Published Oct 14, 2014
RNSue
60 Posts
FYI
I went to the latest news on Nina to see how she is doing and clicked on a page that took me to a Facebook community page titled Help Nina Pham. There was a link to GoFundMe by Christine Sweeney. I donated some $ and backed out of the site.
I then went to the Dallas Presbyterian Hospital website and clicked on a GoFundMe link by a friend of hers named Sarah Strittmatter.
Does anyone know if both of these are legitimate?
I hope so because if they aren't someone is scamming. BEWARE!!
traumaRUs, MSN, APRN
88 Articles; 21,268 Posts
I guess first of all I would wonder why she needs the money?
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
It's my understanding that this is a public health/workers compensation case. Not likely she will need funds to pay medical or treatment expenses.
I can see the need for emotional and moral support. I know some were collecting cards and well wishes.
Gofundme isn't exactly the best fundraising site if you want the majority of the money to the beneficiary. Plus as history has proven it seems to be pretty easy for anyone to set up a bogus go fund me account and divert funds from the person who is a beneficiary in name only.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Well, I've been unemployed for X amount of time and am contemplating the repossession of my car and eviction, and the lawsuits from creditors have begun. I still can't see trying to get some stranger to give me something. I'm not any more or any less "entitled" to help or a handout. I just don't think that Nina, if she is anything like me, would want this to be done in her behalf. I'll bet that if she were well, she would be willing to give to help someone else though. To me it is mighty fishy that there are two such funds set up and I'll bet there is no specific need or proposal for accounting listed for either.
The hospital has a gofundme link on their official website? That sounds really odd. If anything hospitals use CaringBridge or one of the related fundraising sites.
Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN
3,181 Posts
everything she owns has been destroyed, all clothing and furniture, the site was mentioned on Cnn.
A long time ago I got the idea that AN could establish an emergency fund for members (or other nurses) in need with separate grant/loan functions where we could get help from fellow nurses and then pass on the generosity. When I was in the military we had the Army Emergency Relief fund for this purpose. While there would be a lot of work involved in doing this up right, I think it would be worth it. I never (that I recall) brought my idea to Brian because I just figured that a such an undertaking would not be considered.
RedWeasel, RN
428 Posts
Aren't all of her possessions being incinerated? She will need all new? All new scrubs? Everything? I am not sure of course but they took out barrels of biohazard 'things.' I don't think the hospital will pay for any of that?
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Workers comp will not cover all of her possessions being destroyed until she sues the CDC for dropping the ball.
chadrn65
141 Posts
Workers comp nor homeowners insurance will not cover the possessions.
Esme- I think we will be seeing law suits either against the hospital or CDC for lack of education, prep and proper PPE etc...
BlueDevil, DNP
176 Posts
I'd wait until it is certain she is going to survive before donating.
SweetSong
9 Posts
With all the scams going on and even "legitimate" charities scooping up a percentage much higher than any expected "maintenance fee", it's my inclination to write the woman a check and send it to her attention at the hospital. Direct charity is the best.