According to the article, "The Maricopa Integrated Health System's foundation forgave the costs not covered by the Nielsons' insurance and even paid Christian's student-loan payments while he was in the hospital. After Christian left his job, the foundation paid the family's COBRA premium and will continue paying it until the COBRA benefits expire in the Spring (2010), a cost of $1,256 per month. The foundation also created a tax-deductible donation account dedicated to the Nielsons' medical and emergency expenses. About $38,000 was raised. Much of this already has been used."
Her stay at the University of Utah hospital was approximately $128,000 which the Nielson's were responsible for $2700 of the bill.
Many fundraisers, auctions, and concerts held for the Nielson's raised over $290,000.
Another article from January 2011 that discusses how many page views Stephanie's blog receives (approximately 3 million per month).
Another article from July 2011 discusses BlogHer's ad compensation. The compensation can be from zero (for public service announcements) up to $10 on a cost per thousand (CPM) basis. For example, if her ads were rated somewhere in the middle (say $5), her average income would be $15,000 per month. BlogHer gets a portion of the ads and the rest is paid to the blogger.
There have been lots of discussions about "Nie's Homemade Christmas" post in December 2010. In her own words: " These past few weeks, I have been bombarded with so many handmade gifts that I felt like a spoiled brat-Which I kind of am." She goes on to add, in very small font, "I couldn't use every single amazing homemade gift that was sent. I am sorry. I will probably use what you have sent at some point, and I must make it known, I can't send back your homemade pretties either."
There are many people that donated their time, hard work, and talent to raise money, donate items, and provide for her family. What she has gone through is one of the most devastating events one can imagine. But where is the line between making money and taking advantage of a situation?
What are your thoughts?
