Pre-Planning
Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home

Consider family in cremation

Those who say--whether seriously or in jest--"Just cremate me and throw me out!" don't realize the burden this places on family members. Direct disposal of cremated remains without funerals or memorialization of any kind can cause serious emotional problems for survivors.

An executive of the Forum for Death Education tells of one patient under therapy as a result of scattering the cremated remains of a loved one. She had no focal point for her grief until he suggested she obtain a niche at a local mausoleum and place some memento of the loved one within.

In day-to-day contact with bereaved families, many cemetarians have noticed signs of severe emotional stress among the survivors in instances of creamtion without memorialization and without funerals.

In some cases, such problems may take the form of delayed reaction many months later and are more apt to come to the attention of the medical community or clinical psychologists than to the layman or the general public.

Many psychiatrists feel that the funeral serves a very real need for the survivors. One of them stated that the primary purpose of the funeral is to fulfill the need for grieving for the living and that this need goes unfulfilled for many in our culture.

The result, in many cases, is that months or years later people require psychiatric treatment for severe depression.

In suffering a loss, the traditional rites of passage and memorialization can be beneficial in helping individuals pass through the stages of grief.

When the practice of cremation is accomplished with human dignity and recognition, it will:

* help assuage grief

* alleviate guilt

* contribute to emotional stability

* create peace of mind

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Frequently asked questions about estate planning

1. Why do I need an estate plan?

Most of us spend a considerable amount of time and energy in our lives accumulating wealth. As we do this, there also comes a time to preserve wealth both for our enjoyment and for future generations. A solid, effective estate plan ensures that your hard-earned wealth will pass intact to those you intend to be your beneficiaries, instead of being siphoned off to government processes and bureaucrats.

2. If I don't create an estate plan, won't the government provide one for me?

YES. But your family may not like it. The government's estate plan is called "Intestate Probate" and guarantees government interference in the disposition of your estate. Documents must be filed and approval must be received from a court to pay your bills, pay your spouse an allowance, and account for your property and it all takes place in the public's view. If you fail to plan your estate, you lose the opportunity to protect your family from an impersonal, complex governmental process that is a burden at best and can be a nightmare.

Then there is the matter of the federal government's death taxes. There is much you can do in planning your estate that will reduce and even eliminate death taxes, but you don't suppose the government's estate plan is designed to save your estate from taxes, do you? While some estate planners favor wills and others prefer a Living Trust as the Estate Plan of Choice, all estate planners agree that dying without an estate plan should be avoided at all costs.

3. What's the difference between having a will and a Living Trust?

A will is a legal document that describes how you want your assets distributed at death. The actual distribution, however, is controlled by a legal process called probate, which is Latin for "prove the will." Upon your death, the will becomes a public document available for inspection by all comers. And, once your will enters the probate process, it's no longer controlled by your family, but by the court and probate attorneys.

Probate can be cumbersome, time-consuming, expensive, and an emotional trauma in a family's time of grief and vulnerability. Con artists and others with less than pure financial motives have been known to use their knowledge about the contents of a will to prey on survivors.

A Living Trust avoids probate because your property is owned by the trust, so technically there's nothing for the probate courts to administer. Whomever you name as your "successor trustee" gains control of your assets and distributes them exactly according to your instructions.

There is one other crucial difference. A will doesn't take effect until you die, and is therefore no help to you with lifetime planning, an increasingly important consideration now that Americans are living longer. A Living Trust can help you preserve and increase your estate while you're alive, and offers protection should you become mentally disabled.

4. The possibility of a disabling injury or illness scares me. What would happen if I were mentally disabled and had no estate plan or just a will?

Unfortunately, you would be subject to "living probate," also known as a conservatorship or guardianship proceeding. If you become mentally disabled before you die, the probate court will appoint someone to take control of your assets and personal affairs. These "court-appointed agents" must file a strict accounting of your finances with the court. The process is often expensive, time-consuming and humiliating.

5. If I set up a Living Trust, can I be my own trustee?

YES. In fact, most Living Trusts have the people who created them acting as their own trustees. If you are married, you and your spouse can act as co-trustees. And you will have absolute and complete control over all of the assets in your trust. In the event of a mentally disabling condition, your hand-picked successor trustee assumes control over your affairs, not the court's appointee.

