The Meaghan Michelle Hicks Fund for Unmet Needs
We believe in making a lasting impact. To achieve this goal, we developed two funds that will allow Team PHenomenal Hope to serve the patient community in the short and long term. The short-term project is our Unmet Needs Fund.
This fund is designed to address the unmet needs of people living with PH through a series of direct-to-patient micro-grants of $500 that match the immediate unmet needs in their lives. These are non-medical, but still critical needs of those living with PH.
The name of this unique program comes as we honor the woman who inspired its creation, Meaghan Hicks, the daughter of Team PH board member Carl Hicks. In 2017, Carl was instrumental in starting this program for hurricane relief efforts in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. In keeping Meaghan, who passed away from pulmonary hypertension (PH) on January 30, 2009, at the forefront of his mind, Carl advocated to make the program permanent on a national level. Now, each year, this fund provides over $100,000 in financial assistance to PH patients with unmet needs. We are privileged to honor Meaghan’s memory and Carl’s hard work in supporting this program that provides necessary relief to so many.
Our goal is to provide a structure that is efficient and lightweight, meaning we have a simple application process, a timely review and distribution timeframe, and a transparent acceptance/rejection criteria set.
**Language translation is available.**
Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to us. We were going to be behind in our rent, and our car is breaking down a lot, too, so most of the money has been going to the car.-Syeda S.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a grant, those who are interested must fill out an application and meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be a PH patient
- Funds must be used for immediate non-medication purposes (cannot be used to purchase medications)
- Applicants must have a PayPal account
- Applicants must provide PDF receipts for goods or services purchased within a month of receiving funds
- One application will be considered per household if there is more than one patient in the household
- Applicants are invited to provide consent for Team PH to share their name, photo, hometown, and a PH story of their journey (approximately 300 words) to help raise awareness and promote the Unmet Needs Fund.
- Applicants are encouraged to pay it forward by helping spread awareness of the Unmet Needs Fund, including sharing information with others in their community and, when possible, participating in fundraising efforts to help replenish the fund.
- Initial participation in sharing your story, photo, and outreach is required as part of the financial assistance process. Patients may opt out at any time from future sharing or fundraising, without impact to their future eligibility, current support, or assistance.
- We also encourage patient recipients to engage with our community by joining our Facebook groups, following us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter, and subscribing to our newsletter to stay connected and informed about events, resources, and advocacy efforts.
As an example, these funds can be used toward items such as, but not limited to:
- Utility bills
- Repairs to the home
- Groceries
- Travel expenses to attend doctor appointments
- Medical device needs
- Home Repairs
- Virtual education needs
- Natural disaster relief
Funds cannot be used to cover costs for:
- Medications
- Medical bills
- Family members or pet expenses
- Vacation expenses
- Legal fees
- Restaurants
Apply Today
Applications are now closed. Funds reopen on September 1st at noon CT. Applications are open on the 1st business day of each month at noon CT. Limited funds are available, and the application will close when funds are depleted for the month. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that qualified applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year. New applicants will be considered first. If you have previously applied for assistance, please review our reapplication policy here.
If you are an adult aged 18 or older living with PH, click HERE to apply.
If you are a parent or guardian applying for a child or minor living with PH, click HERE to apply.
Solicitud: (Ver asistencia lingüística arriba)
Si usted es un adulto de 19 años o más que vive con HP, haga clic AQUÍ para obtener la solicitud.
Si usted es padre o tutor y solicita asistencia para un niño o menor que vive con PH, haga clic AQUÍ para obtener la solicitud pediátrica.
History of the Unmet Needs Fund
In September of 2017, we opened the fund for the first time to victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria in response to that catastrophic natural event, which included widespread flooding and property damage throughout Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Through this program, we provided $40,000 in direct assistance to 80 individuals living with PH in the areas struck by hurricanes in 2017. This launch led to the birth of our Solar Charger project, which provided PH patients in Puerto Rico with solar chargers to guarantee communication with emergency services in any situation. Read more about this project here.
We spent our last money on milk, bread, batteries, and water. That’s it.
These distributions to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria victims were possible because of generous contributions from those who have partnered with us in the effort: Blue Lips Foundation, Gilead, PHaware, and Reata Pharmaceuticals
We had a successful start because of the unique coalition of PH advocacy groups, individual donors, and PH support group leaders who stepped in to volunteer.
Because of the program’s successful launch, we have been able to continue addressing unmet needs assistance to patients throughout the United States. In 2018, we granted funds to 60 patients, and in 2019, we granted funds to 90 patients. Our program’s growth is due to the support of the community and generous donors.
Other Nonprofit Financial Assistance Resources
The Assistance Fund
Blue Lips Foundation
Good Days
Patient Advocate Foundation
PAN Foundation
Patient Services Inc
NORD’s Rare Disease Premium and Medical Assistance Program
Other Resources
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Assistance with energy costs
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs – Assistance navigating Medicare choices
CVS/Unite Us Patient Resources
Supported by:
