Whether it’s to right an injustice or fulfill an innate desire to help our fellow man, the motivation to make a difference in others’ lives often is triggered by our personal experiences.
Dayton Foundation donor Terri Baldasare’s trigger came about in 2011 while sitting in her physical therapist’s waiting room. The number of patients who had unusually large or disfigured legs surprised her. Having just been diagnosed with lymphedema, a condition that affects the movement of fluids throughout the body, following a successful bout with breast cancer, Terri knew they were suffering from the condition as well.
“I wear a compression garment on my arm so that my condition doesn’t worsen,” Terri said. “When I asked why they weren’t wearing compression garments, I was saddened to hear that they were too expensive and not covered under their insurance plans.”
Terri decided to do something. She established the Living with Lymphedema Fund through The Dayton Foundation, a Charitable Checking AccountSM that awards grants to help individuals who can’t afford compression garments. The garments can cost up to $500 for a six-month supply. She solicited the help of family and friends, including her husband, Joe Baldasare, former chief development officer for The Dayton Foundation. Through events like an annual bocce tournament and other fundraising, she has raised over $500,000 for this cause.
“I often wondered what mark I will leave on the world to let people know I was here.... this is my lasting mark. The Dayton Foundation helps me do this!” – Terri Baldasare, Dayton Foundation donor
“My CCA allows me to receive multiple charitable donations without having to establish my own 501(c)(3) organization,” Terri said.
Thanks to grants from her CCA and relationships she has developed with Premier Health Partners, Kettering Health Network, The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health and local physical therapists and physicians, more than 1,000 individuals living with lymphedema have received treatment since 2010.
“This has brought meaning to my battle with cancer. I not only have fought and won the battle, but I am helping others – in a small way – to defeat this condition,” Terri said. “I often wondered what mark I will leave on the world to let people know I was here. Aside from my wonderful children and grandchildren, this is my lasting mark. The Dayton Foundation helps me do this!”