“It is with the utmost appreciation for all the financial support and attention for my family, myself, and our situation that you all have given to us.
I am going to list some of the things that you have done for us. Assistance with mortgage payments, utilities, medical bills, automobile payments, and more.

Since my second stroke December 3, 2017, and my diagnosed prostate cancer in January 2018 we have had our electricity, water, gas, and internet disconnected. Every time someone from the Fund was there to help, and the situation was resolved in a timely manner.

We appreciate everything, and if my business ever improves, we will try to repay all things given to us, or make donations to the fund so you can help others in the future that may need help.

This help has been a big relief to our mental outlook on life, and again we cannot thank you enough for all the assistance.”

Anna and Cody Foley

View Letter

“I wanted to let you know that I received the assistance check yesterday evening. My wife and I are at her pre-op visits today and are preparing for her surgery on November 13th. The assistance that y’alls organization has provided allows us to focus more on her care and recovery than on the financial crisis that we would have been left in. There are no words to express our appreciation. I will keep you updated on her progress. God bless you sir.”

Jason Strickland

“Life can be such an uphill battle. Therefore, when you encounter a group who helps make the climb easier, you can do nothing but feel endless appreciation. My original diagnosis of breast cancer was in 2009. I was blessed enough to go into remission in 2010. This year, I came out of remission and to make things more complicated, the cancer spread. So many thoughts went across my mind, but the biggest was how I would navigate through this. The Maitime Workers Emergency Medical Fund was a blessing. The process was easy and the response from the organization was quick. I appreciated the group’s efforts. This group’s support helped me alleviate some financial stress, thereby putting the focus on bettering my health. My children and I are grateful to know that funds such as this are available to help those who need it at the right time.”

Judith Okani Brown- West Gulf Maritime Association

“My late husband, Jerry’s health struggles were long and difficult, as many of you gave witness. His battle with fibrosis of the lungs was not just a physical battle, it was an emotional and financial battle as well. Many of you have probably witnessed others go through a similar health crisis. Jerry loved the shipping industry. It was his belief that the people gave purpose and meaning to the job and they were what made the industry work. It was with this thought in mind that Jerry had a dream to form a fund specifically designed to support industry personnel and their families during times of medical crisis.

The fund later came to be known as The Maritime Workers Emergency Medical Fund. It was his colleagues who picked up on the idea, committed to it, nurtured it and developed it into what it is today. Little did Jerry, nor I, suspect that we would be the first recipients of this generosity. I am delighted that the fund is still in place and that people in the industry are still benefitting from the generosity of its contributors. I am thankful that Jerry’s colleagues are still committed to the dream. I am SO proud to be a part of this very worthy and valuable program that keeps on giving.”

Linda Nagel