Make an
impact today

The MER Hope Fund — Coming Soon

Because Sometimes Answers Come With a Cost.

For some families, losing a loved one is only the beginning.

Questions remain.

Records are difficult to obtain. Independent forensic reviews can be expensive. Specialized testing may be financially out of reach. And when a family believes there is more to understand about the death of someone they love, the cost of pursuing additional answers can become another burden during an already devastating time.

The MER Hope Fund is our vision for helping change that.

COMING SOON

More Than a Podcast

The Medical Examiner's Report was created to educate, examine evidence, and tell stories with dignity.

But we believe our responsibility can extend beyond telling those stories.

Our long-term goal is to establish The MER Hope Fund, a dedicated initiative designed to help qualifying families access resources they may otherwise be unable to afford while seeking answers surrounding the death or disappearance of a loved one.

Because access to answers shouldn't depend entirely on someone's ability to pay.

Our Future Mission

Once formally established, The MER Hope Fund is intended to explore providing financial assistance or access to qualified resources for eligible families seeking services such as:

Independent Forensic Review
Helping families obtain qualified professional review of existing autopsy or forensic findings when appropriate.

Forensic Pathology Consultation
Connecting eligible families with qualified professionals who can help explain or independently evaluate medical findings.

Specialized Forensic Testing
Potential assistance with appropriate DNA, toxicology, laboratory, or other forensic testing.

Investigative Resources
Potential assistance accessing appropriately licensed investigative professionals when circumstances warrant additional investigation.

Missing-Person & Identification Resources
Supporting appropriate efforts that may help families searching for missing loved ones or seeking answers regarding unidentified persons.

Records & Documentation
Potential assistance with reasonable expenses associated with obtaining relevant records and documentation.

Services offered, eligibility requirements, funding limits, and participating providers will be determined before the program officially launches.

How It Will Work

Transparency will be a cornerstone of The MER Hope Fund.

Before accepting applications or public contributions, we intend to establish clear guidelines addressing:

• Who may apply

• What expenses may qualify

• How applications will be reviewed

• How funding decisions will be made

• How conflicts of interest will be handled

• How funds will be tracked

• How financial transparency will be maintained

• How the privacy and dignity of participating families will be protected

Receiving assistance will never require a family to allow their story to be featured on The Medical Examiner's Report.

Podcast coverage and financial assistance will remain separate decisions.

A family's tragedy should never become the price of receiving help.

Our Commitment to Transparency

If and when The MER Hope Fund begins accepting contributions, supporters deserve to understand how those funds are being used.

Our goal is to provide appropriate reporting regarding funds received, assistance provided, program expenses, and overall impact while protecting the privacy of families receiving assistance.

Trust must be earned—and maintained.

Not Accepting Donations Yet

The MER Hope Fund is currently in development.

We are not currently accepting charitable donations or applications for financial assistance through The MER Hope Fund.

The final organizational structure, eligibility requirements, application process, participating resources, and funding guidelines are still being developed.

Information on this page describes our intended mission and may change before the program officially launches.

Please do not send money intended for The MER Hope Fund until an official contribution process is announced through The Medical Examiner's Report.

Want to Know When We Launch?

Join the MER email list to receive updates about the development and official launch of The MER Hope Fund.

[ NOTIFY ME WHEN THE FUND LAUNCHES ]

Professional Partnerships

We also hope to build relationships with qualified professionals and organizations who share our commitment to helping families seeking answers.

Future partnerships may include professionals working in:

• Forensic pathology

• Forensic toxicology

• DNA and genetic testing

• Forensic genealogy

• Licensed private investigation

• Missing-person advocacy

• Victim and family advocacy

• Legal services

• Grief and family support

Interested in discussing a future professional partnership?

[ CONTACT THE MER TEAM ]

MEREPORTPOD@gmail.com

The Mission Behind the Mission

Every episode of The Medical Examiner's Report begins with evidence.

But behind every piece of evidence is a person.

And behind that person may be a family still searching for answers.

The MER Hope Fund represents what we hope this community can eventually accomplish beyond the microphone:

Education that creates awareness.

Awareness that creates action.

And action that helps families continue their search for answers.

The Medical Examiner's Report

Where Science Speaks.

The MER Hope Fund

Because every family deserves the opportunity to seek answers.

Important Notice

The MER Hope Fund is a proposed initiative currently under development. It is not currently represented as a tax-exempt charitable organization, and this page is not a solicitation for charitable contributions. No financial assistance, professional services, or investigative services are currently being offered or guaranteed through the proposed fund. Program structure, eligibility, services, and availability are subject to change before launch.

© 2026 The Medical Examiner's Report. All Rights Reserved.