In the summer of ’09 my husband and I were performing in Wisconsin, hundreds of miles from home, when Gregg doubled over with unbearable pains in his abdomen. We were both very healthy, so this was a real scare. We held off as long as we could, but finally, on our doctor’s advice, went to the emergency room. It turned out to be a kidney stone. I stayed engaged and informed with the hospital about what was being done, but even with refusal of redundant tests and treatments, and no follow-up visits, the hospital bill was over five thousand dollars: enough to dissolve our business and take us off the road, if RESCU had not been around. Between negotiation and financial support we were able to continue our performances without missing a single date. We put out our best album that year, and we’re still performing today.

As someone who works contract jobs, including for a renaissance festival vendor at several shows per year, even with the ACA, insurance is expensive, sometimes prohibitively. RESCU has amazing volunteers including a nurse practitioner who goes to several shows in Texas & surrounding areas to do wellness clinics in order to get meds refilled as necessary. I also have several friends who've benefited from the financial assistance and advocacy services.

As a full time participant at renaissance festivals around the country, I am often away from my medical providers. In 2015 I was diagnosed with cancer, and underwent 4 surgeries and additional treatment that year. Some was covered by insurance, but the bulk of the cost, and the additional travel expenses, cost of medication, and additional treatments left me financially paralyzed. RESCU helped defray these costs, and continues to support me in my ongoing treatments. If it weren’t for RESCU, I wouldn’t have been able to make ends meet. Their support enabled me to focus on my healing, by taking some of the financial worry off my mind.

I travel with Renaissance Festivals and am often away from my PCP. Over the last several years, there have been a time or two when my BP meds ran out and my PCP wouldn’t refill until I made it back home, which was not going to happen for months! RESCU engages the services of a wonderful NP, and she was able to see me, check my vitals and renew my RX. Going just a few days without my BP medicines could have had disastrous consequences, all because I travel and am self employed. Thank heavens for the help of RESCU Foundation! Thanks Guys!!!

When Ray was diagnosed with a brain tumor, RESCU was the first to step up and help us when everything in our world stopped.  Not only did they give us financial support, they checked in with us periodically to make sure we didn't have anything to add to our claim. This was extremely helpful as sometimes I was so consumed with trying to handle everything, I wouldn't have reached out to ask for help.  They reached out to ask me how THEY could help.  I am always grateful for their support.

I believe in RESCU. These wonderful people helped me when my son was in the hospital by negotiating the bill.  They saved me thousands. RESCU rocks!

I am a two-time RESCU beneficiary!  Both times RESCU made possible life-saving surgeries. Thanks, RESCU! <3

RESCU has helped my husband and I several times. For example, when Mark was rushed from the PA Faire in an ambulance in a diabetic coma with pneumonia, the hospital bills were substantial, and we didn't have insurance. A RESCU advocate taught me how to advocate for ourselves, to reduce the bill, and then also spoke to the hospital on our behalf. It was a huge help, taught us a lot, and reconciled the debt much faster than we ever could have alone. They've also helped with emergency situations where lifesaving insulin was needed. Every step of the way, this charity promotes education, and regularly hosts Health Fair days, giving Renaissance Entertainers, Services, & Crafters access to a Nurse Practitioner, a Professional Counselor, and even help to quit smoking. They also hosted a Community Care day, where we learned basic and advanced first aid, and how to handle emergency situations. Truly, RESCU is a blessing to our community, and a huge boon to our health and well-being. We are extremely thankful!

THANKING RESCU once again!  I got my Moderna booster, saw a real doctor and had my very first ever Acupuncture treatment from Dr. Ann at the TRF Health Fair set-ups.  (She’s amazing.  I could not turn my head when I sat down in her chair.  When I got up a short time later, treatment completed, I was able to turn it so that my chin was nearly pointing to my shoulders!  It’s been a couple of years since I could do that!)

For anyone wondering about RESCU?  If you’re “afraid” to contact them?  Ask! CONTACT them!  These folks are incredibly helpful and kind.  They’ve helped me with three eye surgeries which saved my vision, and with getting my dentures.  They can help with finding you resources, setting up appointments, finding affordable clinics, doctors, etc. ... I can’t say enough good stuff!