For families in the PICU, life changes overnight. A child’s medical emergency brings uncertainty, fear, and an immediate financial burden that affects every part of daily life.

A recent prospective study of PICU caregivers at a major medical center (2021–2022) found that families spend an average of 13% of their weekly income on nonmedical out-of-pocket expenses (NOPEs) while their child is hospitalized. For families already experiencing financial distress, this number rises dramatically—up to 34.7% of their income each week.

These costs include food, transportation, parking, lodging, and utilities. In fact, 44% of highly distressed families worried about having their utilities shut off while caring for their hospitalized child.

Food expenses alone were identified as the main driver of increased financial distress, and nearly one-third of surveyed caregivers reported high levels of financial strain.

These findings make one thing clear: families need support that extends beyond medical care.

PICU Funding - A3 Article reference: Source: Mahavadi VS, Aaby D, Paquette E, Chorniy A, Foster C, Goodman DM. Association of Financial Distress With Nonmedical Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Those With Critical Illness. Hosp Pediatr. 2025;15(11):932-941. doi:10.1542/hpeds.2025-008381

About the PICU Family Resources

The PICU Resource Fund provides direct support to families facing the unexpected:
help with housing, transportation, meals, utilities, and other essential nonmedical costs that allow parents to stay focused on their child’s recovery.

What Your Gift Can Do:

• $25 a meal voucher for a parent who hasn’t left their child’s room in days
• $50 gas or taxi assistance for a fragile child’s critical appointments
• $100 grocery or supply gift cards
• $250 coverage of an overdue household utility bill
• $500 parking vouchers for families enduring long hospitalizations

Meet the Families Your Support Helps

Ava & Olivia:
Born at 27 weeks, Ava required a tracheostomy and ventilator to survive. After months in the NICU and PICU, she eventually went home on the highest ventilator settings ever approved. Today, both girls are thriving — a testament to the strength of their family and the dedicated care teams who supported them.

Autumn:
Born at just 23 weeks and weighing barely one pound, Autumn spent her first 524 days at Lurie Children’s battling serious lung complications. Now a joyful preschooler, she still requires frequent PICU care. Her mom, Tyler, balances love, resilience, lost work, downtown parking fees, and long commutes — burdens made lighter by donor-supported resources.

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.

On behalf of the patients and families of Lurie Children’s, thank you for your support!