Kelly’s Upside Down Ball benefits any Wisconsin family, that has a family member with Down syndrome and cancer, regardless of income. Children with Down syndrome have a 20-30% higher risk of developing leukemia than their typically developing peers. That means that about 1 in 100 children with Down syndrome will be diagnosed with leukemia, usually in the first decade of life.
Families receive up to $500 a year while their child is in treatment and for the first 5 years off treatment. Total financial benefit per family is about $3,000. Wisconsin Upside Down and Caring Hearts provide patients and caregivers care kits during extended hospitalizations. Patients and caregivers can call at any time day or night for advice and feedback. They are also directed to an online support network. Each family receives individualized care based on their needs. The diagnoses of cancer for a patient with Down syndrome can cause financial crisis in any family. The patient suffers from a life threating condition while the emotional, physical and financial strain on the family cab be devastating. Kelly’s Upside Down Ball tries to help families thru this difficult time.
Most childhood leukemias have very high cure rates, and this is no different fro the patient with Down syndrome. Kelly’s Ball fund simply helps families through the hump. For the few children, who do not make it, Wisconsin Upside Down Foundation offers help with any funeral arrangements.
