OXFORD, Miss — An emergency assistance fund created four
years ago to help with medical-related expenses for the
children of University of Mississippi employees and
students is itself in need of assistance.
The Friends of Children Fund helps with the costs of
travel, food and lodging when a faculty, staff or student’s
child is hospitalized or must receive medical care and the
family needs help with travel expenses.
The fund has assisted 11 families since 2003. Seven
families have received $14,500 in just the last year and
the need is growing, said Kim Shackelford, associate
professor of social work and chair of the committee that
manages the account. Many of the children have multiple
hospitalizations and lengthy hospital stays.
“I have met wonderful families at Ole Miss who have shown
great strength and faith during the extraordinary
circumstances that come with having a child with severe
medical problems,” Shackelford said. “I have witnessed the
results of miraculous surgeries and been a witness to the
love and gratitude of the children who benefit from this
fund.”
Shackelford told the story of 5-year-old Isabelle, who was
to travel to Chicago for a difficult surgery. Isabelle had
a hard time understanding why strangers would donate money
to help. The little girl’s parents explained this is just
what you should do when you have something to give and
someone else needs what you have.
Isabelle went to her room and dumped all the money out of
her piggy bank and wrote the following note: “Ms. Kim,
thank you for helping us! I (heart) u. Here is my gift.
Isabelle.”
Shackelford received the note and the change in a plastic
baggie.
“The children who are helped by this fund are not only
getting their medical needs met, they are also learning
about giving to others and helping whenever and however
they are able,” she said. “I am very proud that the Ole
Miss community has this fund, and I am humbled by these
children and what they overcome everyday.”
The committee is expanding its services by developing a Web
site that will offer guidance and information for families.
It also plans to offer support, education and information
groups for parents, siblings and the children with severe
or chronic medical situations.
Shackelford said the families who have benefited from the
Friends of the Children Fund want to give back to others
who are going through the same circumstances in their
lives.
Gifts to the Friends of the Children Fund are
tax-deductible. Checks should be made to the Friends of the
Children Fund and sent to the attention of Kim Shackelford,
Department of Social Work, Longstreet Hall Room 214,
University, MS 38677.