Read more: US doctors saving little Irish girl in cancer battle
Cork girl Megan Malone's parents have expressed concerns over the management of the trust set up for the young girl's lifesaving brain tumor treatment as the fund refuses to pay out for family expenses in New York.
The Megan Malone Trust was officially founded on December 3 last year after major fundraising and a huge donation from an anonymous donor made it possible for Megan to travel to New York for treatment. However, Megan's parents now believe that those managing the fund are not acting in the bext interest of the family. The fund has refused to pay legitimate living expenses for the family while they were staying in New York.
The trust had stated that €16,262 has been paid to John Malone with respect to this request.
However, he claimed, "Sheila and I have received €11,368 and not €16,262 as documented by the trustees."
The trust also said it refused to cover a further €13,211 in expenses because "the trustees do not deem these requests to be reasonable nor in keeping with the objectives of the trust.”
Malone says, "The amount of unapproved expenses is €10,262.30.
"The trustees are refusing to pay for food for us while we are by Megan’s bedside, while she is being treated in the hospital. They refuse to pay for taxis for commuting in and out of the hospital, which is not only the safest but is also the most economical way to get Megan to and from the hospital given her condition. They refuse to pay for telephone calls to and from the hospital or otherwise. These are all reasonable living expenses and should be covered."
The trust said it is trying "to appoint a new group of independent trustees to manage the fund.”
"Any appointments will be done in consultation with the Malone family and the fundraising committee."
Read more: US doctors saving little Irish girl in cancer battle
6 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.RobbCobb | Apr 21, 2011, 12:45 AM EDT
It's been a month since this article was posted - does anyone know how Megan and her family are doing lately?
RobbCobb | Mar 20, 2011, 02:04 PM EDT
Thank you for a bit of an update on Megan - though I'd like to learn more of her current condition and how she is doing. I certainly hope the Trust issues get resolved soon - the gift from her benefactor was a huge blessing, but the last thing the family should need to worry about at this trying time, is having to argue for basic and necessary expenses. I don't know the whole story of course, but it doesn't appear that they are using the funds inappropriately - that would be taking away from the care that is meant for their daughter's treatment, and I'm afraid I just can't see that happening. Anyway, God Speed and God Bless Megan, her family, her treatment team and benefactor/s. I wish her continued progress in the fight against her illness.
aoibhinn | Mar 18, 2011, 02:00 PM EDT
Maybe the parents should look into staying at the Ronald McDonald House. They are near hospitals, have other parents going through the same things and payment is low and voluntary. They are set up for just such a thing.
Searlit | Mar 17, 2011, 10:10 PM EDT
The Trust is trying to get new trustees to manage it. That means the person who made the offer to pay for Megan Malone's medical costs is looking for another manager. Why shouldn't they be allowed to use the money for the stated expenses - people donated it for Megan and her family, to be used while Megan is receiving treatment.
whatISinAname | Mar 17, 2011, 04:46 PM EDT
-or- an alternative possibility... the parents are going nuts in spending money on unnecessary items and questionable purchases... See some dollars and -wow- were rich. It has happened to child stars and princes. Parents like to believe they are doing right by their children but then one can wonder. Besides, that is why there are trustees. Funny, the trustee said they are trying to get new trustees appointed...looks to me they want no part of what is going down......
Searlit | Mar 17, 2011, 11:21 AM EDT
Depressing to hear that penny pincers are putting added stress on this family.