6. Will a Living Trust avoid income taxes?

NO. The purpose of creating a Living Trust is to avoid living probate, death probate, and reduce or even eliminate federal estate taxes. It's not a vehicle for reducing income taxes. In fact, if you're the trustee of your Living Trust, you will file your income tax returns exactly as you filed them before the trust existed. There are no new returns to file and no new liabilities are created.

7. Can I transfer real estate into a Living Trust?

YES. In fact, all real estate should be transferred into your Living Trust. Otherwise, upon your death, depending upon how you hold title, there will be a death probate in every state in which you hold real property. When your real property is owned by your Living Trust, there is no probate anywhere.

8. Is the Living Trust some kind of loophole the government will eventually close down?

NO. The Living Trust has been authorized by the law for centuries. The government really has no interest in making you or your family go through a probate that will only further clog up the legal system. A Living Trust avoids probate so that your estate is settled exactly according to your wishes.

9. Isn't a Living Trust only for the rich?

NO. A Living Trust can help anyone protect his or her family from unnecessary probate fees, attorney's fees, court costs and federal estate taxes. In fact, if your estate is greater than $100,000, you'll find a Living Trust offers substantial benefits for you and your family.

10. Can any attorney create a Living Trust?

NO. You should choose an attorney whose practice is focused on estate planning. Members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys receive continuing legal education on the latest changes in any law affecting estate planning, allowing them to provide you with the highest quality estate planning service anywhere.

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Options for financing funerals

A funeral is an essential expenditure, and a little planning will eliminate the uncertainty of costs and payment. If you don't plan for funeral expenses, you run the risk of your family having to ask friends and relatives to share an unexpected financial burden, which can put everyone in an embarrassing and uncomfortable position. And if you borrow money, it has to be repaid.

Here are some options for financing funerals.

Pre-Need Insurance

Pre-need plans are designed to cover the expenses associated with your death and funeral. Pre-need insurance companies such as Homesteaders Life and Fortis Family offer several payment options to give you flexibility.

Annuities

Generally, annuities allow for the money you pay to be invested. Interest is earned which will, over time, increase the amount of money available to pay for your funeral.

Life Insurance

A traditional life insurance policy can meet several needs--pay off loans, fund education costs, and provide for living expenses, as well as funeral expenses.

Bank or Funeral Trust

A funeral trust is similar to a savings plan. The earnings on funeral bank trust funds are taxed every year, and paid either by the family or by the trust itself.

Savings Account

Beware with this strategy. A long illness can easily deplete short-term savings, while taxes and early withdrawal penalties can reduce long-term savings.

For more information on funeral pre-planning and pre-funding, contact us.

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Why pre-plan funeral services

No one likes to think about death, let alone plan for it. In many families, discussing one's mortality is an extremely uncomfortable topic. But it is a topic that should be discussed and planned for well in advance of your death.

By pre-planning your funeral, you relieve your family of having to make important financial decisions during a period of great stress and grief-a time when people aren't thinking very clearly and may not know what to do because you never made your wishes known.

It's easy to say, "Don't make a fuss. I don't want a ceremony. Just bury me and be done with it." But it is important to realize that the ritual of a funeral and/or memorial service isn't for the deceased but for the
living. It is a time when friends and family can gather together to grieve openly and to provide support for one another.

Pre-planning your funeral can be very informal, and as simple as jotting down your preferences and sharing your wishes with a family member. More formal arrangements in the form of a pre-need contract can be set up with us and can be pre-funded through life insurance, bank trust agreement, or another method.

Pre-planning, when done properly, can give you peace of mind because you know that your arrangements are ready and pre-funded.

