Grace Fund
Following the flood, St. Luke's continued to witness first-hand the economic hardships of many in need of medical care. Your contribution to the Grace Fund will help St. Luke's respond to those in need as we continue to provide medical care for patients who experience financial hardship. In our recovery from the flood, you may find that your gift to the Grace Fund directly benefits your neighbors.
Ely Family Helps Establish Fund at St. Luke's Health Care Foundation to Assist Uninsured and Underinsured
Angela Neidjl
An Ely woman's death in 2009 prompted the establishment of a fund to assist the under and uninsured at St. Luke's Hospital.
Angela Nejdl died on Feb. 18, following a two-vehicle accident in southwest Cedar Rapids. Angela suffered a fatal heart attack following the accident.
Her parents, Robert and Vilma Nejdl, made the generous decision to direct her memorials to the St. Luke's Health Care Foundation to help the uninsured and underinsured.
"Angela was our only child and her well being meant everything to us," said Bob Nejdl. "This is a wonderful way to keep our daughter's memory alive while helping others in our community get the health care they need."
The Nejdl's decision prompted the St. Luke's Health Care Foundation to create the Grace Fund, named after St. Luke's origins at Grace Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids. The church led a community effort to build the hospital 125 years ago, after a homeless man died because there wasn't a hospital nearby to treat his injuries.
The goal of the Grace Fund, according to St. Luke's Health Care Foundation President Shannon Duval, is to assist under and uninsured patients with medical bills.
"The Nejdls' thoughtfulness will continue the caring spirit of their daughter, Angela," said Duval. "We remain grateful to families like the Nejdls, whose generosity touches countless other families."
According to The U.S. Census Bureau, about 45.7 million Americans are uninsured and an additional 25 million Americans are underinsured, meaning they can't afford to cover the gap between what their insurance covers and their medical bills demand. As the recession continues to put a strain on Iowans' wallets, the need for financial assistance is expected to grow.
"We are hopeful that others will step forward to contribute to the Grace Fund," added Duval. "A contribution in any amount will help St. Luke's continue to provide quality medical care for patients who experience financial hardship."
If you'd like to contribute to the Grace Fund, please give online now, or contact St. Luke's Health Care Foundation at 319.369.7716.
