VFWMA FULL-FORCE MOBILIZATION
The incoming VFWMA State Commander, James Morrissey, staff, and Auxiliary announced a full-force mobilization of over 24,000 members strong statewide in support of the Medic Now Foundation Inc Healthcare Cost Assistance Program (HCAP) during their press conference.
As leaders from all three organizations answered questions from the audience during the press conference, they expressed their excitement for the one team, one-fight approach to assist our military community overwhelmed by out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in Massachusetts.
PLEASE NOTE: In the upcoming days, a full video announcement of the press conference will be published on (June 12, 2023) with all the details, so please make sure to share, like, and follow us at https://www.facebook.com/MNFUSA1/ and sign up to our email list for all the latest information at https://www.medicnowfoundation.org/newsletter.html
OUR ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT MISSION- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHjgs7LtPE
The incoming VFWMA State Commander, James Morrissey, staff, and Auxiliary announced a full-force mobilization of over 24,000 members strong statewide in support of the Medic Now Foundation Inc Healthcare Cost Assistance Program (HCAP) during their press conference.
As leaders from all three organizations answered questions from the audience during the press conference, they expressed their excitement for the one team, one-fight approach to assist our military community overwhelmed by out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in Massachusetts.
PLEASE NOTE: In the upcoming days, a full video announcement of the press conference will be published on (June 12, 2023) with all the details, so please make sure to share, like, and follow us at https://www.facebook.com/MNFUSA1/ and sign up to our email list for all the latest information at https://www.medicnowfoundation.org/newsletter.html
OUR ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT MISSION- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHjgs7LtPE
Erica’s Story-Honoring a Military Family
After the devastating loss of her husband Maj. Roger Catron, USAF earlier this year (after 20 years of service), Erica Catron of Westfield, MA, and their son Turner were recognized by The Medic Now Foundation (MNF) for their dedication to our country. President and Founder Michael Duggan and Founding Board member Nick Morganelli honored their service as a military family at the Veteran Services Office in Westfield, MA.
Just months after losing her husband, Erica was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and learned it had moved to an area of the central nervous system where it was determined to be inoperable. Her reality of this diagnosis and the heavy emotional burden of planning end-of-life care as well as the guardianship of her teenage son has been overwhelming.
President and Founder Michael Duggan, moved to tears, said: " I was in awe of Erica’s graceful spirit and her openness about her health challenges and willingness to share her story in the hopes of raising awareness and being a beacon of light for countless other military families struggling with their health.”
Founding board member and media liaison Nick Morganelli was overcome with emotion upon meeting Erica and Turner and learning of their story. “As a husband and father of four, I wish I could take this entire burden from her, and although we were helping, I wanted to do so much more,” said Morganelli tearfully.
Erica was grateful for the financial assistance saying: “Thank you so much as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month. I appreciate you driving all the way from Plymouth to help my son and me.” The MNF was founded upon partnering with other organizations that assist our military families and proudly joined the cause of breast cancer awareness during the month of October as we honored the Catron Family.
Building relationships throughout Massachusetts over the last four years included Veterans’ Services Officers (VSOs). Julie Barnes, Veterans Services Director for Westfield was exploring the federal and state resources available in assisting the Catron family, but their need was immediate. Barnes, who had referred a family to the MNF before, turned again to the foundation for assistance with Erica’s medical expenses. “I am very grateful for the partnership our Massachusetts Veteran Service Offices have with the MNF. They help fill the gap for veterans who find it difficult to pay medical bills. I know it means a great deal to veterans and their families to have assistance from MedicNow! “ said Barnes.
The MNF believes that the stability our military families have on the men and women in uniform is invaluable. Raising their families while dealing with the stress of everyday life, loved ones away on deployment, or moving every couple of years is a testament to their grit and commitment to the American people. “They are the backbone of our Armed Services, and the MNF mission is to assist them when they need us. We have your back, and we’re honored to serve you,” said Duggan
For more information on MNF’s Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP) for our military service members, veterans, or military families and to learn how you can be part of the ‘One Team, One Fight’ efforts of the Medic Now Foundation, visit MedicNowFoundation.org and like and follow us on social media @MNFUSA.
Just months after losing her husband, Erica was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and learned it had moved to an area of the central nervous system where it was determined to be inoperable. Her reality of this diagnosis and the heavy emotional burden of planning end-of-life care as well as the guardianship of her teenage son has been overwhelming.
President and Founder Michael Duggan, moved to tears, said: " I was in awe of Erica’s graceful spirit and her openness about her health challenges and willingness to share her story in the hopes of raising awareness and being a beacon of light for countless other military families struggling with their health.”
Founding board member and media liaison Nick Morganelli was overcome with emotion upon meeting Erica and Turner and learning of their story. “As a husband and father of four, I wish I could take this entire burden from her, and although we were helping, I wanted to do so much more,” said Morganelli tearfully.
Erica was grateful for the financial assistance saying: “Thank you so much as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month. I appreciate you driving all the way from Plymouth to help my son and me.” The MNF was founded upon partnering with other organizations that assist our military families and proudly joined the cause of breast cancer awareness during the month of October as we honored the Catron Family.
