Watertown, NY – For 32 years, the Kinney Drugs Foundation has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) to raise funds for children in need of medical care. Samaritan Medical Center is fortunate to have 17 Kinney Drugs locations across the North Country whose staff go the extra mile every year for CMN.
During this year’s seven-week campaign, Kinney Drugs raised a total of $53,931 for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan. Kinney associates showed their creativity and team spirit by organizing fun and engaging events at their stores.
Every dollar raised for Children’s Miracle Network stays local to help provide the best medical care to children. CMN of Northern New York allocates donated funds to support pediatric equipment and projects at Samaritan. In addition, they provide financial assistance to families living in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties with a child facing a medical crisis. This program assists with out-of-pocket medical expenses such as travel to specialists, copays and equipment not covered by insurance.
“Many of the children we support are well-known at their local Kinney Drugs store,” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center. “The associates and pharmacy staff are emotionally invested in CMN because they know the money they raise is helping kids right in their community.”
Through their partnership with CMN, Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation are helping to change kids’ health across the North Country. Their dedication to helping local children is greatly appreciated.
For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]
More than 40 years ago, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals was founded with a simple goal in mind: Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future.
Within 170 children’s hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada, and with the help of more than $8.5 billion in donations, the initiative is helping member hospitals to locally fund what is needed most. From life-saving treatments and healthcare services to innovative research and financial assistance for patients in need, Children’s Miracle Network has ignited real change in the lives of children and families across the country—including right here in New York’s North Country.
Children’s Miracle Network of Northen New York 2024 Champion
Samaritan + Children’s Miracle Network
Samaritan Medical Center has served as the North Country’s official Children’s Miracle Network Hospital since 1990, striving to raise and allocate funds to improve the health and well-being of children in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
“To be able to facilitate the work of Children’s Miracle Network right here in the North Country is a tremendous opportunity and point of pride,” says Samaritan President and CEO Tom Carman. “We’re here to care for our young community members, especially those in need of critical assistance. This partnership helps us do that.”
Children’s Miracle Network supports child-centered areas at Samaritan through the funding of capital projects and the purchase of critical pediatric equipment. Additionally, assistance is offered directly to families to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket expenses related to their child’s serious medical condition, wherever their treatment takes place.
Miracles in the making
Throughout its time as a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Samaritan has come to the aid of children suffering from traumatic brain injury, blood cancers and rare diseases requiring complicated care.
“Without CMN, we would not have been able to pursue the best care possible for our child. Without their help, many children would not get the support they need to live their true best lives and we are so very thankful for them every day,” said a parent of Charlie McNitt who is under medical care for cerebral palsy.
Finley
Thanks to support from Children’s Miracle Network, covering everything from critical MRIs and medication to hospital transportation, when insurance doesn’t cover it, children and their families have found Samaritan to be a beacon of hope, helping them through very challenging situations. Oftentimes the sheer cost of travel to special pediatric care programs causes hardship for families and CMN is able to help with these expenses.
“Families depend on us to care for them, to care for their children,” says Angie VanWormer, director of Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York (CMN of NNY). “Knowing we are helping children in need gives us a great sense of satisfaction, and shows Samaritan Caregivers and members of our community what teamwork can accomplish.”
Aid through Direct Family Assistance Program
Children’s Miracle Network families, 2023
Supported by the Children’s Miracle Network, Samaritan’s Direct Family Assistance Program provides financial assistance for expenses related to a child’s serious medical condition. This may include travel expenses, un-insured portions of medical and pharmaceutical bills, un-insured equipment, co-pays and out of pocket costs. To be eligible, children must reside in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County. The age limit is 18 or up to 21 if the child is still a dependent or in college.
To learn more about Direct Family Assistance or to request an application, please call315-785-4053 or email [email protected].
Other ways to help
Ongoing fundraising efforts to support local children through this organization include Samaritan’s Miracle Giving Wall, corporate partner campaigns, Radiothon, and Extra Life. There are many ways for community members, businesses and organizations to donate to the work of Samaritan and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Each year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country identify a champion in their community to serve as the face for children treated at their hospital. Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center (CMN) has chosen an annual local champion since 2019. The 2023 Champion was Sammy Shelton of Watertown.
“Sophia’s story is one of hope and determination” said Angie VanWormer, Director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan. “Her family is excited that Sophia has been given the opportunity to be an ambassador for CMN and is eager to connect with others in the community to share their experiences.”
When Sophia was just three years old, she suffered an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication that caused prolonged hypoglycemia. This happened while she was sleeping, and she had many seizures that resulted in irreparable damage and blindness. Sophia still has seizures and sees many specialists that monitor her closely. She is now in first grade and loves school and using her imagination. Sophia is overcoming obstacles every day.
“Even though it’s been extremely difficult as a parent to watch your child go through this every day, it’s about trying to have hope that no matter what she does, it will get better and things will become easier for her” says Sophia’s mom, Michelle O’Connor.
Through the Direct Family Assistance Program, CMN continues to be there for Sophia and kids like her to help ease the financial burden of medical care. This program is available to children in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties who are facing a health crisis to help with out-of-pocket costs related to necessary medical care, including travel to specialists and expenses not covered by insurance.
For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]
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