Granting Hope: Supporting the Gift of the Ladybug

Who doesn’t love Ladybugs? As symbols of good luck, they bring nothing but delight to the heart of anyone they touch. Each unique and delicate creature wears its vibrant red and black coloring with a dignity that befits what is essentially a life made even more precious because of its brevity. It makes sense then, that these little symbols of joy also symbolize those individuals whose brief lives we hold most dear.

The Gift of the Ladybug

The connection between everyone’s favorite beetle and children with critical illnesses was created by Carole Mac. Her inspiration grew from the need to cope with her young son’s devastating health diagnosis.  His short life became the model for Mac’s book The Gift of the Ladybug. This tribute is part of a national movement “that offers a way for parents to embrace their children exactly as they are.”

Every day, hundreds of families receive a diagnosis that puts their child’s life in danger. The ladybug serves as the perfect symbol of a child faced with a critical illness. Her life may be short, but she’s perfect just the way she is. The beautiful ladybug captures our imaginations and gives us a reason to celebrate.

www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-gift-of-the-ladybug-day-january-28

To conclude, GrantWatch is doing our part by listing possible funding opportunities that include support for children and their families. In addition, research, the inclusion of underserved communities, and the expansion of medical treatment availability are also important factors. The following grants are from a list of over 550 possibilities. We hope you find the funding you need for your cause.

Grants and Internships for Research and Medical Support

1. To start, internships of up to $5,000 to university and medical students to participate in a pediatric oncology research project during the summer. 
2. Grants of up to $3,000 to nonprofit organizations for programs that support education and medical research. Funding supports environmental education programs, especially for children with disabilities; medical research, with a particular focus on cancer and diabetes.
3. In addition, grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofits for programs and services that benefit communities in eligible areas. Funding is for programs in a wide range of interests, including education, health, and assistance to needy children and adults.
4. There is also funding of up to $5,000 to medical research and social service agencies for medical research, community humanitarian services, and services to individuals with physical or mental disabilities in eligible regions.
5. Finally, grants to institutions, researchers, and qualified physicians for research to advance medical care. Funding furthers research associated with the funding source’s products within a broad range of focus areas including anesthesia, diagnostics, and operating rooms.

Further Funding, In-Support, Financial Assistance, and Fellowships

1. First, in-kind support to vascular surgeon-scientists for research projects related to vascular health. Funding is for direct research costs in the areas of patient care, community service, outcomes and health services, translational, and clinical research.
2. Next, financial assistance to cancer patients to cover medical expenses. Funding is intended to ease the burden of medical costs for leukemia and blood cancer patients.
3. In-kind donations of hockey tickets and memorabilia to schools and charitable organizations for fundraising events. Donations must be used to directly raise money for the organization to which they are given. Subject to availability, tickets and memorabilia may be signed by members of the National Hockey League.
4. Fellowships to scientists with medical degrees to support on-site experience in clinical research and trials at a pharmaceutical company. This program provides fellows the opportunity to gain experience in drug research and development, clinical trial design, and data analysis related to oncology.
5. Lastly, grants to investigators associated with nonprofits for research projects related to pediatric cancer. The goal of the grant program is to support highly promising research efforts to ensure children have the best chance to survive their cancer without sacrificing their future health and quality of life.

The Gift of the Ladybug provides a way for critically ill children and their families to come together in love and acceptance. What’s more, we can all give the gift of the ladybug. Reach out to loved ones today, big and small. Isn’t life just too brief to waste another moment?

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