How St. Christopher Fund keeps truckers on the road — and in their homes
Julie Dillon on free vaccines, a 12‑week wellness program, 225 drivers who quit smoking, and how to get help fast.
When a Driver Can’t Work, Who Helps the Family?
“The doctor saved my life, but St. Christopher Fund saved my family.”
Julie Dillon shared that message from a driver during our conversation on That’s Delivered Podcast. It captures what this organization means to families when illness or injury brings a driving career to an unexpected stop.
Julie, Health & Wellness Manager at St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, joined me to talk about financial assistance, preventive care, and helping drivers find support before a difficult situation becomes a crisis.
Help with the bills that keep coming
Being unable to drive doesn’t stop the rent, mortgage, or electric bill.
St. Christopher provides limited, short-term assistance with essential expenses such as housing, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance. Approved payments go directly to the companies owed. Assistance depends on eligibility and available funding. Credit card debt, pet care, and medical bills are among the expenses the Fund does not cover.
Financial assistance is intended for qualifying Class A over-the-road semi-truck drivers whose illness or injury occurred within the past 365 days and caused them to stop working and experience financial hardship. Applicants must meet the Fund’s full requirements, including being away from home four or more nights per week before coming off the road.
Get your information together early
Julie emphasized how much medical records matter. The Fund needs to verify the medical situation and employment history before reviewing an application.
Before applying, gather:
Your last day worked and the dates you have been unable to drive.
Your doctors’ or hospitals’ names and contact information.
Your employer’s contact information.
Your monthly household expenses.
Business income and expenses if you are an owner-operator or lease operator.
Let your medical provider know that a records request is coming. Complete information can help prevent delays, but processing may take anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Helping drivers stay healthy
The Fund also offers wellness programs designed around life on the road:
Rigs Without Cigs: Support for drivers working to quit tobacco.
Healthy Habits for the Long Haul: Guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Preventive screenings: Programs that include certain cancer screenings and diabetes prevention.
Vaccine vouchers: Free vouchers for eligible uninsured professional OTR drivers, covering flu, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines.
During our conversation, Julie said 225 drivers had quit smoking through Rigs Without Cigs. Every one of those drivers represents a person, a family, and a healthier future.
She also discussed plans for 2027, including more individualized wellness coaching, tetanus vaccine vouchers, and metabolic screenings. Check with the Fund for launch dates and program eligibility.
One share could reach the right driver
Julie’s request was simple: help spread the word.
Share this resource with a driver, spouse, dispatcher, or someone in your company’s HR department. Knowing where to turn before a medical emergency can make a difficult time a little easier.
Apply, explore wellness programs, or learn how to help at truckersfund.org.
For wellness questions, Julie’s currently listed email is [email protected].
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