Our Efforts
What would Colin want us to do?
Colin lost his battle to cholangiocarcinoma on June 8, 2022, but as you've read, his spirit continues to live through so many people. We believe that he would want us to continue to "go above and beyond" for other people and that is the intention of The Colin Hiriak Foundation.
What We've Learned
Conditions change quickly and treatment plans and options can be complicated and difficult to understand
Complexity
Second and possibly third opinions are essential, yet time-consuming and expensive
Costly
Advocate-Based
Responsibility and success in navigating health-care systems is placed mainly on the shoulders of families
Multi-Dimensional
Complex illnesses require numerous physician specialities. Care leadership, communication, and appointment scheduling becomes challenging.
Outpatient care, hospital stays, at-home rehab, lab tests, diagnostic results, medication changes, complications, and symptom management require constant monitoring
Never-Ending
Expanding
Needed advances in health care bring about increased complexity. Current and future leaders must be educated and prepared to enhance the effectiveness of the system.
Program Examples
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Focus on all complex illnesses including significant premature birth
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Travel expense support for second medical opinions
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Support for enhanced treatment option educational materials
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Family support with focus on exercise, nutrition, and emotional well-being
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Individual hospital and convention seminars focused on best practices dealing with families suffering from complex illnesses
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Interactive software designed for continuum of care monitoring
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Scholarship funds for individuals majoring in Public Health
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Support for medical research
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Education efforts for current policy leaders
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