Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
Mercy Medical Angels provides transportation assistance for a wide range of medical needs, including specialty consultations and second opinions, surgeries and surgical follow-ups, cardiac care and heart procedures, mental health treatment, diagnostic testing (MRI, CT scans and biopsies), and more. Transportation options for individuals and families with financial need can include a gas card for local appointments, a private pilot flight across state lines, or a commercial ticket for longer distances for one-time appointments and recurring treatments. The Mercy Medical Angels Team reviews applications to find the right solution for each situation.
Mercy Medical Angels travel requirements include:
- The travel is for medically necessary care or clinical trials
- You cannot afford the cost of travel on your own
- You’re able to travel without medical supervision (with or without a caregiver)
- You’re traveling 50-plus miles one way or totaling 100 or miles per month (ground) or 200-plus miles (air)
- Your appointment is scheduled within the next 45 days
- You are based in the United States and traveling to a U.S. facility
For more details, please reach out to Mercy Medical Angels.
Midwestern University Dental Clinic
The Midwestern University Dental Institute in Downers Grove provides comprehensive, compassionate dental care, including pediatric and general care, restorations, orthodontics and oral surgery.
If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please contact the Dental Institute at ilmwudentalclinic@midwestern.edu or (630) 743-4500.
The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery offers a safe, loving place for your child to stay while you address whatever difficult situation or needs you may have. In addition to crisis childcare, Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery provides a basic needs pantry, a family support program and Nurturing Families™ parenting classes.
For more information or individual support, contact the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery at (217) 525-6800.
Miracle Flights provides free commercial airline tickets to pediatric patients ages 17 and under in need of life-changing medical care far from home. Families must meet certain requirements and apply online using the online application for requesting each flight.
The organization also provides flights for service dog retrieval and/or training. Miracle Flights’ service dog program is open to all individuals who need help retrieving/training their service dog.
For questions, please contact Miracle Flights by calling (800) 359-1711 or emailing communications@miracleflights.org.
The MISS Foundation provides support for families struggling with traumatic grief. Its website provides quick access to counseling resources, advocacy information, research on traumatic grief, education for healthcare providers and community members, and support services for those grieving the death or impending death of a child.
The foundation also offers Family Support Packets with information and resources for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings.
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) provides free, easy to understand resources for people living with traumatic brain (TBI), spinal cord (SCI) and burn injuries and their supporters. The research-based resources aim to improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for people living with SCI, TBI, and burn injuries. MSKTC resources are available in a variety of formats including printable PDF documents, videos and slideshows.
The MSKTC website features a wide range user-friendly resources divided by topic:
For questions, please call (202) 403-5600/TTY: (877) 334-3499 or email msktc@air.org.
Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes
Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to premature and critically ill babies.
Milk Bank WGL also supports moms who donate milk after loss and distributes reduced-cost or free donor milk to chronically ill middle and low-income children.
This non-profit organization serves over 75 hospitals and hundreds of families throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Use the locator tool to find a Milk Depot near you.
MPHI Center for Precision Public Health
The MPHI Center for Precision Public Health provides educational opportunities for clinicians, public health professionals, community organizations and families. The center focuses on improving the health and well-being of all through research, supporting data-driven initiatives, facilitating community-led program development, and providing technical assistance.
MPHI also provides free CME and CE Modules for families and professionals. Topics include:
- Improving care for developmental disabilities and dysmorphic features
- Patient-centered newborn screening communication
- Decoding genetic test reports for frontline clinicians
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) Family Support Group is a non-profit, mostly volunteer-run organization serving families and professionals worldwide. It provides:
- Support for families affected by MSUD
- Education about the condition and management
- Research
- Advocacy
For questions, please fill out the online form on MSUD Family Support Group’s website.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides comprehensive information and resources to help with understanding, managing and living day-to-day with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.
MDA programs and resources include:
- The MDA Resource Center providing one-on-one support by phone or email for individuals and families looking for resources, activities and more
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant Program
- Nationwide summer camps
- Resources for caregivers
- Community education and services
