Claire’s Place Foundation aims to help CF patients affected by LA fires
Nonprofit launches LA Fire Emergency Fund, noting potential smoke hazards
Claire’s Place Foundation, a nonprofit supporting cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their families, has launched the LA Fire Emergency Fund to help people with CF who are affected by the wildfires that have broken out this month in southern California.
This temporary financial assistance program — being run by the staff at the California-based foundation — is offering CF patients and their families one-time funds for air purifiers, temporary lodging, food and nutrition, and other supplies.
According to the nonprofit, the fund’s primary goal is to provide air purifiers so that vulnerable individuals are protected from wildfire smoke and particulate matter in the air. More than 30 grants have been distributed to date, with plans to continue to offer support, according to a foundation press release.
CF is a life-threatening genetic condition that primarily affects the lungs, making clean air a fundamental necessity for those impacted,” said Melissa Yeager, executive director of Claire’s Place Foundation.
Beginning the first week of January, a series of wildfires have erupted in the Los Angeles (LA) area, burning in excess of 57,000 acres. More than 16,000 structures have been destroyed, causing thousands of people to lose their homes or require evacuation for their safety. The smoke from these fires can be particularly harmful for people with CF, the foundation noted.
“The fine particles in wildfire smoke, which can travel long distances, pose a prolonged threat to [CF patients’] already delicate lungs. This fund allows us to address the critical needs of our community during this challenging time, ensuring [people with CF] have the resources to protect their health,” Yeager said.
Donations being accepted for Claire’s Place Foundation emergency fund
CF is caused by mutations in the CTFR gene, which cause the >CTFR protein to be dysfunctional or absent. Without this protein, cells cannot regulate the flow of salt and water, leading to the production of the abnormally thick and sticky mucus that characterizes the disease. Mucus buildup in the airways blocks airflow and causes lung inflammation. It’s also common for people with CF to experience repeated lung infections.
To be eligible for support from the LA Fire Emergency Fund, individuals must have a confirmed CF diagnosis and reside in LA County or surrounding areas impacted by the wildfires.
To apply, a hospital professional must submit a referral by Feb. 12 that describes the person’s financial need as a result of the fires, and also provides evidence of a CF diagnosis. An application link will then be sent so that the request can be completed. Grants are distributed promptly through Paypal, Venmo, or Zelle, according to the nonprofit.
Wildfires are devastating for everyone, but for individuals with CF, the stakes are even higher.
Claire’s Foundation is seeking wide support for its emergency fund, and accepting donations on its website.
“Wildfires are devastating for everyone, but for individuals with CF, the stakes are even higher,” Yeager said.
Sebastian Stan, a Golden Globe-winning actor and foundation supporter, made the first donation. Haley Lu Richardson, an actress who portrayed a CF patient in the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart” and now appears in the HBO show “White Lotus,” also contributed to the fund, as did other members of the Hollywood community, per the foundation.
The Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute also donated, “showcasing [its] dedication to serving as a global and local resource for the CF community,” the release stated.
According to Claire’s Place Foundation, “this collaboration underscores the importance of uniting CF nonprofits to ensure that CF families have access to essential supplies, especially in times of crisis.”
About the Author
