When Health Disrupts Income,
We Build the Bridge
Helping people build sustainable income by removing financial barriers caused by chronic illness.
Our Mission
Bridging Illness to Income supports individuals living with chronic illness in building sustainable income and long-term financial stability.
Through practical financial support, income development pathways, and strategic partnerships, we help remove the barriers that health disruptions create so individuals can work, grow, and pursue meaningful careers without sacrificing their well-being.
Our Vision
We envision a future where chronic illness does not limit access to sustainable income.
A future where individuals can build careers, businesses, and financial stability without their health standing in the way.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions
Help Launch Our First Program
The Medical Debt Bridge Program is our first active initiative. It provides financial support to individuals in East Tennessee who are managing medical debt caused by chronic illness, helping reduce the burden of ongoing healthcare costs.
When chronic illness leads to repeated medical expenses, debt can build quickly and create long-term financial strain. This program exists to help individuals stabilize their financial situation before it escalates, especially those who may not qualify for traditional assistance but are still struggling.
Program Standards
- Proof of medical debt required
- Chronic illness-related expenses
- Financial need considered in application
- Funds applied directly toward eligible medical debt
- Applications reviewed before funds are distributed
- East Tennessee resident
Why We’re Different
Most support programs focus on individuals in crisis or those with clearly defined, visible disabilities. While that support is essential, many people living with chronic and invisible illnesses experience financial strain long before reaching that point.
We step in earlier, helping individuals manage medical debt and stabilize their financial situation before it becomes overwhelming.
We include individuals with chronic and invisible illnesses
We focus on early intervention, not just crisis situations
We use medical debt as a clear and accessible indicator of need
We aim to stabilize individuals before financial situations escalate
Find Your Way to Build the Bridge
I Want to Make a Difference
Help remove financial barriers caused by chronic illness by funding income protection, essential expenses, and rebuilding pathways.
I Want to Apply for Support
Access targeted financial assistance designed to protect your income and create sustainable work opportunities.
I Want to Sponsor
Support programs that help individuals with chronic illness maintain financial stability while gaining visibility for your business through our website, social media, and events.
I’m Already a Supporter
Amplify your impact and help expand sustainable income programs to reach more individuals nationwide.
Chronic Illness Creates Financial Barriers Most People Never See
Individuals living with chronic illness often carry far more expenses than healthy people do. Ongoing medical bills, prescriptions, specialist visits, insurance premiums, and transportation costs add up every month.
At the same time, income is often less stable. Flare days can mean missed work, reduced hours, or lost opportunities. When both expenses and earnings are unpredictable, building savings becomes difficult.
Over time, many individuals are pushed toward disability benefits because maintaining consistent employment becomes harder. Disability income is rarely enough to cover basic living costs along with medical needs. The result is long-term financial strain driven by higher expenses and unstable income, not by a lack of effort.
Kaley DeRose, Founder, building income protection programs for individuals living with chronic illness.
How the Bridge Works.
Flare Day Reimbursement
Income replacement for medically verified absences to reduce short-term financial disruption during flare episodes.
Business Startup Grants
Funding support to help individuals build flexible income streams designed around their health limitations.
Flare Day Reimbursement
Income replacement for medically verified absences to reduce short-term financial disruption during flare episodes.
Transportation Assistance
Reliable travel support to maintain employment, attend medical appointments, and protect income continuity.
Levels of Impact
Supporting transportation access, home office equipment, startup grants, and income protection during missed work due to chronic illness.
Impact Partner
Supports direct financial assistance that removes immediate barriers to sustainable income.
Stability Sponsor
Strengthens income pathways by expanding access to practical tools and reimbursement support.
Pathway Builder
Advances structured programs that reduce employment and business barriers caused by chronic illness.
Bridge Champion
Expands sustainable income initiatives and increases long-term access for individuals navigating health disruptions.