Rob Schorling Memorial Fund

The Rob Schorling Memorial Fund was created in memory of Rob Schorling, a young man from Saline County, Kansas, who passed away following complications from a bone marrow transplant. Rob’s family, having raised funds to support his treatment, decided to establish a charitable grant fund with the remainder of those resources to help others facing similar medical battles. Initiated in the spring of 2002, the fund has continued to grow through community support and memorial contributions, especially after the death of Rob’s father, Red Schorling, in December 2003. The fund is maintained as a field of interest fund within a foundation and focuses specifically on aiding patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or those requiring bone marrow or stem cell transplants. The primary goal of the fund is to ease the financial burden faced by patients and their families undergoing serious medical treatment for these conditions. Eligible uses of the grant include medical expenses not covered by insurance, as well as associated travel and lodging costs required to access necessary treatment. These may involve temporary relocation or frequent visits to distant hospitals or specialty clinics. While grants are awarded based on need, the fund has limited resources, and grant sizes are generally capped at $2,000. Funding is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of timely applications. Eligibility for the Rob Schorling Memorial Fund is geographically restricted. Applicants must reside within a 25-mile radius of Saline County, Kansas. This localized approach ensures that the fund continues to serve the same community that supported Rob during his illness. The application process is facilitated online through the foundation's grant portal. Applicants must submit a detailed application including a medical history related to leukemia or lymphoma diagnoses, a financial needs statement outlining insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, a physician’s letter confirming the medical condition and treatment necessity, a budget for expected or incurred expenses, and a timeline for when the requested funds will be spent. There is no formal pre-application or letter of intent required; however, applicants should prepare to provide comprehensive documentation upfront. Since funding is limited and demand may vary, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the foundation to inquire about current fund availability. The foundation has not provided specific application or award deadlines, implying a rolling submission and review process. There are also no performance reporting requirements or formal review criteria shared, suggesting a focus on immediacy and practical need rather than project-based outcomes. The fund is administered by the Foundation, and inquiries are directed to Jessica Fuller, Director of Grants and Scholarships. She can be reached via phone at 785-823-1800. Her role appears to involve both managing the application intake process and answering applicant questions. While no specific notification timeline is provided, the "first come, first served" language implies a rapid turnaround in review and disbursement as long as funds remain. By maintaining the fund within the local community and focusing on urgent, life-impacting medical challenges, the Rob Schorling Memorial Fund continues the legacy of its namesake through direct and compassionate assistance. The story behind its founding adds a personal, heartfelt dimension to the fund’s operation, and its ongoing mission serves as a tribute to the strength of family, community, and resilience in the face of illness.