Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---

Unchained Foundation's FAQs are designed to help you better understand our process. Our goal is to provide solace and lasting memories during this time of uncertainty. We want to help you become unchained from your illness.

---

What does Unchained Foundation offer?

• We are offering individuals diagnosed with a critical or life-limiting illness the opportunity to fulfill a heartfelt desire or hope through our Unchained program.

• The desire or hope, known as the "Want," must come directly from the individual.
• The spectrum of requests can encompass  anything from everyday delights like a family dinner to more extravagant experiences.
• The Unchained applicant must be capable of communicating their request and understanding/participating in their chosen experience.
• Certain requests outlined on the cover page of the application may not be grantable by the Unchained Foundation.

Do I need to be a Hospice patient to receive my request?

• Hospice patients can apply through the Hospice Application.
• Patients pursuing active treatment can apply through the General Application.
• Being a hospice patient is not a requirement to receive desired services.
• Both hospice and non-hospice patients can access the application process.

Does it matter where I live to get my request fulfilled?

• Residency within the Texas is required.
• Citizenship status must be that of the United States.

Filling Out the Application

• The Unchained applicant or their power of attorney must sign the application, ensuring it reflects the patient's own desires.
• The letter of hope and desire can be written by anyone, but must mirror the applicant's request.
• The applicant must be capable of communicating their wishes; assistance cannot be provided if the patient is unconscious or unresponsive.
• If the doctor declines to provide a life expectancy, the application can still be submitted with the diagnosis and physician's signature. The organization will work with the doctor to determine eligibility.
• If denied based on the provided life expectancy, the applicant can have Step 4 completed again by the doctor within a year.
• If preferred, the applicant can have the doctor mail or fax Step 4 (Medical Information) separately.
• Fax applications are accepted for emergencies only. If the patient's life expectancy is a few days to two months, the application can be faxed after calling the office for the fax number. The original application must still be mailed afterward.

What should I include in my application letter?

• Include details about yourself, your hopes, and desires.
• Describe how fulfilling your request would impact you and your loved ones.
• Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the importance and uniqueness of your desires.
• Explain how fulfilling this final hope would make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
• Offer as much detail as possible to help the organization understand your situation and the significance of your desire.

How long does it take until I get a response?

• Application processing takes approximately three weeks before verification begins.
• Verification duration varies, ranging from a few days to months, depending on medical team/doctor response times.
  
• Allow approximately three weeks to arrange air travel once the desired wish is being worked on, as last-minute flights tend to be more expensive.
• Requests are addressed promptly, but cannot be expedited for reasons other than medical necessity.

I do not file taxes can I still apply? What's the income limit to qualify?

• Not filing taxes is acceptable; inform us of this status and provide supporting documents like SSI, disability statements, or bank statements if possible.
• Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, focusing on those in the greatest need who are unable to apply independently.
• Each application is evaluated individually, considering factors such as taxable income, household size, geographic location, and indications of financial hardship mentioned in the application letter.

What do I need to be able to Travel?

• A major credit card or debit card with sufficient funds is required for expenses such as meals, ground transportation, and emergency costs associated with hospital stays and returning home.
• We do not request your credit card number.
• If your request involves a hotel stay, a credit card is necessary at check-in for incidentals. Note that if using a debit card, the hotel may place a hold on funds, which could take about a week to be released after your stay.
• A valid government-issued photo ID is necessary.
• Medical approval from your doctor is required for travel. Additional paperwork will be faxed to your doctor to assess your medical needs and ensure clearance for travel.

Who can be included of my last wishes?

• The Unchained applicant can have one other adult caregiver and their children under 18 who live in the same household as part of their last wishes.
• An extra caregiver may be accommodated upon the doctor's request, but solely for medical reasons.
• Caregivers do not necessarily need to be family members.
• Additional individuals beyond the specified caregiver and children will be responsible for their own trip planning and costs.

 
If I want to visit family or have family sent to visit me; how long can I/they stay, and how many family members can be included?

• There is no set time limit for you to stay with family or for family to stay with you.
• If hotel accommodations are necessary, coverage is provided for 3-4 nights in one hotel room only.
• When bringing family to you, coverage includes 1-2 tickets for flights or gas money for one vehicle.
• When visiting family, coverage includes you, your caregiver, and your children under 18 who reside with you.

What if I have special medical needs?

• We do not provide assistance for special medical needs, including ambulance transportation, oxygen, medical equipment, nurses, aides, dialysis, etc.
• Arrangements for hospice care away from home, dialysis treatments, or oxygen needs cannot be facilitated by our organization.
• In the event of a medical emergency during your stay, we are unable to provide assistance. Please seek medical help at the nearest local hospital or call 911.

What if I want to meet a celebrity?

• We do not facilitate requests to meet celebrities.
• Assistance with desires involving meeting celebrities is not provided by our organization.

What is an emergency request? 

• Life expectancy of two months or less classifies the desire or hope as an emergency.
• Emergency requests can be faxed in, but the original application must still be mailed.
• Contact us for the fax number.
• Emergency requests are processed immediately upon receipt and verified as quickly as possible.
• For bedside gathering or similar emergencies, turnaround time may be within 24 to 48 hours.
• If travel by the applicant is necessary for an emergency wish, road trips within limited boundaries may be considered.

Are there certain types of requests you do not fulfill?

• Requests for adults with chronic illnesses, except those with a prognosis of 12 months or less.
• Requests from individuals residing outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
• Surprise requests.
• Cruises.
• Legal assistance.
• Cash or financial aid.
• Hunting.
• Reimbursements.
• Funeral arrangements or posthumous requests.
• Automobiles, lifts, repairs, RVs, or rentals.
• Travel outside of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, except for one-way travel for patients wishing to die at home, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Property, home improvements, repairs, or housing aid.
• Medical treatment, supplies, equipment, or transport.
• Any request violating Unchained Foundation policy, U.S. or Texas state laws, or corporate partner rules, policies, or procedures.