Our Story

There is absolutely a need for Kindred Box, and I've known this for a very long time mainly because I paid out-of-pocket for my ostomy supplies.

In 1994, at age 21, I underwent permanent ileostomy surgery for Crohn's disease. In my 20s and 30s, paying for essential supplies was a heavy financial burden. I was insured through my employer, but the policy wouldn’t cover durable medical equipment (DME) without meeting a high deductible. I’ll never forget the feeling of desperately needing help. I thought, is this the way it will be for the rest of my life?

During those decades I educated myself about health insurance. Over the years, I’ve had high deductibles. I’ve had co-pays. I’ve had private pay insurance. I’ve been dropped for a so-called “pre-existing condition” that didn’t exist for years. I’ve gone without coverage. The bottom line is… America doesn't have a healthcare system; it has a health insurance system which is very confusing and can be extremely expensive.

This article says, “The annual ostomy product costs per patient are estimated to be $1,000 to $1,200 on average globally.” That sounds about right if you’re insured with a co-pay, but that figure can be significantly higher for those who are not insured or underinsured.

Reading messages from people struggling to afford their supplies was upsetting. It motivated me to take action and do something.

“Had a huge blowout this morning and this is my last ostomy bag. I'll be surprised if it lasts overnight. I have baggies and a little tape. Guess that's how it'll have to be done until my insurance gets sorted out. Depression is hitting me hard.”

–Jessica in New York

So in 2017, it began with a simple question.

What can I do to help people in America who cannot afford ostomy supplies?

The answer came loud and clear: Collect as many donations as possible and get these supplies into the hands of people who need them. An undertaking that was not so clear.

Looking at my finances, another question came up. How do you start a charity without funding? The answer: You just start.

I asked many supporters to help us out. Caring nurses contributed. Companies and foundations donated money. Families of loved ones who passed donated supplies (our Kindred Spirits). All this generosity is why Kindred Box exists. Kindred meaning alike, connected, as in. . . we are in this together!

I understand this initiative doesn't solve the big problems. But until we can get more States to pass laws that require all major commercial medical insurance policies to cover the provision of ostomy supplies (like New York did in 2014 and Maryland in 2015), this is how we will pay it forward.

When you hear firsthand the impact Kindred Box has made in someone’s life, it's the best feeling in the world.

“The ostomy supplies from Kindred Box helped us recover what was lost from Hurricane Harvey. It gave us peace of mind and was one less thing to worry about while trying to rebuild our lives and continue with my father's cancer treatment. We truly appreciate your help in our greatest time of need.”

– Pia in Texas

A lot has changed since my surgery in 1994. Ostomy products have improved, there are significantly more medical suppliers, and the internet has increased access to resources. But some things remain the same. We’re still in this silent crisis, and that’s why I’m calling for massive change. Ostomates need affordable options and deserve access to expert ostomy care, no matter the circumstance.

In a way, I wish I wasn't in this struggle. Because I wish the struggle didn’t exist. But I'd have many regrets if I knew the problems and continued to ignore them. This initiative started in July 2017. It was given the name “Kindred Box” in 2018. Then became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2019. But looking back now, this charity has been 20-plus years in the making. My connection to our community deepens with each request for help. That connection, I believe, is the foundation of Kindred Box.

Sincere appreciation goes out to you, for simply taking the time to read our story and considering a contribution to further our mission.

With gratitude,

Christine Kim
Founder & President