I like both these ideas. I, too, have wondered if we could start a fund, but I had no idea about the mechanics. Nor whether Dr. John wants to be in the position of dispensing such funds. There is the issue of charital donation-tax deductibility to consider, too.

Also -- many of us are not in great shape financially. We struggle with the high cost of medications and not being able to work at all or work f/t. How much in resources can we realistically marshall? And after initial enthusiasm, can we sustain it? There is a fairly high turnover of those who come here troubled, stay for a few months, and leave. That leaves a core group that would be asked to give and give again and again.

Also, how to organize help managing resources wherever the members might be.