By pre-planning your funeral, you can:

* Make all the arrangements during a time of peace and not leave them to your family during their time of grief;

* Make your wishes known

* Control the cost of your funeral and protect from inflation

* Ensure that personal records are organized and easy for your survivors to locate

* Protect your insurance so that it provides for your survivors and not for funeral expenses

* Provide protection in case the need arises before it is expected

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Information for pre-need funeral planning

by Homesteaders Life Company

Vital Statistics

1. Full name and complete address
2. How long at current/former residence(s)
3. Occupation, job title, nature of work, and history
4. Location of workplace
5. Social security number
6. Veteran's serial number
7. Date and place of service, date of discharge
8. Date of birth
9. Place of birth
10. Family origin
11. Father's name
12. Mother's maiden name
13. Educational attainment

Paperwork and Documents to Collect

1. Will
2. Birth certificate
3. Social security card
4. Marriage license
5. Military discharge
6. Insurance policies (life, health, accident, property, auto)
7. Bank books
8. Stocks and bonds
9. Property deed
10. Cemetery deed
11. Auto titles
12. Tax returns, receipts, and cancelled checks

Decisions to Make

1. Exact location of burial/disposition
2. Location of service
3. Casket
4. Outer burial container
5. Items for memento display
6. Clothing and jewelry for deceased
7. Service type (religious, fraternal, military)
8. Selection of scripture and readings (poems, etc.)
9. Clergy to officiate
10. Register book, memorial/prayer cards
11. Casketbearers
12. Floral arrangements
13. Music selections
14. Transportation for family and guests, including funeral procession
lineup

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Make a resolution to complete estate and funeral planning

While your friends resolve to make 2003 the year they finally lose weight, get fit and kick those unhealthy habits, why not do yourself and your loved ones a favor and complete your estate and funeral planning? It's certainly easier than dropping those last 10 pounds, and making your wishes known now will give you and your family peace of mind.

A nation faces the inevitable

Estate and funeral planning used to be dreaded tasks many of us knew we needed to do but never quite got around to. The Sept. 11 tragedy has jolted our collective procrastination. Lawyers around the country are reporting a rise in will requests and their clients' urgency to complete them. They're noticing younger clients from all walks of life. The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and other publications have reported the trend.

Why plan ahead?

Estate planning can:

* save your family financial and emotional strain.
* designate a personal guardian for minor children.
* provide for children with special needs.
* reserve funds for college.
* preserve a family business.
* ensure that money, valuables and family heirlooms go to the people you want to have them.
* and much more, depending on the plan you choose.

Funeral planning can:

* ensure your wishes for your funeral or memorial service, burial and other details are carried out.
* save your family from having to make difficult decisions in their time of grief.
* prevent family squabbles and speculation about your wishes.
* pay for funeral services in advance.

Planning your estate

Making your wishes known doesn't necessarily have to be complicated or expensive. Most people are familiar with wills. You can type one up yourself or buy a kit, but if you have children or a lot of assets, financial planners usually recommend consulting an attorney. If your estate is simple and you decide to do it yourself, know that most states require that wills be typewritten, name an executor and be signed by two witnesses who are not beneficiaries.

Keep in mind that wills, even those prepared by attorneys, go through court (probate). Probate can be time consuming, stressful for your family and costly to your estate. Consider consulting an estate planner about alternatives to wills. Some options avoid probate and certain taxes.

Wills only go into effect upon your death, so they're no help if you become incapacitated. If that happens, your case will go through living probate and the court will appoint someone to handle your affairs. If you die without a will (intestate), the state will decide who gets your money, your valuables, even your children.

Planning your own funeral

Funeral or memorial service? Burial or cremation? Not sure what you want? Then imagine how your family will feel when they're forced to make those decisions when you die. Save them the added turmoil, potential disagreements and second-guessing. Make those decisions now and let them know what you want. It can be as easy as typing up your wishes and giving it to a trusted family member, friend or attorney, though we invite you to contact our funeral home to understand all of the options available to you and your family.

Are pre-need plans safe?

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has issued consumer protection guidelines for pre-need contracts, consumer tips on prepaying your funeral and a consumer bill of rights. You may want to review them at www.nfda.org before you sign on the dotted line. Our funeral home abides by the guidelines set forth by the NFDA.

You might also consider involving your family or loved ones in the preparation of your funeral arrangements. After all, the funeral service is really for the living. Consult with family about what type of arrangements they would like to remember you. For example, you may desire a direct cremation, but your spouse may prefer going through a more traditional funeral program. There are many choices to accommodate both desires. Contact us to help you with these choices when pre-planning.

Resources:

* American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, www.estateplanforyou.com
* National Funeral Directors Association, www.nfda.org, (800) 228-6332 or (262) 789-1880.
* The Consumer Federation of America, www.consumerfed.org.

