"I love my problems." "This is a phrase I try to say at least once a week to help me keep my life and the challenges I face in perspective. (Thanks to a good friend for sharing this infinite wisdom that helps me remember to always live in gratitude.)

Because I am fortunate to have three healthy children - which is everything, really. On top of that, my husband and I have a home, a stable support system, and careers that pay our bills. We know that not everyone is so lucky. The problems we face are nothing compared to those who have children fighting for their lives, trying to maintain employment and pay their bills - all while supporting their ill or injured child.

Me Fine is a local, small but mighty non-profit that supports families with children facing serious illness by offering timely financial assistance for things such as rent/mortgage, utilities, gas, and even the unimaginable, funeral expenses - all of which can become overwhelming and unaffordable when dealing with hospital bills, travel to and from the hospital, etc..  They partner with all three of our local hospitals - WakeMed, Duke and UNC - to identify families who truly need the assistance.

Having a niece (Sherilyn, pictured above) who lost her battle to pediatric leukemia, we spent 5+ years living at Duke Children's Hospital and saw many families facing overwhelming financial realities that we were fortunate to never experience. Choosing between sitting with your child through treatment over missing a shift and risking losing your job or insurance is something no family should have to face. Many single parent families or those who work several jobs even before illness strikes simply can't make ends meet when you add hospital bills and countless hours traveling back and forth to the hospital.

The Ask - Can You Help Me Reach My (CRAZY!?!) Goal of $10,000?!
If you're able to make a donation of ANY size, I would be so grateful. Me Fine has a long-time supporter offering a matching gift and we're aiming to raise at least $25,000 to make a BIG impact for the families we support. This is the first time in Me Fine's history that we have a very generous matching donor, and I've committed to myself that I will do everything I can to raise $10,000. Because I want to help local families who TRULY need it during the most challenging moments of their lives. 

As a Board Member for Me Fine, I am absolutely AMAZED at how this small and lean organization can support THREE major hospitals and families in real-time. Families who are at risk of eviction, having their utilities cut off, or being unable to afford transportation or medications. Me Fine is able to support these struggling families during times of incredible instability. I've heard firsthand from our hospital partners, patients and families about the incredible impact every dollar Me Fine donates makes. 

Can you PLEASE help me reach my goal!? 

With love and gratitude,

Coleen Hanson Smith

In loving memory of Sherilyn Annette Adams 

When families face a child’s medical crisis, your support helps ease financial and emotional stress so they can focus on healing, not hardship. Explore Me Fine’s 2025 fact sheet to learn more about our work and impact.