A lot of this site focuses on various tributes people have done for Laura. I think it is wonderful that so many people are interested in helping fulfill some of Laura's dreams. I also think it is important that certain charities be given attention. Any donations to these charities is highly encouraged, and I also think it would be wonderful if they were done as memorial's to Laura.
The Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan was a visible and available source of assistance for Laura while she was sick. A lot of attention is given to charities looking for a cure for cancer, which is vitally important. But, patients needing individual assistance is often over looked. Laura had little to no income, was far too sick to work, and The Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan actually helped pay for transportation to the hospital via fuel reimburssments. They also helped pay for parking. They helped pay for wigs when she lost her hair. From their site:
Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan (CLF) is a statewide organization which provides information, financial assistance, and emotional support to families of adults and children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other related blood disorders. Until there's a cure, CLF is here to help families overcome the challenges these conditions present.
This organization actually delivers, and I feel it is very important that patients who have a chance of getting through the cancer treatments, but have no income, get the support they need.
Of course, finding a cure for this terrible disease is hugely important. So many lives are lost to this monster that is cancer. I hate to throw politics into this, but I strongly feel if the U.S. government gave half the financial assistance to cancer research as they did funding needless wars in the Middle East, so much less suffering would take place. A few of us are directly affected by terrorism, but nearly everyone has lost someone to cancer. Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the world, and should be treated as one of our highest priorities. Sadly, it isn't.
Laura had Hodgkin's Disease, a form of lymphoma. One of the better charities I have found for this particular cancer is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Established in 1949, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invests $32 million annually in support of more than 200 researchers, provides financial assistance to patients, sponsors scientific conferences around the country, produces educational materials and videos, and runs over 50 support groups nationwide. Since its founding the Society has provided more than $424 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.
You may make a donation to them by clicking here.
I also feel strongly about the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Lance has been very outspoken about the attention given to cancer in the public, and I think he provides a lot of hope for patients. Hope is something patients really need when going through the terrible treatments that are currently available.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) believes that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, the LAF provides the practical information and tools people living with cancer need to live strong. Our mission is to inspire and empower people with cancer to live strong. We serve our mission through education, advocacy, public health and research programs. LAF has spent more than $9.6 million granted toward cancer survivorship and testicular cancer research, more than $1.7 million invested in the development of five comprehensive cancer survivorship centers across the country, and nearly $1.6 million invested in survivorship education and outreach initiatives.