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What to do when someone dies

Whether you received a 2 a.m. phone call with news of an unexpected death or shared your loved one's final moments of a long illness, your initial reaction to the death was likely shock. It doesn't seem to matter how prepared we are - or aren't - a loved one's death often leaves us feeling numb and bewildered. If you're responsible for making the funeral arrangements or executing the will, shock and grief can be immobilizing. Even simple decisions can be overwhelming.

Making the first phone calls

What to do first depends on the circumstances of the death. When someone dies in a hospital or similar care facility, the staff will usually take care of some arrangements, such as contacting the funeral home you choose, and if necessary, arranging an autopsy. You will need to notify family, friends and clergy. It may be easier on you to make a few phone calls to other relatives or friends and ask each of them to make a phone call or two to specific people, so the burden of spreading the news isn't all on you. If you are alone, ask someone to keep you company while you make these calls and try to cope with the first hours after the death.

When someone dies at home or at work

If a person dies at home or at work, first call 911 or the emergency phone number in your area. According to Eva Shaw, author of "What to Do When a Loved One Dies," any death occurring without a physician or medical personnel in attendance must be reported to the police and an investigation held. After the coroner's examination, the body will either be transported to the morgue for autopsy or to the funeral home of your choice, depending on the circumstances of death.

If your loved one was under medical care, be sure to notify the doctor. If you don't know the doctor's name, look for prescription bottles or medical bills. If the person was under the care of a hospice program, call the hospice organization instead of 911.

Call the funeral director

Whatever the circumstances of death, one of your first calls should be to a licensed funeral director. We can help you:

* transport the body
* obtain a death certificate
* select a casket, urn and/or grave marker
* arrange the funeral, memorial and/or burial service
* prepare the obituary
* help you notify the deceased's employer, attorney, insurance company and banks
* offer grief support or direct you to other resources

Call the employer

If your loved one was working, you'll need to call his or her employer immediately. Ask about the deceased's benefits and any pay due, including vacation or sick time, disability income, etc. Ask if you or other dependents are still eligible for benefit coverage through the company. Ask whether there is a life insurance policy through the employer, who the beneficiary is and how to file a claim.

Call the life insurance company

Look through the deceased's paperwork for the life policy. Call the agent or the company and ask how to file a claim. Usually the beneficiary (or the beneficiary's guardian, if a minor) must complete the claim forms and related paperwork. You'll need to submit the death certificate and a claimant's statement to establish proof of claim. Remember to ask about payment options. You may have a choice between receiving a lump sum or the having the insurance company place the money in an interest-bearing account from which you can write checks.

Call Social Security and other organizations

Notify Social Security of the death. If your loved one was covered, the spouse or dependents may be eligible for certain payments or benefits. Also call any unions, professional or service organizations your loved one belonged to. He or she may have had life insurance or other benefits through these organizations.

Gather important papers

Of course the first thing you may be looking for when someone dies is the will or trust. But remember to gather other important papers, such as deeds, business agreements, tax returns, bank accounts, earnings statements, birth and marriage certificates, military discharge papers, Social Security Number, vehicle registration, loan payment books, bills, and any other important papers pertaining to your loved one's affairs. You'll need these to file a final tax return and settle the estate; you may want to consult an accountant.

Executing the will

If you were named the executor of your loved one's will, you've got more work to do. First, you'll need to file a probate case with the court. Although an attorney isn't required in most states, you'll probably want to hire one who is experienced in probate. You may choose to hire the lawyer who prepared the will, but that isn't necessary.

Depending on the specifics of the estate, probate can be complicated and lengthy. As executor, you'll be responsible for carrying out your loved one's wishes according to the will, paying creditors and balancing the estate. There's no standard amount of time a probate lasts, but some states are initiating laws to expedite the process.

Dying intestate - without a will

If someone dies without a will - dying intestate - the court will appoint an administrator. If you are appointed administrator, your responsibilities will be similar to those of an executor: distributing assets, paying creditors and balancing the estate.

Accessing bank accounts

If you have a joint account with the deceased you may be able to conduct business as usual, depending upon how the account was opened. Otherwise, normally only the will's executor or administrator can access the account after providing the required paperwork to the bank. Call or visit the bank to find out what is required.

