Growing is a natural part of life for most everyone. However, Nicholas Colaluca had not even made it to ten years old when he stopped growing taller. Luckily, Nick’s mother, Tina, found Chronic Disease Fund so that he could receive the treatment he so desperately needed.

Tina recalls, “Nicholas was born four months early, so I had already watched him suffer for years with breathing problems, asthma, and more. All of the sudden, at age nine, he stopped growing.”

When Nick started middle school in sixth grade, he was about the size of a second grader. His peers would tease him about his small size. When Tina took Nick to the doctor, she learned that he needed a growth hormone treatment or else he would have serious health issues later in life. However, the cost prohibited her from moving forward with the treatment.

“I was shocked when I found out that neither insurance nor Medicaid covered the treatment he needed. I was devastated,” Tina remembers. “Once I found out how expensive the treatment itself was, I had no options to consider. Even if I moved out of my house and into my sister’s basement, I still I couldn’t afford it.”

A glimmer of hope came through when Tina was given the number for Chronic Disease Fund. “[Chronic Disease Fund] was super nice. They walked me through the [application] process and Nicholas was approved within the week.”

With the funds needed to move forward with the treatment, Nicholas had the opportunity to grow. Within two years, Nick caught up to his peers. As a result, he is stronger, has more energy, and definitely has more good days.

To view Nick’s testimonial, click here. You, too, can help patients like Nick. Chronic disease patients are able to experience more good days because of generous donations from people like you. To make a cash donation online, click here. All donations are tax-deductible and 91 cents of every dollar goes directly to the people who need it most.