The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community: Fundraising and preparing for future ...

3 Replies Last post: Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM by bryanfikes

Fundraising and preparing for future financial difficulties

Jan 30, 2008 4:36 PM

Joe 1 posts since
Jan 30, 2008

Hello. My name is Joe Kolecki and I am new to LLS. A week and a day ago, our 3 1/2 year old grandson, Jason, was diagnosed with (8,21) acute meylogenous leulemia. He is now in the Rainbow Hospital undergoing the first stages of therapy.

Already, Jason's uncles and I have been thinking of how to ease the inevitable financial burden that will sooner or later beset Jason's family. We have some ideas - accounts opened in Jason's name, and a series of benefit concerts (my oldest son and I are both musicians). But it seems pretty certain that we will need additional help to make the ends meet.

How have some of you met the financial burdens? What programs or benefits are available to families whose lives have been suddenly changed by the advent of such a disease as AML?

I thank you in advance for your advice and help.

Best regards,

Joe Kolecki

Kati'sDad 32 posts since
Oct 23, 2007

1. Re: Fundraising and preparing for future financial difficulties Jan 31, 2008 8:43 AM

Joe, I first tell you that my thoughts are with you and your family. I am not sure this is exactly the message board you were looking for, most of the fundraising we do goes directly to the mission, research and patient services. But we certainly see alot of good fundraising ideas on these message boards. And you seem to have good ideas already. Having been a single parent of a child going through chemotherapy I definitely understand the financial difficulties. Many do not understand the depth of the ancillary costs. Definitely talk to your hospital social worker, and without doubt talk to the Patient Sevices coordinator for the local LLS office.

And if you educate those around you, are able to say 'yes, your help is needed", your community will most times come through for you. A social worker told me soon after Kati's diagnosis that "if the people near you disappointed you before diagnosis they will disappoint you more after, but the people you expect nothing from will overwhelm you with their generosity". I found that to be one of the truest statements I ever heard. I hope you will keep us posted. And I am confident in saying you have a huge Team of endurance athletes pulling for your family.

CrazyKen 83 posts since
Oct 23, 2007

2. Re: Fundraising and preparing for future financial difficulties Jan 31, 2008 9:10 AM

Hi Joe,

I found a 24 hour assit line. s time: Resource Center at 1-800-955-4572 between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM (EST) where an Information Specialist will be able to assist you.

Also found Family Support groups in your area, here the info.

Family Support Groups

The following Family Support Groups are sponsored by

the Northern Ohio Chapter and our community partners.*
To get more information or pre-register, please call*
Patient Services at 216-910-1234 or 800-589-5721.*

Disease-Specific Family Support Groups

Leukemia Family Support Group
This psycho-educational group meets quarterly at The Gathering Place in Beachwood.

Lymphoma Family Support Group
This group meets the fourth Thursday of every month at The Gathering Place in Beachwood.

Myeloma Family Support Group - Cleveland
This group meets the fourth Monday of every month at The Gathering Place in Beachwood.

Myeloma Family Support Group - Youngstown
This group meets the third Monday of each month in the Youngstown/Warren area.

Life After Transplant
This group meets quarterly to discuss the issues unique to adults who have undergone a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. It is held at The Gathering Place in Beachwood.

Bouncing Back: A Group for Survivors of Stem-Cell Transplant
This group meets quarterly for support and education about issues related to stem-cell transplant. It is held at University Hospitals - Case Medical Center in Cleveland.

General Family Support Groups - Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma

Cleveland Family Support Group- West Side
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Fairview Moll Cancer Center.

Akron/Canton Family Support Group
This group meets the third Thursday of each month at Stewart's Caring Place in Akron.

Toledo Family Support Group
This group meets the second Tuesday of each month at The Victory Center in Toledo.

Youngstown Family Support Group
This group meets the third Thursday of the month at Forum Health Cancer Care Center in Youngstown.

Short-Term Support Groups - Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
This educational program offers six weekly courses that are designed to educate and inspire participants. These groups are held at various times and locations throughout the year.

Pediatric Support Group - Any Type of Cancer

Teen Talk
This group meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the at The Gathering Place in Beachwood. This group is open to teens ages 13 - 18 who are currently in treatment or post treatment.

I will keep looking for more help for you, I am out of the states at this time. Hopefully this helps. here a web site I found info from. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=492786

Just want you to know that you are alone , Jason is the reason we run, swim, bike, and Fight.

May God bless Jason and be with you during this time.

Crazy Ken, Melbourne Fl.

bryanfikes 5 posts since
Mar 3, 2008

3. Re: Fundraising and preparing for future financial difficulties Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM

As most of you are experiencing, coming up with new fundraising ideas
can be tough. We have discovered a simple solution and hope you can
help us out. All you we are asking is that you review your favorite
business or businesses in your area. Click on the link: (Or cut and
paste the url)

http://www.insiderpages.com/fundraisers/TNT-CA-Fikes

-Find the "Join The Fundraiser" button on the right side of the page.
Click on it, and then sign up for the insider page profile. Do not
worry, this is not spam. Now simply write a review for a business by
searching in the business search box. If the business is listed, click
on it and then write a review. The site will instruct you on how to
finish. Remember the more reviews you do, the closer to our Goal we get.

1st review is worth $1.50
2nd-4th Reviews are worth $.50

-Although we only get paid on the first 4 reviews, please feel free to write a review for any business you like or dislike.

Kind Regards,
Bryan Fikes
&
Rosanna Parizek

Fundraising and preparing for future financial difficulties

Jan 30, 2008 4:36 PM

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