Why Financial Support Matters for CHD Families đź’°
When your child is diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), the emotional weight can be overwhelming—but the financial burden can be just as challenging. Between medical bills, hospital stays, travel expenses, and time off work, the costs can add up quickly.
Many CHD families turn to crowdfunding platforms to help ease the financial strain. But how do you create a campaign that resonates with donors and ensures your family gets the support it needs?
For those of you who don’t like asking for help, this is the time in your life when saying “thank you” and accepting help is crucial. You can’t do this alone and this is an excellent opportunity for a friend or family member (your Circle of Support!) to help you by putting the campaign together on your behalf. Eliminating stress at every level helps tremendously!
Let’s dive into how to run an effective fundraising campaign, along with some expert tips to make your fundraising efforts as impactful as possible. 💪You can share this post with them!
Step 1: Create a Compelling and Heartfelt Story đź“–
People donate when they connect emotionally with your story. To make your fundraiser stand out:
✔️ Start with a powerful opening: Share your child’s name, age, and CHD diagnosis. Example: “Meet baby Oliver, our brave little heart warrior who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). At just two months old, he has already undergone open-heart surgery, and we are preparing for another procedure in a few months.”
✔️ Be authentic and specific: Share why you need financial support. Example: “Between medical bills, travel costs to the children’s hospital, and lost income from time off work, we are struggling to cover our expenses. We need help to continue giving Oliver the best care possible.”
✔️ Use emotion, but stay hopeful: Show vulnerability, but also emphasize resilience. Example: “Oliver is a fighter, and with your help, we can ensure he gets the care he needs to thrive.”
Step 2: Set a Realistic Fundraising Goal 🎯
Your goal should reflect your actual needs. Consider:
✔️ Medical expenses (surgeries, hospital stays, medications)
✔️ Travel and lodging costs (if care is far from home)
✔️ Lost income from unpaid leave
✔️ Other essential expenses (childcare for siblings, meal costs)…you can even include Coaching!
đź’ˇ Tip: If unsure, start with a smaller goal and adjust as needed. People are more likely to donate when they see progress toward a realistic goal.
Step 3: Use Powerful Photos and Videos 📸
✔️ Include clear, high-quality photos of your child and family. A mix of smiling photos and hospital pictures can show both the challenge and hope.
✔️ Create a short video (1-2 minutes) introducing your child and explaining your situation. Videos get more engagement than text alone!
Step 4: Share Your Campaign Everywhere 🌎
Fundraising isn’t just about creating a campaign—it’s about spreading the word!
✔️ Social Media: Post updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Ask friends and family to share—this expands your reach!
✔️ Community Support: Share your link in local groups, church bulletins, and workplace networks.
✔️ Email & Text: A personal message goes a long way! Example: “Hi [Name], I wanted to share our fundraiser for Oliver’s CHD journey. Any support—donations or shares—would mean the world to us. Thank you so much! ❤️”
✔️ Hashtags: Use #CHDwarrior, #HeartWarrior, and #CongenitalHeartDisease to help your campaign get noticed.
💡 Tip: Keep sharing! Don’t be afraid to post regular updates with new photos and progress reports.
Step 5: Keep Donors Updated & Express Gratitude 🙌
People who donate want to stay connected to your journey. Keep them engaged with:
✔️ Updates on your child’s progress (good news and challenges)
✔️ Photos from doctor visits, milestones, or special moments
✔️ Heartfelt thank-yous! Show appreciation by posting a simple “thank you” message and tagging donors if they’re comfortable.
💡 Tip: Personalized thank-you notes can make donors feel even more connected to your family’s journey.
Tax Implications of Crowdfunding: What CHD Families Need to Know đź’°
Crowdfunding can be a financial lifesaver, but it’s important to understand the potential tax implications. Here’s what you need to know:
✔️ Most Crowdfunding donations are NOT taxable – The IRS generally considers personal donations as gifts, meaning they’re not counted as income.
✔️ Form 1099-K Reporting – If donations exceed $600 through third-party processors (like PayPal or Venmo), the crowdfunding platform may issue a 1099-K. This doesn’t automatically mean you owe taxes, but it’s best to consult a tax professional.
✔️ Donations to personal campaigns are NOT tax-deductible – Unless funds go to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donors cannot claim a tax deduction.
✔️ Excess funds may be taxable – If donations exceed medical costs and are used for general expenses (e.g., rent, travel), they could be considered taxable income. Keeping records of how funds are spent is a smart move.
✔️ Consider a dedicated bank account – Separating crowdfunding funds can help track expenses and avoid potential tax issues.
đź’ˇ Final Tip: If you receive a 1099-K or are unsure about your tax situation, consulting a tax professional can provide clarity and peace of mind.
The Bigger Picture: Financial Support Saves Lives đź’•
Raising money for CHD care isn’t just about covering medical bills—it’s about giving your child the best possible future. Financial support allows families to:
đź’– Access the best medical care available
đź’– Travel to top CHD specialists without financial fear
💖 Focus on their child’s well-being instead of financial stress
đź’– Stay together as a family during hospitalizations
No family should have to choose between life-saving care and financial stability. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone 🤝
Asking for financial help can feel overwhelming, but your community wants to support you. People want to give when they see a family in need and know their donation will make a real impact.
If you’re navigating CHD and need guidance—whether it’s financial planning, emotional support, or advocacy strategies—I’m here to help.
💖 Book your free Discovery Call today. Let’s make this journey a little easier, together.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional financial, medical, or legal advice. I am not a financial counselor or accountant, and this information should not be used as financial guidance. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional regarding your financial situation. Reliance on any information provided on this blog is solely at your own risk.