Extend-a-Hand campaign helped this elderly man pay for an expensive eye treatment
The Bellingham Herald’s Extend-a-Hand charity appeal, now in its fifth decade, partners with Unity Care NW and the Opportunity Council to help families like these:
A 64‐year‐old man was prescribed an eye drop to treat a very painful eye condition. His insurance would only cover a quarter of the amount, leaving the patient with a $84 co-pay. When the patient came into the pharmacy to pick up the prescription, he informed staff that he would have to wait to pick it up because he needed to try to find a friend to lend him the money. Extend‐A‐Hand funds were used to cover the co-pay amount. The patient called back a few days later to express his gratitude and share that his eye was already feeling a lot better.
How to help
We hope you’ll consider also giving to Extend-a-Hand to help local organizations make big differences in small ways for Whatcom County residents who need immediate help with housing and health care all year long.
The Herald covers administrative costs up to $50,000 in donations, so gifts directly support people assisted at Unity Care NW and the Opportunity Council. Donations are tax-deductible, and donors through Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2024, will be recognized in The Herald.
▪ You can mail donation checks to Extend-a-Hand, c/o Opportunity Council, P.O. Box 2134, Bellingham, WA 98227.
▪ Donations are also accepted online via credit card or PayPal or by credit card at www.oppco.org/extend-a-hand, or by calling Katie Rose at 360-734-5121, ext. 1332.
This story was originally published December 24, 2023 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Extend-a-Hand campaign helped this elderly man pay for an expensive eye treatment."