HAMPTON, Va., April 4, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In April 2015, PGA Tour golfer Marc Leishman signed the consentform to medically induce his wife, Audrey, into a coma; her only, albeit unlikely, chance for survival after a diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Luckily, after 18 hours Audrey showed signs of improvement and began to miraculously recover. The neardeath experience gave the Leishmans a new meaning to life. Always supportive of their local community and nonprofit organizations, they decided to formalize and expand their giving through the establishment of the Begin Again Foundation.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), a national 501(c)(3) dedicated to serving those with chronic, debilitating or life‐threatening illness, is honored to be named as a partner in this endeavor. Together, the two foundations have launched the LEISHLine Financial Aid Fund; a financial assistance program for those diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and Sepsis, geared to help relieve monetary stress through a one‐time annual $1,000 award to be used for transportation, housing, utility or grocery expenses.
"We are so proud to join Audrey and Marc in their efforts to help patients dealing with these acute illnesses. By teaming up with the Begin Again Foundation and their patient assistance initiative, LEISHLine, we'll be able to connect those with the financial help they need to ease their burden of everyday expenses," says PAF CEO, Alan Balch, PhD.
"We know that serious sudden illness can devastate a family's finances well after they have already been treated. That's one of the reasons Audrey and I wanted to include a 12‐month reimbursement look back period, in addition to providing those undergoing active treatment the ability to be considered for the opportunity," Marc Leishman says.
"This experience completely changed our lives," Audrey Leishman adds. "It's so important to us that we can send out as much light and love to as many people as we can. Getting well is a burden in itself; financial stress shouldn't add to that. We're just grateful we have the chance to help others in this way."
Patients diagnosed with TSS, ARDS or Sepsis who have a household income under 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline are encouraged to apply for the award by calling Patient Advocate Foundation at (855) 824‐7941 Monday‐Thursday at 8:30 AM‐5:00 PM ET or Friday 8:30 AM‐4:00 PM ET.
About the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Financial Aid Fund
Patient Advocate Foundation's Financial Aid Fund serves as an independent division of Patient Advocate Foundation, providing small grants to patients who meet the financial and medical criteria. Grants are provided on first‐come first served basis and are distributed until funds are depleted. Qualifications and processes for each fund may differ based on fund requirements. Patients who are interested in applying for financial assistance should start by calling this division toll free at (855) 824‐7941.
About Begin Again Foundation
Begin Again Foundation primarily serves families suffering from various illnesses and challenging life circumstances, providing small grants to furnish basic needs and medical financial stress relief. Founded by PGA TOUR player Marc Leishman and his wife Audrey, the Begin Again Foundation partners with several organizations to create new beginnings and deliver high quality programs with measurable, impactful results, ensuring that every dollar raised goes back into the community. Learn more at www.beginagainfoundation.com.