A family grant fund to benefit families of crewmembers and patients killed or seriously injured in air-medical accidents has been established by the Foundation for Air-Medical Research and Education (FARE), with lead grants from individual donors totaling more than $25,000 to date. “When an air medical accident occurs, it is a tragedy for everyone involved,” said FARE Chair Kevin Hutton, MD. “And while financial compensation will never make up for the loss or disability of a loved one, this fund will help families better cope with the immediate financial needs that result. That’s why this fund was established.” FARE Family Grant Fund donations will be made available beginning in late 2009 to eligible air medical service providers that experience a serious or fatal air-medical accident. The fund offers monetary assistance to families of air medical crewmembers and their patients to cover unanticipated expenses such as travel, lodging, food, childcare, leaves of absence, medical or burial expenses, and social services. The purpose of the fund is to provide aid to grieving families and to remove financial concerns so family members can focus on taking care of emotional and other needs.