Finding help

Wrapping up your loved one's affairs can be tedious and stressful. Find guidance you can trust to help you work out the details, such as a funeral director, accountant, attorney, grief counselor and/or clergy to help you manage the legal, financial and emotional issues a death can bring.

Resources:

* "The Mourning Handbook: The Most Comprehensive Resource Offering Both Practical and Compassionate Advice on Coping with All Aspects of Death and Dying" by Helen Fitzgerald

* "I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing after the Sudden Death of a Loved One" by Brook Noel and Pamela D. Blair

* "How to Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies" by Therese A. Rando, Ph.D.

* "What to Do When a Loved One Dies: a practical and compassionate guide to dealing with death on life's terms" by Eva Shaw (Dickens Press, 1994).

* "Step by Step: Your Guide to Making Practical Decisions When a Loved One Dies" by Ellen Shaw, (Quality Life Resources, 2001).

* AARP, www.aarp.org

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Tips on wills

Have a will drawn up by an attorney. Leave one copy with him or her and one with a trusted friend or family member (e.g., the principal beneficiary, your spouse, your child, etc.).

One thing you should not do is put your will in a bank vault or safe deposit box. Keep your will and other important papers in another safe place. Safe deposit boxes are often sealed for a period of time at the
owner's death.

Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date. Major changes in life circumstances such as marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, divorce, or retirement can change your insurance needs.

How to write a eulogy

The thought of public speaking throws many people into a panic. Add to that fear the common discomfort of discussing death, and it's easy to understand why the idea of delivering a eulogy can be disconcerting. If you've been asked to write a eulogy, take heart. This article will help you put your fears in perspective so you can deliver a loving eulogy.

"Why me?"

You were probably asked to deliver a eulogy because of your close relationship to the deceased, and because the family trusts you to honor his or her memory on behalf of family and friends. The family doesn't want to make you feel uncomfortable, foolish or as though your grief is on display. It's an honor they've bestowed upon you. Helping others say goodbye may turn out to be a rewarding experience. Don't worry about making mistakes. A eulogy comes from the heart of the deliverer. I can't see how a mistake could be made as long as it is honest and true.

"I can't write."

Don't let the thought of writing intimidate you. You don't have to be a novelist to move people. Everyone has a story to tell and that's your job as a eulogist. Tell people your story.

In the book "A Labor of Love: How to Write a Eulogy," author Garry Schaeffer says a eulogy should convey the feelings and experiences of the person giving the eulogy, and should be written in an informal, conversational tone. Schaeffer dispels the misconceptions that a eulogy should objectively summarize the person's life or speak for all present. Sit down and write from the heart.

Eulogists often write about the person's attributes, memories and common times that were shared together. Sometimes they include the deceased's favorite poems, book passages, scripture verses, quotes, expressions, lines from songs or items that were written by the deceased. Whatever is selected, it generally reflects the loved one's lifestyle.

These questions should get you thinking:

* How did you and the deceased become close?

* Is there a humorous or touching event that represents the essence of your passed loved one?

* What did you and others love and admire about the deceased?

* What will you miss most about him or her?

Some of the simplest thoughts are deeply touching and easy for those congregated to identify with. For example, "I'll miss her smile," or "I'll never forget the way he crinkled his nose when he laughed," are just as good as "I admired her selflessness."

"I can't speak in front of people."

It may not be easy, but you can do it. A funeral is one time you'll surely have a kind and empathetic audience. They feel for you and are on your side. You'll only have to speak for five to ten minutes, but your gift will live in the hearts of the deceased's family
and friends.

If you're worried about choking up or breaking down in the middle of your eulogy, you can take a moment to compose yourself, then carry on, as Schaeffer recommends, or you can have a back up person ready to step in. Give a copy of your eulogy to the minister or funeral director so that person can finish the eulogy if you're unable to continue.

Tips

* Be honest and focus on the person's positive qualities.

* Humor is acceptable if it fits the personality of the deceased.

* "If you are inclined to be a perfectionist, lower your expectations and just do what you can given the short time-frame and your emotional state," writes Schaeffer in "Labor of Love."

