I performed as a volunteer advocate in coordination with RESCU, helping a member of the community navigate the healthcare process and finding much-needed help. The RESCU team was accessible and came through with quick financial aid when needed. I was gratified, knowing that the organization was there to support the client and my intervention, which certainly would not have been possible without their help!

In the summer of '09 my husband and I were performing in Wisconsin, hundreds of miles from home, when Gregg doubled over with unbearable pains in his abdomen. We were both very healthy, so this was a real scare. We held off as long as we could, but finally, on our doctor's advice, went to the emergency room.

It turned out to be a kidney stone. I stayed engaged and informed with the hospital about what was being done, but even with refusal of redundant tests and treatments, and no follow-up visits, the hospital bill was over five thousand dollars: enough to dissolve our business and take us off the road, if RESCU had not been around. Between negotiation and financial support we were able to continue our performances without missing a single date. We put out our best album that year, and we're still performing today.

I have been a volunteer with RESCU almost since its inception. We have held many fund-raising events, including some quite imaginative ones, and one thing that shines through all the events is the community spirit and desire to help.
The community it serves is one that will always find it hard to get insurance, even if many could afford it. The many educational and preventative medicine programs have had a positive effect, and any assistance provided through programs such as this are necessary and very much appreciated.