Stephanie's Story

Stephanie is a 16-year-old with a life-threatening, chronic illness that affects multiple organ systems. She was admitted to the hospital for a 3 week stay for intensive treatment. She lives about 1 ½ hours from UNC with her devoted parents and 4 siblings – 2 of whom have the same chronic illness and one who has another physical disability. The unexpected admission made the family’s already difficult financial situation that much worse. In having to pay for parking, gas and extra food while staying in the hospital, they were worried that would not be able to pay for their already delinquent electric bill. Through the generosity of the UNC Dance Marathon For the Kids fund, the family was able to receive some assistance with their electricity bill and were able to provide the support their daughter needed during her lengthy stay.