Grateful Human

After suffering from heart problems early in life, Tommy was diagnosed with a particular type of leukemia that patients who have had a heart transplant are more prone to. Hear Tommy's story and his tremendous bravery and positive attitude to battle through a childhood cancer journey. 

• Prank Wars
• STEP Birthday Karaoke
• Washer/Dryer Delivery
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Make A Blanket....WEEK!

From the words of JohnJohn's mother and father...

"Before JohnJohn's diagnosis, we had never even heard the word retinoblastoma. This cancer is scary because it's rare (approximately 250 cases per year in the US), because it occurs primarily in children under the age of 5, and because there are only a select group of doctors and hospitals that know and understand how to treat it. 

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But we are lucky because it is treatable, and there have been incredible advancements in the treatment options within the last decade. Just over 10 years ago, the most effective, and pretty much only, way to treat retinoblastoma was through enucleation (removal of the eye). Sometimes this is still the best treatment option based on size or stage of the tumor(s). Systemic chemotherapy and radiation were also commonly used in different combinations.

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Then in 2006, Dr.’s Abramson and Gobin developed a method of treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to the eye via an intra-arterial procedure. This game-changing treatment has been remarkable in saving vision, and eyes, in patients that qualify.

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We were fortunate to have a very supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues that made it possible for us to seek cross-country treatment with Abramson and Gobin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. But even with the financial and emotional support this journey has not been easy, it’s expensive, time-consuming, and physically draining.

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JohnJohn completed his IAC treatment for his one large tumor in September 2018. Since then he has received laser treatment for 4 additional small tumors in his other eye. Even though we are in a good place right now, there are still immediate and lifelong risks.

He has eye exams under anesthesia (EUA's) every 4-6 weeks until age 5 to check for additional tumors, bi-annual MRI's to make sure the cancer has not spread beyond the eyes, and will be monitored for the rest of his life for a handful of other related cancers. As he grows he will also need PT/OT to help with his development and vision impairment. Because of our experience, we want to do our best to pay it forward and support other families who are facing the same struggles."

You can learn more about JohnJohn and his journey to support kids facing retinoblastoma at eyefight.org.

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Our family members founded Eye Fight for Kids in JohnJohn's honor, to provide financial assistance to families with a child or children who are undergoing treatment for retinoblastoma. Funds will be given directly to selected families to offset the medical, travel and personal costs incurred while in treatment.

Hannah was a normal teenage girl that started suffering headaches on vacation. Thrust into a battle with brain cancer, Hannah overcame the obstacles associated with a childhood cancer and is sharing her lessons with us. 

Updates on this episode include:

• A big fabric shipment
• Golf Outing
• Make a Blanket Week
• Global Orders + Shipping
• Washer/Dryer
• Campfire
• Blanket Kit Experience
• Rock Community Challenge
• BOND Student Org
• Lawrence Tech University support

Updates on this episode include:

• Washer/Dryer
• Promo Blankets
• Warmilu + FTY
• Traverse Bay Ferry Company Partnership
• Owens Corning Global Order
• B-present partnership
• FTY Hats

We never thought a simple children's book could have so much meaning. Mary Beth Bloom, Fleece & Thank You's Volunteer Coordinator, brought a simple children's book to this discussion called "A Story Line." 

Inside the story, we learn about a line who is trying to "figure itself out." The saying goes that, "You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak." Listen up, friends, to the story of a line and learn more about Mary Beth along the way!

Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is a local nonprofit affiliate of  The Cancer Support Community (CSC), opening our doors in 2007. The Cancer Support Community is the largest and most comprehensive program in the country devoted solely to providing emotional support and education to people with cancer, their caregivers and children – all free of charge.

Their mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. 

The Cancer Support Community is a resource for education and information, and a place to gain support – all in an environment of acceptance and hope. Special outreach efforts to historically under-served portions of their community have been added to ensure that they truly are serving all people affected by cancer.

There are five core programs at the Cancer Support Community:

1. Support
2. Education
3. Healthy lifestyle activities
4. Social events
5. Resource connections

The components of CSC programs have been shown to improve patient health, mental health, and quality of life.

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is a unique, grassroots organization that was founded locally by a group of committed community volunteers who have each been personally touched by cancer, and who understand that traditional medical treatment is only one piece of successful cancer care. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Cancer Support Community, and program guidance is offered by a Professional Advisory Board, consisting of experts in the fields of oncology and social services.

In this update conversation, Nich and Alyssa talk about a variety of topics, including:

• Eagle Scout Projects
• Shelving
• Washing Machines
• Drive-In Movie Theaters
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• FTY Apparel
• Community Partnerships

​Welcome to Fund a Life, the organization that shines light in the darkest of moments! 

They are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of Brighton, MI with a mission to help individuals and families overcome emotional and financial obstacles caused by major life-altering circumstances of all kinds. 

This broad mission enables their team to fulfill a wide array of needs that people encounter during crisis times in their lives by providing them with grant opportunities awarded directly to them to help shine light in their darkest moments. 

They were founded by Mark Howell, a (then) 30-year-old Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer survivor who was once given only weeks to live. Mark's life was "funded" by his community who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars as he and his young family desperately sought out options for survival. 

Through the generous donations and support of so many, he was afforded the opportunity to extend his life long enough to eventually find a viable option to live by traveling to endless doctors across the US and without the financial constraints that so many needless lives are ultimately lost from. 

Without this financial and emotional support, the rare and aggressive form of cancer he courageously battled would have taken his life swiftly.

Today, Mark leads our organization dedicated to "funding lives" through all kinds of major life-altering circumstances. 

Fund a Life organization utilizes their expertise and community resources to continuously fundraise while seeking out people in need faced with overwhelming obstacles in their life. 

Through concerted efforts of proactively fundraising and due to their broad mission, they can help provide financial aid instantly when and where needed to several individuals and families facing all types of challenges every year. 

Every action performed by Fund A Life and its team is in support of this effort.

You can learn more AND apply for a grant as needed at fundalife.org.