Survivors of Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Shooting Struggle with Mounting Medical Bills

Survivors of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade shooting, which left one dead and at least 24 others injured, are grappling with the financial burden of mounting medical bills. Abigail Arellano, mother of 11-year-old Samuel who was shot during the incident, keeps a blue folder above her microwave containing the bills that continue to arrive. The Arellanos, who are uninsured, are relying on assistance from the nearly $2 million fund raised in the aftermath of the shooting.

According to studies conducted by Harvard Medical School and another research group, the average medical spending for shooting victims in the first year is substantial. This financial strain, coupled with life’s ordinary expenses such as rent, utilities, and car repairs, creates what Aswad Thomas of the nonprofit Alliance for Safety and Justice calls “victimization debt.”

Various resources have emerged in Kansas City to provide support to the survivors, including the #KCStrong fund established by the United Way of Greater Kansas City. However, navigating the application process and waiting for funds to be disbursed has added to the survivors’ stress. The responsibility of organizing bills and paperwork often falls on the mothers of the survivors, who keep them tucked away in folders, purses, or on their phones.

Emily Tavis, whose partner Jacob Gooch Sr. and stepson Jacob Gooch Jr. were also shot at the parade, keeps stacks of paperwork with color-coded binder clips in her basement. They have been sending medical bills to the victims’ compensation program, which helps with economic losses resulting from a crime. However, the program only covers expenses not covered by health insurance, donations, or fundraisers. The Gooch family initially received support from friends, relatives, and online donations, but as Gooch Sr. remains unable to work, they have resorted to opening a new credit card to cover their bills.

The United Way’s #KCStrong campaign, supported by donations from the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, and local companies, raised over $1.8 million. However, survivors have expressed confusion and frustration with the process, and some have chosen not to voice any negative opinions for fear of affecting their allocation. The United Way plans to issue claimant forms and allocate funds at the end of June, with payments expected to begin by June 27.

Another organization, Unite KC, has provided financial assistance to survivors in a more timely manner. The group, led by Gary Kendall, disbursed funds to cover burial expenses, health insurance restoration, and out-of-pocket surgical costs. Erika Nelson, a survivor who was struggling to pay household expenses, received three months of rent and utility payments from Unite KC, providing much-needed relief.

Abigail Arellano, who was unaware of victims’ compensation, has been paying out-of-pocket for her husband Antonio’s therapy sessions to help him cope with the trauma of guiding their son through the aftermath of the shooting. The family has received support through a GoFundMe page and by sharing their story publicly. They have also connected with Unite KC, which will cover some of Samuel’s medical expenses.

While the United Way’s funds are expected to provide significant relief, Unite KC aims to offer ongoing support to survivors, reminding them that they are not forgotten and that love and assistance are available.