by Angela Ranney
Being a parent of children with disabilities comes with a tremendous amount of stress. Sleepless nights, constant worry, limited opportunities for self-care, and overwhelming medical expenses quickly become part of everyday life. The emotional and financial toll can feel endless, especially when your child’s health needs never take a break.
Medical travel adds another significant layer of difficulty. Many of our trips are five to six hours one way, depending on medical needs during travel. Long drives, tight schedules, and the uncertainty of what the day may bring make these journeys especially challenging for both my daughter and myself.
The travel itself is mentally fatiguing and physically exhausting. Managing medical equipment, medications, appointments, and my daughter’s comfort during long trips requires constant vigilance. By the time we arrive, we are already drained—and that is before the medical appointments even begin.
The Foundation’s generosity in covering medical travel has been an incredible blessing. Removing the financial burden of travel has lifted a major layer of stress and allowed us to focus more fully on my daughter’s care and well-being. This support has made necessary treatment and ongoing management far more accessible for our family.
Beyond the financial help, the medical travel grants have provided something just as meaningful: reassurance. Knowing that there are people and organizations who care, who see our challenges and want to help, has been a powerful mental and emotional boost. That sense of support makes an enormous difference during some of our most difficult days.
