There are many reasons that we have developed this Web site, not the least of which is to make people aware of children’s cancers and how they can help families like ours. During this whole process, we have realized what so many other families realize when faced with medical bills. Even the best insurance policies don’t cover all of the expenses that you encounter when treating cancer. We hope to raise money to cover our out-of-pocket hospital and treatment costs. In addition, we want to raise money for other families battling cancer like us, and we want to help the phenomenal staff at the hospital.

There are so many things that these families and hospitals need that had never occurred to us, or most people probably. We hope to raise money to cover things like:

• Jack’s hospital bills not covered by insurance
• Parent parking at the hospital, meal vouchers and other miscellaneous expenses that families need assistance with
• Parent special needs, mortgage, car payments, etc. (it’s amazing how quickly you can fall behind when you’re sitting in a hospital room for weeks at a time)
• Babysitting services for working parents
• Patient needs, such as toys, in-room upgrades and patient-specific perks (autographed stuff or personalized items to help boost kids’ spirits)
• Nurse needs, like character band aids, baby wipes, fun shirts and pins so they look more friendly to the kids
• Playroom needs like supplies, new toys, videos, DVDs, video games, books, etc., and the additional funding for staffing to keep it open evenings and on Sundays (most hospitals can’t afford this)
• Laptop computer in the rooms so families can work and stay in touch with friends and family
• Dunkin Donuts vouchers
• Holiday decorations for the patient rooms
• Patient/parent tickets to favorite events to give them all a break
• Additional funds to support The Neely House, a “home-away-from-home” for the parents who need housing while their kids are in the hospital

Our goal is to find ways to make what is an unbearable experience a little bit easier for patients and families. We have looked at our experience and feel very fortunate to have amazing family and friends that have been here for us, others are not so lucky.

Monetary Donations:
For those wishing to make monetary donations for Jack’s expenses, please make checks payable to Jack Lynch and send to:

Home address:
Jack Lynch
105 Hickory Hill Road
North Andover, MA 01845

Note: This money will be used to pay Jack’s treatment and hospital bills not covered by insurance.

Tax-deductible donations to the Jack Lynch Fund at the hospital should be made out to Floating Children Cancer Center and sent to:
Floating Children Cancer Center
c/o Dr. Lawrence C. Wolfe
New England Medical Center
Box 014
750 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111

*Please note on your check that this is on behalf of Jack Lynch and will go into a 501c3 charity account at the hospital. You will be sent a letter with info after your donation is received.

Note: These monies will be used to provide other families with the much-needed financial assistance that we received and to provide the clinic and nurses with toys, supplies and other items intended to help make families’ stays at the hospital easier.

Frequent Flyer Miles
Individuals and companies may be able to donate unused frequent flyer miles on commercial airlines. This is particularly valuable to us to fly in family members or to donate to other families that can’t afford airline tickets. If you wish to contribute frequent flyer miles, please e-mail Edylynch@aol.com or call us at (978)-557-5467

Products and Services “Wish list”
The hospital needs discounted or donated books, toys, cleaning supplies, lodging and ground transportation for some of the other patients visiting for treatment, and a variety of other services. Please contact us by e-mail Edylynch@aol.com to let us know how you would like to contribute to our cause. We will be happy to work with you!.

Charity Events and upcoming events
EVENT #1: BOSTON:
Monday, February 23, 2004 / 6:00pm
THE RACK, Hall (VIP Room)
24 Clinton Street, Faneuil Hall /Boston
*$50 donation at the door (Cash or check only please)
Light Refreshments/Cash bar
RSVP: nsmn_nyc_chapter@hotmail.com. Please include all of the contact information for you and your guests!

EVENT #2: NEW YORK CITY:
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 / 6:00pm
METRO 53
307 East 53rd Street, New York City
*$50 donation at the door (Cash or check only please)

Light Refreshments/Cash bar
RSVP: nsmn_nyc_chapter@hotmail.com. Please include all of the contact information for you and your guests!

Orlando Golf event at Falcon Fire CC (dates TBD)
Big Man Scramble event (dates TBD)