Wellstar’s Emergency Assistance Fund offers financial assistance to team members facing an unexpected crisis, tragedy or loss such as extended medical leave, the loss of a loved one or a house fire. People like Rodriques “Rico” Flunder, security officer at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center.

Rico’s wife, Jasmine, has been battling cancer this year, facing numerous medical appointments and an operation. Rico knew being present for his wife and three daughters, ages 11, 9 and 7, during one of their toughest times as a family was his priority, which meant he needed to take some unpaid time off work. With a change in income and growing medical expenses, household bills were piling up. That’s when Wellstar’s EAF stepped in to help.

The EAF covered some of their overdue expenses and alleviated financial stress so Rico could focus on caring for his family. Today, Jasmine is recovering from a surgery she received in October. Rico is back at work and the family is preparing for the holidays. While Jasmine still has a long journey back to health, their love for one another, faith and the support of their co-workers and community continue to pull the family through.

In these challenging times, the Wellstar team members who care for us all deserve the care and support this fund provides. Last year, more than 300 team members received assistance through this critical program.

With requests for financial support on the rise since the pandemic,  your generous donations to the EAF are needed today to ensure we can continue to provide this much-needed support to our amazing care teams when they need it most. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation today.