[ScottCraunFoundation]

We want to give multiple myeloma patients $$$. Please advise us how:

by ScottCraunFoundation on Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:54 pm

Hello,
Following the December 2011 passing of a friend with Multiple Myeloma, we've started the Scott S. Craun Foundation. Our mission statement may need some polishing; it can be found at

http://www.scottcraun.blogspot.com and we'd like your opinion regarding our goals and methods.

We want to provide flight costs for Hawaii's multiple myeloma patients to travel to Continental US specialized treatment centers like the City of Hope in Duarte, CA. This was our founder's vision, now we must implement it. Fundraising is going well, however, we must refine our specifics for when we start to give. We need advice. I'm not sure if we are basing too much of our mission on Scott's individual case--which was travel dependent.

We want to know what is the best way we can identify the most financially needy multiple myeloma patients in Hawaii AND, of those, the ones who would benefit most from say, California treatment centers. Our friend went to The City of Hope, twice, for stem cell transplant and other treatments. His travel was not covered by insurance. It was a burdern at a very stressful time to begin with. My understanding is the types of various transplants that extend quality of life for multiple myeloma patients are not done in Hawaii, and the most advanced levels of care can't be found in the islands. Is that correct?

The last thing we would want to do is undermine Hawaii's level of care in our mission, or fund travel that is not absolutely necessary, when these funds could be put to more effective ways of helping Hawaii multiple myeloma patients.

For now, we'd like to stick to Scott's vision of strictly funding flights , and doing so once transplants have been scheduled outside the islands. However, we are willing to adapt for what is most needed. Please offer any constructive criticism or ideas on what you've read (including any inaccuracies).

In summary:
1. Are there consistently multiple myeloma patients that MUST travel outside of Hawaii for transplants?
2. Will insurance pay for airfare if one is approved for a treatment at a leading cancer center?
3. How do we get in contact with this Hawaii population?
4. How do we determine who is the most financially needy by a fair method with equal opportunity?
5. anyone who has time for a quick review, please offer opinions on our blog statements.

thanks,
JW, for the Scott S. Craun Foundation