and the accomplishment of having served over 14,000 families in need. The Fund and its founder have received numerous awards including; Eastern University's Nonprofit Excellence Award, Please Touch Museum's Great Friend to Kids Award, the Caring Institute's National Caring Award, National Association of Home Care and Hospice' Viktor Frankle Humanitarian of the Year Award and others.

Contact person: Peggy Dolan, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (215) 628-0266

Address:

602 S. Bethlehem Pike, Bldg. D- 2nd Floor Ambler, PA 19002 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.kadmf.org

Directions:

THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS ARE TO OUR OFFICE IN AMBLER, PA: From Route 476 (Blue Route) heading North: Exit at Plymouth Rd., At bottom of Plymouth Rd. Exit, turn Right on to Butler Pike. Take Butler Pike for several miles, cross over Morris Rd.. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes