The Selena Valentin Family Assistance Fund

Purpose

The Selena Valentin Family Assistance Fund has been established by the Letta K. Lewis Foundation, Inc. to provide direct financial assistance to qualifying families affected by Neurofibromatosis (NF) who have exhausted other financial resources. The fund addresses the real-world costs that NF families face — costs that insurance, government programs, and other aid often do not fully cover.

What the Fund Covers

Aid will be provided regardless of place of residence to help with the following categories of NF-related expenses:

Medical Travel & Treatment Access

• Transportation costs (fuel, airfare, rideshare, public transit) when an NF family member must travel to another city for treatment, surgery, clinical trials, or specialist appointments
• Rideshare services to and from local or out-of-town medical facilities
• Lodging expenses while receiving out-of-town medical care or during hospital stays
• Meals and incidental expenses during medical travel
• Parking and tolls associated with hospital or clinic visits

Mental Health & Wellness Support

• Counseling and therapy co-pays or out-of-pocket costs for immediate family members, patients, and/or caregivers
• Mental health support services related to the emotional toll of an NF diagnosis
• Stress and wellness program participation fees

Educational Support

• Tutoring, educational therapy, or specialized learning resources for children with NF-related learning disabilities
• Assistive technology or adaptive equipment needed for school participation

Sports & Recreation Participation

• Registration fees for recreational and sports programs for individuals living with NF, supporting physical and emotional well-being through our Sports4NF initiative
• Equipment or gear needed for safe athletic participation

Emergency & Essential Needs

• Emergency assistance with utility payments, rent, or groceries when an NF-related medical crisis has created financial hardship
• Prescription co-pays or out-of-pocket medication costs related to NF treatment

Fund Details

Annual Limit: $500.00 per approved applicant, per year from the date of approval.

Reapplication: Once the year is complete, applicants must reapply for continued assistance.

How the Fund Works

The Selena Valentin Family Assistance Fund offers two forms of financial support:

Upfront Travel Grant: Approved applicants may receive up to $500.00 in advance of scheduled medical travel. To qualify for an upfront grant, the caregiver or patient must submit the following documentation at the time of application:

• Name(s) of patient and accompanying caregiver(s)
• Name and location of the treating physician or medical facility
• Appointment confirmation, surgical schedule, or referral letter with date(s) of service
• Hotel or lodging confirmation (if overnight travel is required)

The Foundation's Family Assistance Committee will verify all submitted documentation by contacting the medical facility and lodging provider directly before funds are released.

Reimbursement: For non-travel assistance categories or when upfront documentation is not available, the fund operates on a reimbursement basis. Approved applicants will submit itemized receipts to the foundation after expenses are incurred. In most instances, payment will be made directly to the provider of services.

Important: Please save all receipts for eligible expenses, regardless of whether assistance is received as an upfront grant or reimbursement.

How to Apply

1. Complete the application below (Parts I through IV).
2. Include supporting documentation: appointment confirmation, surgical schedule, referral letter, and/or hotel confirmation as applicable.
3. Submit your completed application.
4. Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation's Family Assistance Committee, which will verify all documentation.
5. Applicants will be notified by phone and/or email regarding approval status.

Why This Fund Matters

The Letta K. Lewis Foundation was established in memory of Letta K. Lewis, who lived with NF1 that progressed to MPNST (Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor), a spindle cell sarcoma. Letta's life was cut short not by a lack of will to fight, but by insufficient medical knowledge and lack of research advancement. Her legacy drives everything we do.

Through our work with NF families across the Tampa Bay area and beyond — including our annual 5K Walk/Run for NF, our Tri-City Hoop Fest for NF, our partnership with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and our Sports4NF initiative — we have witnessed firsthand the financial strain that families endure. The Selena Valentin Family Assistance Fund is our direct response to that need.

100% of fund proceeds go to the Letta K. Lewis Foundation, Inc. to support NF families.