* Keep it brief. Five to ten minutes is the norm, but it's a good idea to verify that with the minister or funeral director.

* Leo Saguin recommends interviewing family and friends in his book "How to Write and Deliver a Loving Eulogy."

* Put the eulogy on paper - at least in outline form.

Eulogy or Sharing Time?

If you're planning the funeral, you might want to consider "sharing time" as an alternative to a eulogy. In sharing time, the people congregated pass a microphone or take turns standing up to share their thoughts. It's like a lot of mini eulogies and is more spontaneous.

Books Offering Help, Examples and Inspiration

* "A Labor of Love: How to Write a Eulogy" by Garry Schaeffer
* "The Book of Eulogies: A Collection of Memorial Tributes, Poetry, Essays, and Letters of Condolence" by Phyllis Theroux (editor)
* "How to Write and Deliver a Loving Eulogy" by Leo Seguin
* "Final Celebrations: A Guide for Personal and Family Funeral Planning" by Kathleen Sublette and Martin Flagg
* "In Memoriam: A Practical Guide to Planning a Memorial Service" by Amanda Bennett and Terence B. Foley
* "My Deepest Sympathies: Meaningful Sentiments for Condolence Notes and Conversations, Plus a Guide to Eulogies" by Florence Isaacs
* "Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death" by Sarah York
* "Readings for Remembrance: A Collection for Funerals and Memorial Services" by Eleanor C. Munro (introduction)
* "Remembrances and Celebrations: A Book of Eulogies, Elegies, Letters, and Epitaphs" by Jill Werman Harris (editor)

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Personalizing a funeral service

A funeral can and should be as unique as the life that is being celebrated. Don't feel that you have to have a cookie cutter type of service or that your ideas for a special ceremony are foolish.

You shouldn't feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. We want to help you make the arrangements that you want.

Personalizing a funeral or memorial service can be very therapeutic--it gives you and your family something to concentrate on as you relive memories. It's also welcomed by family and friends attending a visitation or service because it gets them involved and provides a topic of conversation when they might otherwise not know what to say. We offer many ways to personalize a service.

Ask questions and make suggestions; we want to assist you in any way we can to ensure that your loved one is memorialized in a meaningful way.

Charitable organizations

Alzheimer’s Association
Provides education and support to people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and to caregivers.

American Cancer Society
Dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

American Diabetes Association
Provides diabetes research, information and advocacy.

American Foundation for AIDS Research
Dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.

American Heart Association
Mission of the American Heart Association
Dedicated to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

American Kidney Fund
Provides direct financial assistance for the benefit of kidney patients supported by educational programs, clinical research and community service projects.

American Liver Foundation
Dedicated to preventing, treating and curing hepatitis and all liver diseases through research, education and support groups.

American Lung Association
Dedicated to fighting lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health.

American Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Institute
Dedicated to the prevention of sudden infant death and the promotion of infant health.

Amyotrphic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association
Dedicated to the fight against ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Camp Heartland
For children impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Dedicated to the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Dedicated to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Living Bank International,
Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
Promotes organ and tissue donation through public education and maintains a national registry of those willing to donate.

Make-A-Wish Foundation
For children with life-threatening illnesses.

March of Dimes
Dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Focuses on drunk driving and underage drinking problems, and offers support for people grieving the death of a loved one caused by drunk driving.

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Provides news and information about neuromuscular diseases, and supports MDA research and services for adults and children with neuromuscular diseases and their families.

National AIDS Fund
Provides a voice on HIV infection prevention by supporting harm-reduction programs throughout the United States.

National Kidney Foundation
Seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Salvation Army National Headquarters
Dedicated to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and alleviating human suffering and distress without discrimination.

SIDS Alliance
Unites families, caregivers, health professionals and scientists with government,
business and community service groups to advance infant safety and survival, support bereaved families, and hasten the elimination of SIDS through research.

Tissue Banks International
Provides corneas and other eye tissue for sight-restoring transplant surgery, as well as tissues as bone, ligaments and tendons (musculosketal tissue) that restore mobility, skin for burn and reconstructive surgery, heart valves to correct cardiac conditions, and saphenous veins to remedy circulatory problems.

United Cerebral Palsy Association
Dedicated to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of
people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

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