Case #1. This case involves a 19yr cardiology patient who was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and has had several surgeries since birth. The patient is a lifelong patient followed by ACH. The patient’s diagnosis has led to many challenges in their daily life. Recently the patient was hospitalized for over a month in the CVICU due to a lower GI bleed and complications to their diagnosis. This resulted in the patient having to withdraw from freshman year college this semester and had to move back home with their family. During the recent hospitalization, patient shared struggles related to mental health, difficulty monitoring medical status changes/emergencies, needing support with independent living, and navigating social and public spaces. Given the patient’s unique CHD and its unpredictable symptoms, a trained service dog would not only serve as a medical aid but also a loyal companion in their daily life. It would significantly improve patient’s ability to manage their condition, feel more secure, and lead a fuller, more independent life as a young adult. Therefore, we are requesting the cost of training for service dog.
Jacob Grummer described that we had previously approved $8000 for dog training for a different child. That didn’t work out so the trainer still has $5800 for use. The committee approved the use of that $5800 to train a dog for this cases # 1.
Case #2: This case involves a nearly one-month-old patient admitted to the NICU for prematurity, risk of intracranial hemorrhage and other things under evaluation. Since admission, patient has made some improvements but continues to have a long road ahead with likely continued admissions for several more weeks/months. The medical team is working on patient’s breathing and concerned about a possible blood clotting issue. At this time, there is only one caregiver working to financially support the family while the other caregiver takes care of the other siblings. Caregivers have been able to utilize family support to be able to come visit patients on the weekends. Family also have made some living adjustments to reduce their monthly housing expenses. While the caregivers are making productive decisions to support their family, the impact of the NICU stay will continue to be an ongoing barrier, as they have to travel over 100 miles each way when they visit. In addition to this, the weekends are the only time caregivers can visit and bond with patient. At this time, we are seeking support to help family with their electric bill needs. This support will provide the family with the opportunity to have a fresh start in their new home and reduce some of the stress the family is facing with having a sick baby. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration a request of $624.07 towards the electric bill. Total ask: $624.07 The committee approved $624.07 for 2 months’ electric bill plus late fee.
