Hunter's Hope receives National Football League Charities grant

BUFFALO - For the sixth year in a row, NFL Charities awarded Hunter’s Hope with a grant in support of the foundation’s various family programs and initiatives to advocate for and increase awareness of Expanded and Universal Newborn Screening. This year’s grant was in the amount of $20,500.

“We have several different programs that accomplish a wide variety of goals,” shares Pro Football Hall of Fame Member and former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly, co-founder of Hunter’s Hope. “There is so much to be done in the world of newborn screening and rare diseases that we have to wear multiple hats. The support we received from NFL Charities enables our foundation to be successful in many areas. We’re thankful they’ve been a part of our team for so many years.”

Hunter’s Hope Family Programs supports families affect by Krabbe and other Leukodystrophies, aiming to provide financial, medical and emotional support. Since children with Leukodystrophies have such extreme medical care needs, many times families affected by these horrible disorders experience financial strain and need assistance in providing their child with the best possible care.

Due in part to the NFL Charities Player Grant Award, Hunter’s Hope was able to fund program such as its annual Family and Medical Symposium, equipment and supply exchange, Hunter’s Homes, Hunter’s With Gift and Family Care Program, all of which serve more than 600 families affected by Krabbe Disease and Leukodystrophies.

Recently, the foundation granted a Hunter’s Wish Gift to a family affected by Krabbe who was in desperate need of a wheelchair accessible van.

It had become impossible to safely travel in a regular vehicle but the family could not afford the $30,000 van.

Hunter’s Hope contributed a third of the cost of the van and is working with other foundations in hopes of securing funding for the remainder of the vehicle’s cost.

Through its Player Foundation Grants, NFL Charities seeks to support the charitable and community service activities of both current and former National Football League players. This is the sixth year that Hunter’s Hope has received this grant.