DePaul Expressions Vol XXI Number 3

T hank you for making Bridge to Hope possible.

The Bridge to Hope Fund is continuing to meet needs in your community thanks to your generous support. Now in the fund’s third year, your contributions have helped 43 children, 19 individuals with disabilities, and 54 families access critical supplies, equipment, and services when every other possible funding stream said “no.” This year your support changed the life of Emily and her family. Emily came into foster care when she was 2 years old with significant, frequent health problems. She has been receiving medical care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Without the Bridge to Hope fund, this family’s hardship would have been even harder. Your support helped a family stay together while their little girl received life-saving care. Your gifts allowed them to stay with Emily when she needed both her parents by her side and will forever impact their lives. There are many more stories of life-changing and life-saving support from the Bridge to Hope Fund. And we have more work to do. With your help, we will continue to bridge gaps and say, “yes,” when it really matters most. After years of suffering and extensive testing, she was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis due to genetic mutations. She has been the recipient of several procedures to manage the disease, unfortunately without sustainable success. With all other viable options exhausted, she needed a total pancreatectomy, which involves the permanent removal of the entire pancreas, spleen, appendix, gallbladder and rerouting her gastrointestinal tract. The Bridge to Hope fund was able to provide assistance for her adoptive family, covering some of the cost of travel, hotel stays, and food while they are away from home and missing work to care for her.

Fund Balance $24,906

Funds Used $33,534

Total Raised $58,440