The Kimberly KIM Foundation, Inc. for ALS Research

 

 

The Kimberly Kim Foundation, Inc.

 

While being treated for ALS, Kimberly and Jin discovered that the ALS Center at Emory University was mostly self-funded. The money the ALS Center needs for research expenses, as well as patient care, is primarily derived from various fundraisers, grants, and other private donations. This type of structure causes monetary difficulties at times and stress for the individuals who must manage these resources. Jin wanted to use his business experience and contacts to help provide additional funding for the ALS Center’s Clinic. The Kimberly Kim Foundation was born.

The Emory ALS Center provides much needed support for patients with ALS in the Southeastern United States. From a practical standpoint, a patient can come to the clinic and see multiple disciplinary personnel. For example, when Kimberly goes to the clinic, she will see a respiratory therapist, a speech therapist, a nutritionist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a social worker, and her neurologist. If the ALS Center’s Clinic was not available, these appointments would take considerably more time and cost considerably more money. In addition, the neurologists on staff conduct research to help find potential causes of the disease, treatments, and hopefully a cure.

While the Emory ALS Center will be one potential beneficiary of funds raised, the Kim family has also discovered how much families living with ALS need financial assistance. Home modifications, wheelchairs, handicap vehicles, and communication devices are but a few of the expenses families face. While insurance provides some help, a large portion is not covered; the financial burden over the years of living with the disease is enormous. The foundation will search for ways to ease this burden. Families living with ALS have enough challenges to face.

The Kimberly Kim Foundation, Inc. is a Georgia non-profit corporation dedicated to raising funds for the awareness, research and clinical treatment of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and other medical conditions.