Sunday, February 14, 2010
Photo
Special to The Vindicator READY TO DELIVER: Carnations are being sold by the Eastern Regional Kidney Foundation to raise funds that will benefit patients suffering from kidney disease. Among those making sure the flowers are delivered in time for the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day are, from left standing, Bob Morell, vice president and kidney transplant recipient, and Meghan Hiland, grants; and seated, Nancy Rusu and Mariann Haschenburger, secretary and chair of the sale.
BOARDMAN — The Eastern Regional Kidney Foundation will again sell carnations for St. Patrick’s Day. Proceeds from the event will help renal patients meet the overwhelming costs of expensive prescription medication and transportation to and from local dialysis centers.
Many of the patients have incomes below the poverty level and often have little or no insurance. Kidney disease is costly, and often the patients are faced with the difficult choice of paying for medications or a utility bill. Some jeopardize their health by skipping dialysis.
Residents are encouraged to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by purchasing carnations for family, friends or co-workers. Each prepaid order of $15 for a dozen carnations, or orders of six or more dozen at $12 a dozen, will be delivered free of charge by a volunteer on March 12.
Orders should be placed by Feb. 26 by sending a check to the foundation at 4822 Market St., Suite 240, Youngstown, OH 44512. Include your name, address and phone number, and the name, address and phone number of the person to receive the flowers.
The foundation is a volunteer board that works to raise funds, to educate the community and to promote research on solutions to kidney disease. It receives no government funding, and all proceeds directly benefit patients in the local area. Monetary contributions are always welcome.