“The ECHO Team definitely helps through one’s hardship. I can’t imagine where I would be now if it wasn’t for the Employee Assistance Fund. Thank you to everyone for your donations.”
After becoming pregnant, one Research Medical Center employee faced hardship after hardship.
“My circumstance definitely came out of nowhere, although mosthardships do.”
The employee left on maternity leave much earlier than expected due to a high-risk pregnancy. She had just overcome neck and thyroid cancer, and she was at risk of losing her own life or her child’s. There was also the fear of her cancer returning. As she sought help, barriers stood in her way. She was denied short-term disability and state assistance. She also applied for a 401K hardship withdrawal that was delayed. It took a toll on her well-being.
“I was in fear of losing my apartment and becoming homeless, not being able to pay for my insurance and other bills, and running out of food. I can’t even imagine the struggle I’ll be facing once the baby gets here.”
She wasn’t finding the support she needed elsewhere, so she turned to the ECHO Team and The Research Foundation’s Employee Assistance Fund. The ECHO Team provided financial assistance toward her rent and helped lift the burden of losing her housing while pregnant.
“The ECHO Team definitely helps through one’s hardship. I can’t imagine where I would be now if it wasn’t for the Employee Assistance Fund. Thank you to everyone for your donations.”
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Contact the Research Pastoral Care Department at 816-276-4210 or apply here.
