FAQ
Who was Erika Kate?
Erika Kate Maynard was a spunky, joy-filled little girl who died at the age of 4 from complications of a heart transplant in 2006. She loved the colors pink and purple, goldfish crackers, swinging, the band U2 and flip flops. Erika’s favorite phrase was “I LOVE YOU MOOOORE!” Her best day was when her baby brother Evan was born. Her best friend? Big sister Emma.
What does the Erika Kate Foundation do?
We generally offer short-term financial assistance to families of children with life-threatening heart conditions, particularly those in the midst of a heart-related medical crisis or prolonged hospitalization.We also have a network of “Care Teams.” These volunteers offer emotional and spiritual support to families in the thick of a medical crisis with their child. Most of this interaction is carried out via email and phone conversations.
What are the requirements for financial assistance?
A child must have a life-threatening heart condition, with a prolonged hospitalization of greater than three weeks initially. Most of the EKF grant recipients are in the midst of medical crisis and are typically behind on payments due to the financial strain of the child’s condition, with few remaining alternatives for assistance. EKF will help with a variety of dislocation expenses, as well as home expenses, such as mortgage and utility payments. EKF can help with physician or pharmacy co-pays, but will not pay for medical expenses or consumer debt payments. Payments are made to a third party whenever possible.
What is the average grant?
Amounts vary widely, and are based on need. The average grant is just less than $1,000. The largest grant to date is more than $11,000. Some families are helped once; others over a period of time. Special consideration is given to parents seeking help in getting a second opinion about their child’s disease and recommended course of therapy.
How many families has the foundation helped? How many donors have given to the foundation?
EKF has helped more than 200 families, coast to coast. More than 500 different donors have contributed to the resources of the foundation.
How do families connect with EKF?
Parents can apply for help on the For Parents page. Families are asked to fill out an application, write a letter of hardship, and provide statements of bills to be paid. Also, any hospital-based social worker can refer families to EKF. In every case where financial assistance is rendered, social workers are consulted about the state of the family’s affairs and their child’s condition at the time of the request.