My 9-year-old son fought bravely against terminal brain cancer. In our desperation to give him every fighting chance, we fundraised through a registered charity in hopes of covering the costs of his treatment. Tragically, destiny did not give us the time, and he passed away before the funds could be put to use.

The charity was meant to be a simple holding account, and although they did no active fundraising themselves, the funds raised for my son's treatment could not be returned to our family. Life dealt us another harsh blow when we faced a similar situation with another terminally ill child. But the money that was supposed to be a lifeline, sat untouched, deemed inaccessible to help with the mounting expenses of travel to hospitals, the cessation of work, and other debts that pile up during such devastating times.

This situation is sadly not unique. Many families are left without relief, even after the outpouring of community support, simply because of how the laws currently dictate charitable funds should be handled. This is why I urge lawmakers to reconsider and change the law regarding charitable fund disbursements for families raising money under these tragic circumstances.

By allowing the funds to be returned to the family from these holding accounts, it could offer vital financial support in a time of utmost need. It is not about disregarding charitable intentions but about empowering families to use the funds in ways that can alleviate the challenges they face right after the loss of a loved one to terminal conditions.

Too many families find themselves in indescribable hardship because the laws overlook the realities of what happens when hope doesn’t translate into a medical miracle. With this simple legal amendment, we could prevent overwhelming grief from being compounded by financial ruin.

Please join me in petitioning lawmakers to change the existing legislation so families like mine can use their raised funds as they see fit in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Sign this petition to support this vital change.