KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Someone 2 Know: Bill Khal
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"I do fine for a few feet of standing up. The leg at times gives out and I fall a lot."
June Burton has arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - a disorder that weakens connective tissues which, in her case, supports her bones.
Her mobility largely depends on her scooter. "I need some of this."
June couldn't pay for the scooter because she's unable to work and has no insurance. She was in a bind. "I'm not poor that the state would help me, but I'm not rich enough to have insurance on my own."
"We have a waiting list for these generally," says Bill Khal.
The pharmacist founded a local non-profit called Care Chest. He's spent 15-plus years stocking a warehouse with nutritional products and pharmaceuticals including medical equipment and supplies; some are bought and some donated.
It's all free for qualifying people who need it. "I think when you have a healthcare background, you tend to want to help other people and that's where I come from."
While running his own pharmacies, Khal realized the demand for his non-profit. So he, and a board of directors, teamed up with hospitals and other medical professionals to provide recycled wheelchairs, crutches, commodes, virtually anything you'd need after surgery or for mobility.
In any one month, Care Chest supplies $50,000 in medical resources. "A lot of our funding comes from grant writing foundations. We have about 30 foundations that support us."
And it all started with a desire to help locals recover in times of need. "Northern Nevada was very good to me, my company, my partners, so it's about giving back."
In his doing so, Burton doesn't have to put the brakes on life anymore.
If you'd like to find out if you qualify, just call the Care Chest and fill out a short application over the phone. Their number is 829-CARE (2273).
Last year, Care Chest helped 8, 600 people.
