LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville has received nearly $500,000 in grant funding this year from the WHAS Crusade for Children. The awards announced today help fund direct patient care as well as much needed equipment purchases so UofL can continue providing the best possible care to children who have special needs.
“Our children are the most precious items in the world and children with special needs are even more so,” said Dr. Edward Halperin, dean of the UofL School of Medicine. “The Crusade for Children understands this and works tirelessly to help our communities and the University of Louisville as we try to meet their needs.”
UofL programs supported by the $497,864, from the Crusade this year again include several offered at the Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center. Also, this year’s funds will help UofL purchase specialized equipment for use with disabled patients, needed wheelchairs and more.
“If it were not for the generosity of the people of Kentuckiana it would not be possible for the WHAS Crusade for Children to provide agencies and organizations with funds to help children throughout the region,” said Dawn Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Crusade. “We are extremely proud that 100 percent of the funds donated to the Crusade help children with special needs. The continual tangible and intangible support that people provide to the Crusade demonstrates that they recognize the need for these services and that they want to help.”
Since its inception in 1954, the WHAS Crusade for Children has raised more than $138 million to assist children with special needs. In that time, UofL has received more than $19.5 million to help fund its work.
“I cannot overstate the importance of the support we receive from the Crusade for Children as we provide services to a very special group of children,” said Dr. Gerard Rabalais, chair of the UofL Department of Pediatrics. “This year’s grant continues that tradition. Many programs within the department are helped through these funds, especially those at the Weisskopf Center. The children of Kentuckiana receive better health care services as a result of the Crusade for Children.”
The Weisskopf Center was established to help children who have special needs realize their full potential. Children with developmental, learning, and behavioral disorders receive appropriate diagnostic and intervention services. Genetic evaluation and genetic counseling are provided to children and adults who have or who are at risk of having a birth defect or genetic disorder.
In addition to direct patient services, WCEC also provides training professionals and community advocacy. Throughout the year, professionals from many different areas rotate through our Center. This provides them with an opportunity to have a hands-on rotation with this population. The Center also collaborates with professionals in the community to better serve children with special needs and their families.