Smoothie Factory supports Chronic Disease Fund’s mission with holiday fundraising program

More than 14-million Americans, with chronic or life altering diseases and cancer, can’t afford the medication they need because of the high out-of-pocket costs associated with their insurance coverage. That’s why the Chronic Disease Fund, a nonprofit organization, provides financial help to seriously ill Americans so they can get the medications they need to live without the fear of debt.

Chronic Disease Fund today announced Smoothie Factory as its newest corporate partner. Smoothie Factory also announced plans to support Chronic Disease Fund’s mission with a holiday fundraising program in more than 60 stores throughout Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Illinois, and New Jersey.

“We founded Smoothie Factory with an unwavering commitment to providing communities with a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fast food,” said Phillip Howard, Vice President of Smoothie Factory, Inc. “Supporting a cause that makes a positive difference in the health and lives of others is just another way we can impact the wellness of the communities we serve.”

Beginning today, Smoothie Factory will offer more than three-dollars in Smoothie Factory savings for every one-dollar donation made to Chronic Disease Fund. Donations can be made in all stores or at http://www.fundtheneed.org.

Those who are at most risk for being underinsured are people with low or moderate incomes and those who suffer from chronic illnesses and cancer. According to a Commonwealth Fund study entitled, “Insured but Not Protected: How Many Adults Are Underinsured,” an estimated 61 million adults - 35 percent of Americans ages 19-64 - had either no insurance, sporadic coverage, or insurance that exposed them to catastrophic medical costs.

“We believe that battling a chronic disease is difficult enough without having to deal with the financial stress of figuring out how to pay for unaffordable medication,” said Mike Banigan, Founder and President of Chronic Disease Fund. “We remove the financial burden from the equation – and provide immediate financial relief to patients so they can go on living.”

“We’re not only raising funds for a necessary cause, we’re raising awareness by educating consumers about an issue that will eventually impact all of us,” says Howard. “While changes in healthcare can take months and even years, those with chronic illnesses don’t have the luxury of time. The Chronic Disease Fund can make an immediate impact in someone’s life.”