Standing Strong When Life Gets Tough

“My name is Becky Gardiner, and in 2019 I was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. As I was focused on trying to process multiple surgeries and recoveries, I hadn’t considered the financial implications of this until the steady flow of medical bills began filling the mailbox. Suddenly I was forced to deal with the mental stress associated with my health as well as the financial burden of necessary medical care. It was struggle I wish no one ever had to endure. Shortly after my first surgery, I was contacted by a Need of Aid director who said he had something to give me. As this director was also a friend, I expected the envelope he presented me to contain a gift card from a precinct collection or something similar. After he left however, I opened the envelope to find a check payable to me from Need of Aid. A no strings attached, substantial sum of money to be used in whatever way I needed during this challenging time. The unexpected gesture and monetary assistance were appreciated beyond words, making me even more grateful for my Blue Family.”

“I am a Sergeant employed by the SLCPD. In November 2019, my family faced a financial crisis, brought on by the cruel acts of another. The charity arm of the SLCPA (Need of Aid), came to our rescue and within days presented me with a check to cover desperately needed services, that would otherwise have not been available. Because of the thoughtful gift from Need of Aid, my family was able to focus on healing. I am forever grateful for their effort in my time of need.”

“I am an officer with the St. Louis County Police Department, in September of 2020 I broke my ankle while off duty and required surgery. My medical bills were extensive and due to the injury occurring at the end of the year I would have to meet my deductible twice in a short period of time. A close friend of mine contacted the Need of Aid charity and applied for a donation. They presented me with a check to cover my extensive medical bills with no questions asked. Without this donation I would be in debt and struggling to make payments. The unexpected assistance was greatly appreciated. I am beyond grateful for the Need of Aid Organization and the assistance during my time of need.“

“On 09/30/2020 my wife and I welcomed our son 6 weeks before his due date. Along with a month long NICU stay, our son was also diagnosed with a rare brain malformation that required a brain surgery. Need of Aid was quick to respond and reach out financially to help with extensive medical bills that were coming in. We are very thankful for them and how quick they are willing to step in at the drop of a hat and let us enjoy our three month old baby without the stress of medical expenses.”

“From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Need of Aid met me first thing with financial support to help meet some of the medical bills I began to quickly incur. With the help of Larry Guessfeld, Derek Machens and others behind the scene they have made it known and diligently expressed they were behind me and would do what they could to assist not only me but my family from start to finish.

I’m very appreciative for the financial support they’ve shown me but Need of Aid is also run by excellent people who I know truly care. Their passion lies in policing, reaching out and helping those quickly and efficiently while they are in need. My family and I are grateful for the help along the way thus far and we pray my strength continues to hold up. Knowing Need of Aid has been so helpful in the past, continues to be supportive now, and I know will continue to help in the future is a great relief, knowing someone cares and is with you with things are dire.

I will also remember them immediately reaching out to me when I experienced the worst moment of my life, an incurable cancer diagnosis, and I know others they assist will feel the same way. They are more than just a nonprofit organization, many of those I have talked to and worked with at Need of Aid I have known for years even prior and consider them great friends/family now.​ They are reliable, trustworthy and loyal people. Words only mean so much and Need of Aid has taken action from day 1 and my family and I will be forever grateful.“