Building relationships throughout Massachusetts over the last four years included Veterans’ Services Officers (VSOs). Julie Barnes, Veterans Services Director for Westfield was exploring the federal and state resources available in assisting the Catron family, but their need was immediate. Barnes, who had referred a family to the MNF before, turned again to the foundation for assistance with Erica’s medical expenses. “I am very grateful for the partnership our Massachusetts Veteran Service Offices have with the MNF. They help fill the gap for veterans who find it difficult to pay medical bills. I know it means a great deal to veterans and their families to have assistance from MedicNow! “ said Barnes.
The MNF believes that the stability our military families have on the men and women in uniform is invaluable. Raising their families while dealing with the stress of everyday life, loved ones away on deployment, or moving every couple of years is a testament to their grit and commitment to the American people. “They are the backbone of our Armed Services, and the MNF mission is to assist them when they need us. We have your back, and we’re honored to serve you,” said Duggan
For more information on MNF’s Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP) for our military service members, veterans, or military families and to learn how you can be part of the ‘One Team, One Fight’ efforts of the Medic Now Foundation, visit MedicNowFoundation.org and like and follow us on social media @MNFUSA.
ONE TEAM ONE FIGHT
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Endorsement: The New England VA Health Care System
“While the VA provides exceptional healthcare services for a large number of American Veterans, these benefits are primarily for the Veteran and some Veterans may not necessarily qualify for VA care. I have found the patriotic team at “Medic Now” to be highly dedicated to meeting the needs of Veterans that the federal and state agencies may not be authorized to address, including relief for family members who are so crucial to the Veteran's well-being. This heartfelt and tangible support from the community can truly empower a Veteran or military member and strengthen their resiliency and well-being.”
- David Hencke, Outreach Director, VA Boston Healthcare System
- David Hencke, Outreach Director, VA Boston Healthcare System
MEDIC NOW FOUNDATION & BRIGHTON MARINE JOIN FORCES TO HONOR VETERANS |
Left to Right: John Carduff, Bob Notch, William Finn, Michael P. Duggan, Stuart Franklin, Denzel Douglas (BM Information & Referral Specialist),
Jessica Flavius (MNF Founding Board Member), Nick Morganelli (MNF Founding Board Member) photos by Soulful Life Photography
The Medic Now Foundation, Inc (MNF) continues to care for and honor our veterans! On Thursday, Sept. 17th, 2020, Michael P. Duggan, President, CEO, and Founder of the organization reminded those who gathered at Brighton Marine in Brighton, MA for the special occasion that they continue today what was started nearly 400 years ago when the first law for veterans’ care was enacted by the Pilgrims. He then quoted President Lincoln stating, “The sacrifices made by veterans and their willingness to fight in defense of our nation merits our deepest respect and praise-and to the best in benefits and medical care.”
“Having the opportunity to say thank you to William and Stuart for their service to our country was an absolute honor, thanks to the gracious invitation from Brighton Marine. I was very moved and humbled as they felt comfortable sharing their heartfelt stories during their service years with me." said Duggan. Accolades were followed by a presentation of a ceremonial keepsake for each of the honorees.
Mr. Bob Notch, Brighton Marine’s (BM) Program Development Officer hosted a ceremony to honor two veterans, SPC William Finn and PFC Stuart Franklin. “Stuart and Will represent several generations of Veterans that did not hear the words, ‘Thank you for your service.’ We are honored to partner with the Medic Now Foundation and WinnCompanies to say those words to them today,” said Notch.
These two veterans were referred to MNF by BM’s Residences Community Coordinator John Carduff and he presented their stories. Mr. Franklin was awarded two good conduct medals, the Army service ribbon, and the overseas ribbon. He served at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Bragg, and served 6 years overseas in Germany and Japan, and earned two degrees while in the service. Mr. Finn was a communications specialist from 1978 to 1987. He was awarded the good conduct medal and the overseas medal. He served at Fort Drum, Fort Sill, and Fort Gordon, as well as in the Black Forest in Germany. Carduff also mentioned how both honorees are always offering help for fellow veterans.
MNF's Nick Morganelli- Director- Media Liaison & Jessica Flavius- Director- Social Impact and Sustainability Liaison preparing to present the Mohogany Ceremonial Keepsake Boxes to SPC William Finn and PFC Stuart Franklin in honor for their service to our country.
About the Medic Now Foundation, Inc.
The Medic Now Foundation, a 501-c3 public charity, is committed to working with all public, private, state, and government organizations that have the ability to identify veterans, active service members, and military families in need of assistance with out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. For More information, visit www.MedicNowFoundation.org
About Brighton Marine
A vital social service presence since 1940, Brighton Marine is a charitable organization that supports uniformed services members, retirees, veterans, and their families through a nationally-recognized health management program, developing and managing mixed-income housing, and providing various veteran support services to the Greater Boston community. Serving as the network community for uniformed service members transitioning back into civilian life and a resource hub of military, veteran, and family services in the Greater Boston area, Brighton Marine has earned a reputation as a strong community presence and trusted partner in social services. For more information, visit www.brightonmarine.org.
Media Contacts
Christy Reiss
Account Coordinator
[email protected]
585-489-5006 (Mobile)
Nick Morganelli
Media Liaison, Medic Now Foundation
[email protected]
413-949-0165 (Mobile)