Fund-a-Need
Each year, a program, center or other important project/initiative, such as a scholarship or a clinical/research program, at UMass Chan Medical School or UMass Memorial Medical Center is selected as a beneficiary of proceeds raised during a special segment of the live auction: the Fund-a-Need. Here's a look at the beneficiaries.
2019: Pediatric Cancer Care and Research
2018: Cochelar Implant Program
2017: UMass Memorial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Babies born prematurely can weigh under a pound at birth.
They are fragile. They can experience respiratory distress and lose body heat rapidly. They are at risk for anemia and jaundice, as well as gastrointestinal and heart problems. Their underdeveloped immune systems put them at risk for infection. For some, life can be tenuous.
Full-term babies may also have complications that are life-threatening. They may have trouble breathing or be diagnosed with birth defects. They may have critical medical conditions resulting from illness or difficult deliveries.
These babies need expert care, informed by the latest research, in an innovative, internationally recognized neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the best technology available.
These babies, and their families, need the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center NICU.
2016: Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO) Clinic
According to national surveys, approximately 11 percent of children ages 8 to 11 and 22 percent of teens ages 13 to 18 suffer from a mental illness. In addition, the rates of certain neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism have been increasing over the past few decades. Yet only half of youth with a mental illness receive any behavioral health treatment.
Defined as disabilities associated with the functioning of the neurological system and brain, neurodevelopmental disorders are numerous, and include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disability and other developmental delays, as well as significant mental health disorders including psychosis, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. Difficulties with behavior, emotion regulation, language and speech, sensory processing, motor skills, learning, memory and more can result, which can adversely affect a child’s intellectual, social-emotional and physical development—and, thus, his or her ability to cope and thrive within the family, school programs and community.
Diagnosis and treatment are critical, particularly for youth diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions, as they are more susceptible to social pressures or bullying, impulsive behavior, poor problem-solving skills and depression. These are all risk factors for suicide, which is the second leading cause of death in teens—and rates in the U.S. have been on a steady rise since 2007, increasing by a staggering 140 percent for youth ages 10 to 14.
Nearly $250,000 was raised for the CANDO Clinic at the 8th Annual Winter Ball. This is the highest amount raise for a Fund-a-Need recipient, and will be matched by an anonymous donor.