Hooked on Helping-The Results!

With Celebrity Speaker Roland Martin! $5000.00 Raised...Thank you SWFL 'Embracing the Spirit of Helping' Lisa Wilk hugs Rosalia Podolak with gratitude!                                       Photo Courtesy by: Avante Garde Images Helping People in Need. iWannaHelp.net empowers its members to begin connecting with their local community thru our website to pledge and help people in need in their community. Each member of the iWannaHelp.net family helps, by contributing their input and nomination. Nominations received at iWannaHelp.net, are carefully considered and scrutinized for validity. On June 5th, 2009 we hosted ‘Hooked on Helping’ a Fishing Tournament with Celebrity Fisherman, Roland Martin at the Bellasera Hotel for local teacher, Lisa Wilk, and raised a bit over $5000.00. Get Involved – Help Lisa Wilk! Lisa Wilk of Naples Florida, is a dedicated teacher in the Collier County Community and was born with health problems. Lisa, was nominated from a caring Collier County community member. Her first of 22 surgeries was at three months of age. When she was 15 months old, she underwent surgery to remove a damaged kidney, and by the time she was 18 months old she’d spent half of her life hospitalized. Today, Lisa continues to battle health problems and was recently diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Despite this diagnosis, Lisa considers herself lucky that her single functioning kidney has served her for so many years. Doctors say a kidney transplant is her only hope! Her siblings are currently undergoing tests to see if either of them is a match and a potential donor for Lisa. Lisa’s condition leaves her exhausted, but she continues to work two jobs so she can afford the medical care her condition requires. Despite her struggles, Lisa has high hopes for the future. She looks forward to the life-saving transplant that will allow her to spend more time with her friends and family. However, a kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000, and that’s only the beginning! Even with health insurance, Lisa will face significant medical expenses. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month—and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. It is estimated that in the short term, Lisa needs at least $25,000 just to cover her medical expenses. She will have to relocate for three months following her transplant to be near the transplant center. As a result, she will incur substantial temporary housing expenses, further adding to her financial burden. Her life depends on the compassion and generosity of others! A compassionate Collier County community member nominated Lisa Wilk, and iWannaHelp.net is now working with volunteers and supporters to help the burden of expenses for Lisa and her family. You Can Help! Although our event was a success, Lisa still needs your help. Make a secure online donation via check or credit card. Click Here to Donate Now! Nominate an individual or family in need for our next cause!