Vail Valley Charitable Fund

Background Statement

Now more than ever, Vail Valley locals are being forced to stretch their dollars to address mounting medical expenses while experiencing an increase in the cost of living with limited time and resources. As an organization, we are challenged to more critically examine what may be deemed a medical crisis as it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the growth in demand for services.

For a moment, imagine yourself in the shoes of these individuals: A 55-year-old with a rare brain tumor who finally made his way to the Mayo Clinic after 11 surgeons couldn’t assist him; a 5-year-old experiencing pain due to numerous advanced cavities; a 26-year-old who attempted suicide three separate times; and a 50-year-old woman with breast cancer who underwent bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction, who then faced complications requiring additional surgeries. These are all Vail Valley neighbors whom we helped this year who are facing significant physical, mental, emotional, and financial hardships. These challenges have forever altered their lives, and we are grateful to have been able to step in and help these individuals and families during their darkest hours.

We are proud to report that so far this year, we have distributed $252,468 to 55 direct aid grant recipients in need.

TESTIMONIALS

“Despite a healthy pregnancy, Liam suffered a traumatic birth that resulted in a Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) event. His diagnosis requires full-time care and presents many challenges, including his daily struggles with multiple uncontrolled Epileptic seizures and quad Cerebral Palsy. Essential specialized equipment is vital for Liam’s quality of life. We struggled with believing that our need was worthy of such a generous grant over others' needs. The Vail Valley Charitable Fund assured us that our need was no less important than any other. Thanks to their generosity and support, we received the funds to purchase a medical stroller. Liam can now join his brothers on all adventures, experiencing the beauty of the world around him, safely. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the VVCF for believing in Liam and supporting our family. Your impact has been profound, and we are forever grateful.” ~ Kayla Christensen, VVCF Grant Recipient

“My husband Charles was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare brain and spine tumor that affects one in a million people. What felt like a nightmare turned into a beautiful story of hope, thanks to the support from the VVCF and our amazing community. Five months, three surgeries, and 37 proton radiation treatments later at the Mayo, Charles has emerged cancer-free.” ~ Ashley Hays, VVCF Grant Recipient

“We have worn many different hats in the valley, as have the people whom the Vail Valley Charitable Fund has stepped in to help, which weaves us together even more tightly as a community. This organization provides financial assistance in their time of crisis so they can focus on their health and well-being. The VVCF has very low overhead, with only 3 full-time team members, 1 of which is 100% paid for through a grant. What we donate goes directly back to a community member in need. We will do anything to support an organization that supports that same mantra, and believe that the VVCF does just that.” ~ Tina and David Wilson

"A good friend of mine who was diagnosed with breast cancer the year before suggested I reach out to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund for assistance. With tears in my eyes, I filled out the application, thinking “there are people much worse off than me” and “I’ll never be approved.” But I will never forget that call. The VVCF provided assistance in my time of need. It was an enormous stress relief to receive their generous grant. What a significant emotional weight lifted to know I might be able to get through this and not drown in debt. Since then, I have found the support of our community to be overwhelming as every organization and individual are ready to help in the emotional, physical and mental arenas. This has been a real blessing to my family and me." ~ Jessica Friedenberg, VVCF Grant Recipient

"I found out that I had a rare cancer in my thyroid. The community and our health care system stepped in to support us right away. Our friends and family made care packages, wrote empowering letters and came by to help when I couldn't take care of things. The Vail Valley Charitable Fund was no different. When we reached out to them for assistance, they too were right by our side. The relief that was felt from myself and my husband was overwhelming. The moment I got the call that they were supporting us through a direct aid grant, tears of happiness and poured out of me. I have never felt so cared for by so many and even from those who didn't even know me. A huge thank you to the VVCF for providing the financial relief I needed so that I could focus on healing." ~ Giselle Wales, VVCF Grant Recipient