Pasadena-based Los Angeles Dysautonomia Network Opens Applications for 2023 Grant Program

The Los Angeles Dysautonomia Network (LADN) has opened the application period for its 2023 grant program, which aims to assist individuals affected by dysautonomia by alleviating their financial burdens in Los Angeles and throughout California.

The nonprofit is based in Pasadena.

Dysautonomia refers to a collection of disorders that disrupt the autonomic nervous system’s normal functioning, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiration. As the number of people affected by dysautonomia continues to rise, LADN seeks to provide financial support during October, Dysautonomia Awareness Month.

Applications opened on Sept. 25 and will continue through Monday, Oct. 23, a LADN announcement said. The organization is asking individuals living in California who have dysautonomia-related medical expenses and are experiencing financial difficulties to visit their website or access the grant program application directly.

LADN’s 2023 Grant Program will distribute a total of $6,000 among six to 12 recipients. The grants can be used to cover healthcare expenses related to dysautonomia that are not covered by insurance, such as copays, prescription costs, mobility aids, physical therapy, and infusion expenses.

“Providing financial support to dysautonomia patients is an important component of LADN’s mission”, Emily Suñez, Co-Executive Director of LADN, said. “The financial toll of living with a chronic illness like dysautonomia can be huge. It’s estimated that 25% of individuals with dysautonomia are too sick to attend work or school, and others are in situations where they can only work part time, resulting in pay cuts.”

Sally Krueger-Wyman, also a LADN Co-Executive Director, said LADN’s financial grant could alleviate some of the financial stress among the dysautonomia community, she said.

“On top of facing reduced income, people with dysautonomia are burdened with many out-of-pocket medical expenses that add up quickly,” Krueger-Wyman said.

Following the application deadline on Oct. 23, LADN’s volunteer Grant Selection Committee will review all applications and determine the grant recipients. The final decisions will be made by Dec. 15.