‘This Assistance Has Been Life-Changing’

L.I.F.E. Award Grant makes it easier for professional with FOP to work from home

Kathleen Degenhardt works from home. She also has FOP, which makes it difficult for her to perform some tasks. She learned about the Harold & Elaine Kaplan Quality of L.I.F.E. Award program while reading the IFOPA monthly newsletter and applied.

The program provides grants to people living with FOP. Recipients can use the assistance to purchase tools and make improvements to help them perform daily tasks. Whether that be in the form of home modifications or comfort, school, workplace, communication or mobility aids is up to them. Kathleen used it to purchase an adjustable-height desk.

“It’s made working from home easier because instead of using books to make my keyboard the correct height, I’m able to press a button to do it,” she said. “As my body changes, I can easily adjust it so I can continue to work.”

Now that she can sit straighter and be more comfortable while working, Kathleen said that many tasks have become easier and are more enjoyable. She is grateful for the improvement and hopes the program can help others.

“As members of the FOP community, we live challenging lives and struggle to do everyday tasks,” she said. “Sometimes simple things can make such a big difference and make life easier.”

As the IFOPA continues to expand and reach new communities around the world, demand for this type of assistance is growing. For those looking to help people living with FOP, supporting the Quality of L.I.F.E. Awards is one of the best ways to have a direct impact.

“Your support of the program means a lot and provides all sorts of items to FOP members,” Kathleen said. “This kind of immediate, personalized assistance has been life-changing.”

Learn more about the L.I.F.E. Award program or donate to provide direct support to someone living with FOP.