I don't know, but I do think it's sad when you can't afford to feed your child because they require a special diet and there is seemingly little to no help out there. If nothgin else we could pray for them. I found a webpage the other day where you can print off a coupon (and have it signed by the doctor) and then get a free sample... she has gone that route - qualifying for assistance from her doctor once every three months... how sad! It was suggested that maybe her husband might cut his work hours back by 2-3 hours to qualify but what else will be lost if that is done - such a sad state. If nothing else, let's be praying for them
She's unable to breast feed because of infections she had. Even when the infections cleared up, the milk she needed to feed the baby wasn't enough and then the reflux problems he had... not a happy scene for them. She can't even use the powdered version of the formula because of reflux problems...
Becky, I'm not positive, but I think she is the only one who can use it. I think it's more or less because of fraud and security reasons. If she were to lose it then anyone could use it who picked it up if her name isn't on it. Kind of like a debit card.
I do remember the checks are made out to the mom (or dad) and you have to sign them when you get them and at the grocery store so that you cant trade with other people but they aren't checks like you could put in a bank, I am sorry for confusing any one with my response.
If he would only tithe a portion of his income to helping people in these situations what a better world it might be... (I love the sarcasm by the way Jackie) On a side note that trickles from this original post... it's a sad day when you have to fight tooth and nail to feed your child a special diet. I was blown away when I was told she only qualified every three months for assistance from the doctor - how sad it is when it comes down to that. How sad that the child has such health problems that would prevent him from being able to use the powdered formula and that Mom can't nurse him. More and more, I have so much to be thankful for... yeah we have challenges with our boys, but I am so blessed that they don't have any serious medical problems - who knows what the implications of that would have been.
I thought so that the vouchers are made out to the mom. You can't trade with someone or send someone to get your stuff for you.
In some cases you can authorize someone to make your purchases for you. There is a form at DHS.Their best bet is to cut their income.That is sad.
God is good I was at the drug store today to get hubby's insulin and Praise the Lord, the cashier was a little slow. I looked at the shelf behind me and there were 5 boxes of formula there - I stepped out of line to go look at them (because I thought I recognized the name of the formula). It's the ready to use Alimentum that this lady needs for her baby - there are 5 boxes with 4 cans of ready to use forumla (I'm not sure of the measuring conversions - will assume they would fill a 4 oz bottle). They were marked on clearance because they will expire at the end of February but I got them anyway knowing they probably won't last that long anyway. Amazing how it worked out... now when she sends me her address she'll have 20 cans of formula for her son. God is good!
Please keep in mind that those dates DON'T mean the stuff is "bad"! I use to work for Ross Labs, which makes Similac. Those dates are WAY sooner than they should be, since they're working with babies. There was one time when they found a whole shipment that had been forgotten about two or three days before the expiration date, and had to throw them all out, knowing full well that they were really still good. People were quite upset about THAT!!!
So, whatever happened, Brenda? Has she gotten the formula yet? Have you heard if things changed for them, for the better?
I didnt see this thread before so I am jumping in late, but we have WIC right now with Avarie. We never thought we would qualify and never even thought of applying, but when I was sitting at the doctors office there was a brochure for WIC. Due to our large family size the income limit was very large so I decided to apply. I'll take the extra help with my grocery bill. So looking at a check right here in front of me I can tell you that the checks have my name on them, they are also made out to the store that I choose, they have my ID number on, and I have to show my matching ID card with the check. You can pick someone to be your proxy - as they call it - who can cash checks for you. That person has to fill out a form. The checks do not give you enough formula for an entire month, trust me. This was my first month using them since sadly, Avarie weaned herself from nursing. As far as the coupons go, I get a ton in the mail, but I dont remember ever seeing the kind of formula she is looking for. I do get Similac and it says on the coupon can be used toward any formula from Similac. If this would help her I would be more then happy to mail them to her. I have approx 20 of them right now. They are mostly for $5 off any size can.
I remember getting tons of sample cans in the mail while I was pregnant. Sadly, I didn't get any of the kind I needed (the Alimintum). Maybe she could consider writing to the company explaining their situation and ask for a few samples packs or something.
Or.......someone else could write a letter to the company so it doesn't look like someone is just trying to get some freebies. That person could even get others to sign it to prove that she really needs the support and those people can leave their phone numbers or something to be contacted. I don't know how you "prove" someone needs the formula, but if it comes from someone else, it may not look so "fishy" as I am sure they get requests for samples all the time. Or, even if they will send samples to anyone, maybe they will send more than usual if they know this person really needs the help.
