Exploring the Impact of ‘Christmas In July’ on Health
In 1980, Denny Buehler, a 24-year-old man with leukemia, needed a bone marrow transplant that was not available in Cincinnati. He had to travel to Seattle with his sister, who was the donor, and his wife. Unfortunately, despite the successful transplant, Denny died a few months later. This left his family in a tough situation emotionally and financially.
The Legacy of Denny Buehler
After Denny’s death, his sister Mary Beth organized a softball tournament to raise funds for the family’s expenses. This tournament became an annual tradition, helping those in the community facing medical and financial hardships. Denny’s children, Ed and Jenny, grew up participating in the tournament and eventually took over its organization.
Transforming a Tradition into Impact
In 2015, the Buehler family decided to expand their efforts beyond the softball tournament. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, now known as Undue Medical Debt, to raise funds to abolish medical debts for those in need. Through creative fundraising efforts, they were able to eliminate over $20,000 in medical debt with initiatives like Blues, Booze, and Brunch.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jenny and her family are exploring new ways to help their community stay out of medical debt. Inspired by her mother’s expertise in medical billing and pop culture references like “The Incredibles,” they are considering initiatives to provide free assistance in navigating medical bills and preventing financial ruin. Their dedication to making a difference, one step at a time, reflects a multigenerational commitment to helping others in need.
