Recognizing the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Mr. President, I am proud to recognize all those affiliated with the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan as they celebrate sixty years of dedicated service and invaluable support for Michigan families. Their efforts have made a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals diagnosed with Leukemia or a related disorder. This is important work, and we are all grateful for their efforts. An exciting evening has been planned to commemorate this milestone in Birmingham, Michigan this Saturday.
The Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan has been at the forefront of the battle against various blood disorders for six decades, helping countless families across Michigan deal with these devastating illnesses and to navigate the many important decisions they face as a consequence. Since its inception in the late 1940s and its incorporation in 1952, this organization has sought to equip patients and their loved ones with the resources, information and guidance they need to make informed decisions.
Each individual that is diagnosed with a disorder must make a number of important decisions about their care and circumstances. This is where the CLF steps in. The mission of the CLF is “to provide and promote compassionate, personalized support to people in Michigan affected by Leukemia and other related disorders.” This is accomplished through a comprehensive array of services for patients and their loved ones, ranging from support groups, to an online resource room, to a resource kit for families and caregivers that contains useful and timely information about the disorder and the road ahead.
The financial and emotional support the CLF provides is crucial. Whether it’s listening to patients and caregivers; helping to defray the cost of a prescription; referring an individual to the appropriate agency or service provider; or paying lodging for a family member, the CLF stands ready and willing to assist families in their time of need. Understanding that illness affects the entire family, the CLF offers services such as a day of respite for family members, peer support from others who share a common experience, a holiday toy program for children and a ticket program that gives families a precious few hours of fun and joy. The deep concern and care this organization shows certainly helps to lessen the stress on families.
Organizations like the CLF help to provide a measure of comfort and assistance to patients and their loved ones. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking all those affiliated with the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan for their hard work and tireless commitment on behalf of families across Michigan. The positive impact they continue to have on the lives of Michiganians living with Leukemia and a related disorder is tremendous, and I extend my deepest appreciation for their many years of service.