“Shine On” Event Raises $135,000 to Help the Underinsured get Key Medications

DALLAS, TX - The Chronic Disease Fund raised more than $135,000 through its inaugural “Shine On” candlelight tribute and celebration fundraiser designed to raise support so underinsured patients with life-altering diseases or cancer may obtain the medications they so desperately need.

More than 400 Dallas/Ft. Worth patients, caregivers, and business partners turned out for the event on September 26, 2008 at Gilley’s Dallas, all with the goal of getting help to people in need.

“One-hundred percent of the proceeds from “Shine On” will go directly to underinsured individuals who need medicines and treatment to battle their illness,” said Cathy Barker, Senior Director of Resource Development for the Chronic Disease Fund. “There are organizations available to help those who don’t have insurance, but we fill the ever expanding void that serves those who, although they have insurance, can’t afford the high co-pays associated with treating their illness.”

The evening included a candlelight tribute honoring those patients who succumbed to a chronic illness and a celebration for those who continue to battle and beat such diseases as, multiple sclerosis, colorectal cancer, growth hormone deficiency, and more than a dozen others.

Funds were raised through contributions, a silent auction, and corporate sponsorships, including Wachovia Bank, the presenting sponsor of “Shine On.”

“When times are tough, organizations have to weigh their charitable donations carefully,” said Eric Kraft, Senior Vice President of Wachovia Bank. “We recognize that the Chronic Disease Fund helps people who have a critical need for medicines that they otherwise cannot afford. We also realize that their financial burden may have been intensified by the current environment. We support the Fund because it works with those who truly, urgently need our help.”

A 2007 Commonwealth study reveals there are an estimated 25 million underinsured adults in our country  –– that is, people who have health coverage that does not adequately protect them from high medical expenses. According to the study, middle-income families have been among the hardest hit.

The Chronic Disease Fund is a national 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, giving immediate financial assistance to more than 20,000 underinsured patients each year. Its goal is to increase support for more patients and more disease states.

“The Chronic Disease Fund has made it possible for my daughter to receive treatments for her debilitating asthma,” said Stephanie Golder, beneficiary of the Chronic Disease Fund. “They have done so much more than just pay for those treatments. They have given my daughter her life back.”

The Chronic Disease Fund provides medication co-pay assistance for the underinsured. To learn more about the Chronic Disease Fund, go to www.cdfund.org or call (877) 968-7233.