Future Transplant Patient Will Benefit From Kenneth Roseberry Fund

Kenneth Roseberry of Crothersville lost the struggle for survival on February 23, 2001, in a Louisville hospital, where, if events had gone well, he would have received a new liver in a transplant procedure.

Nash's Syndrome, a type of chronic cirrhosis of the liver that affects non-alcoholics, took the Morgan Foods employee's life long before he was ready to leave this world. He left behind a wife, Vickie, and his fellow workers, many of whom had strived since late summer in 2000 to raise the necessary funds for Kenneth's transplant operation.

Since his death, the money had been in a fund set up through Stock Yards Bank and Trust. Now, thanks to the efforts of several of Kenny's friends, it will be put to work, hopefully to save the life of another person facing the high costs of a lifesaving transplant operation.

On May 8, 2001, those responsible for the fund, Robert and Pam Wilson, Shelia Collins and Mike Hollan, gathered at the Scott County Community Foundation office. There, they established what President/CEO Barbara Timberlake explained was a "pass-through" fund for the $45,000 that could not be used for their friend Kenny.

A pass-through fund is different from the many endowment funds that the Foundation manages. The Kenneth Roseberry Fund will exist only until another qualified transplant recipient applies and receives its benefits. With an endowment fund, the original bequest is permanently held by the Foundation with the interest earned from its invested money normally being used toward an interest specified by the initial donor.

"What the Foundation will do is hold this money until another qualified person is found who resides in this county and who needs a transplant," said Barb. She said a committee will be formed to consider for whom the money will be spent. The funds will be paid directly to the hospital or doctor billing for the operation.

"We anticipate that all of the money will go toward the cost of one patient's operation," said Barb.

The group learned about the Foundation's capability of keeping the money in a pass-through fund by talking with Phil Bundy, vice president of personnel management for Morgan Foods, who was familiar with what the Foundation could do.

"Phil and Morgan Foods have been very supportive of the Foundation since it was established," said Barb. "He knew we could help, and we are happy to provide that help. We feel it's a comfort not only to think that the money will be used for the purpose for which it was raised - to help a transplant patient - but also to the friends and family Mr. Roseberry left behind. He must have been an exceptional human being to have so many care about him, and we are proud to be of service in his memory."

Additional contributions for the Kenneth Roseberry Memorial Fund can be accepted at any time. The money will be used to assist in the payment of medical expenses for the next legitimate organ donor recipient from Scott County. Written documentation in the form of statements and invoices will be required before any grant is paid through the fund.

"It takes a special person to think ahead and encourage his friends to establish such a fund. Mr. Roseberry's thoughtfulness is really going to pay off," said Barb.