This year will be the 23rd in which Share the Season serves families in our community. Funds raised through this program are used to fill the gaps left by other assistance programs. Since its start, Share the Season has raised over $4.4 million dollars and help more than 4,200 families thanks to the generosity and compassion of community members.
Here’s a Share the Season from last year:
Samantha (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) was undergoing chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer when her Family and Medical Leave Act protection expired in December of 2022. Samantha received an email from her employer on Dec. 14 stating she was no longer an employee of the company due to her reduced work schedule and increased absences. This meant she would lose her medical insurance through her company at the end of December. Samantha was blindsided by her termination since she had worked full-time throughout her chemotherapy treatment, missing only a few days.
Samantha reached out to the Wichita Cancer Foundation for help with insurance. In addition, she applied for Medicaid, but it would take some time before learning whether she was approved for it. Samantha also applied for unemployment to secure some short-term relief, but was told it would take 60 days for her application to be processed.
Samantha was looking for another job when she learned about the Share the Season program. After being contacted by Samantha, Share the Season was able to assist with a total of $1500 paid towards Samantha’s medical bills to help during this time of emotional, medical and financial hardship.
Please consider sharing with your neighbors this season. Two giving options are available. Online donations may be made at ShareTheSeason.org or checks may be mailed to Share the Season, PO Box 485, Wichita, KS 67201-0485.
