share is an awsome program to help anyone who is interested in extending their food dollars (and the volunteer time can be something that you may aleady participate in).
as far as medical expenses go, even if they are getting some form of assistance they should apply for their states medicare program. i supervised medical (california's version) and saw many families with good incomes qualify for a share of cost program (similar to a deductable each month-even if it is in the hundreds of dollars per month this can be a huge blessing: we have friends whose 8 yr. old was diagnosed with cancer this past june, in the course of less than a month his medical bills were over $500, 000.00). they should also see if there is a shriner's hospital in their area (shriners will never deny services to a child because a parent is unable to pay-the shriners staff is incredibly helpful).
check into state programs as well, some like california now have limited term disability insurance payments available to parent's who must stay home to care for an ill child (if mom has'nt already quit her job she should see if her employer offers any type of catestrophic leave bank-my neice's co-worker's donated months worth of thier sick leave in order to keep her in pay status when she underwent cancer treatment).
W.I.C. (women's, infants and children's program) can provide vouchers that provide milk, cheese, cereal, protean items at your local grocery store (income based, but more liberal than food stamp regulations).
trying to think of more-check to see if hospital treating knows of any respite care programs (might be able to help with child care for siblings during treatment periods if no family availalbe).
if a major concern for them is thier personal finances (mortgage, credit cards, auto loans...) tell them to look at talking to these lenders NOW. it is much easier to negotiate some form of payment plan during an emergency situation before the credit history has become negative. they may find that lenders are willing to work with them (some will negotiate lower interest rates if you use a consumer credit counseling service: but only use one that does not charge a fee!). both the phone and power companies have lower rate programs that are based on medical need (call and ask for forms).
a last suggestion-because we are getting closer to the holidays: contact the local "volunteers of america" chapter, they often have a "season of sharing" program that can assist with mortgage, utilities, necessities... but the referals for these often are taken in late september/early october for the current holiday year.
contact your local department of health and human services-ask for an IGAR worker (Information, Guidance and Referral):they generaly have all of the information on a data base that can be accessed for your area.
our prayers are with you! god bless.
