Part Of Our Fabric

As told by Kroger, here is what they stand for! "Every day we open our doors and welcome millions of hungry people. But they're not just hungry for food. They're hungry for something that can make their lives healthier, easier, brighter and a bit lighter. They're hungry to feel good, do well, to go from anxiety to inspiration.So whether we manufacture, market, stock, check, deliver, or manage, we all try to make their experience as uplifting as possible. Just like Barney Kroger did when he brought together the butcher, the baker, dry goods, and produce all under one roof. We've always been about value, convenience, and making customers' lives simpler.To lift them up, we keep our hands, hearts and minds open so we can be attentive to their needs and provide true Kroger hospitality and generosity. Because every time someone crosses our threshold we get a fresh chance to make an emotional connection, lighten their load and lift them up.It's a simple truth that our world is hungry for uplift. It's a universal need, as powerful as our need for food or fuel.That's why our Purpose is To Feed the Human Spirit™."

Parkside Credit Union is proud to be a Michigan nonprofit organization since 1953. Parkside Credit Union offers unequivocal benefits and services to its members. With no hidden fees, competitive deposit dividend rates, and low loan rates, they help their members afford their dreams. Parkside offers 350+ local surcharge free ATMs, and the convenience of free online, mobile, and text solutions.

Paul Davis is a grateful human. He loves Reeses Pieces and Gummy Bears, and something that recently made him smile was seeing his dog Bane be tired out after playing with a younger pup. Paul is Partner at Podium Group. 

Direct from Julia's site, Yoga By Julia... "This place was meant to be. I could make a movie of the miraculous things that led to the opening of this studio.We're not talking one or two incidents. We're not talking a season of life where everything fell into place.I mean thing after thing after thing after thing over the past 25+ years that led to here.I didn't understand what was happening for most of the time, haha. It was a total walk of surrender and faith. I never ever ever ever EVER would have taken the path I did if God hadn't so UNDENIABLY led me through every quark-level detail of every step.From how I found yoga (before I knew it was yoga) to why I opened the studio (when the thought had not previously crossed my mind AT ALL) to how our programs and plans came into being (some of these ideas have been in my heart since elementary school) . . . these are stories that will be saved for another day.Suffice to say I now understand ALLLLLL of the parts that didn't make sense. And it BLOWSMYMIND how unfathomably, masterfully, PERFECTLY God was writing the story, 100% of the time.From the huge dreams in my heart that I always knew would be my future to the tiny ones I was okay with never having . . The whole range of it is my reality now, in more abundant form than I ever knew to dream! Specifically because of the things I went through that were devastating at the time.Yoga and the studio are not the only things I love in life or the only part of my future plans, but they satisfy a HUGE portion of what I've always wanted most. Even though while it was all happening it seemed like the OPPOSITE of everything I wanted. My Mission is “to help people live lives of fulfillment and purpose, that allow them to fully be who they are”. That's what yoga and the studio have done for me. That's what I hope it will do for YOU, too!!I have HUUUGE plans for this place. Come along . . . and stay tuned!!!"

"Gratitude is like a light. It can change a room, an interaction, or an everyday situation." Grateful to Oracle Netsuite's Carly Nesson for joining us on this show! 

It's a conversation where we talk about twins, Abraham Lincoln quotes, and gratitude...join us! Special thanks to Travis and Virtuous for the great work they do. 

Imagine how it would feel when all the traditions and ceremonies of your high school senior year were halted in an instant. For Ally, Ella, and Michael, they were the "Class of '20" HS Seniors who had their lives turned upside down with the onset of the pandemic. Fast forward to today, as graduates and soon-to-be-graduates, is it possible they actually found something to be grateful for among the change and uncertainty? Find out here!

Key NuggetsCold showers can change your daily routineAlmost anything great is the sum of many, many great things that came before itConsistency and endurance are traits and strengths to focus onYou could never script where life is going to take you

Monika Niemasik, MA, TLLPWhen children and adolescents misbehave, withdraw, or fail to meet expectations, there is typically a reason. Although as adults we may not immediately understand or appreciate their intentions, it is in Monika's experience and understanding that these behaviors are communications. It is her goal to understand these communications and to encourage parents and their children to move forward with empowered perspectives, utilizing practical strategies for growth and improvement.  Monika graduated with a Master of Arts in School and Community Psychology with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in School Psychology from Wayne State University. She received my Bachelors of Arts with Honors in Developmental Psychology from the University of Windsor. Monika primarily works with children, adolescents, and their families in the identification and treatment of behavioral, emotional, social, and academic challenges. Her experience as a school psychologist and psychotherapist provides her with a unique and comprehensive understanding of the multitude of stressors that youth face during their development. Monika's holistic and play-based approach to therapy provides a space for your child to best communicate their thoughts and feelings, as well as a place to develop healthy coping strategies. In partnership with you, she looks forward to helping your family maneuver through this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, journey of your child's development.In addition to practicing child psychology and working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist, 

Associate Professor of Health Communications Nick Iannarino shares with us what he has learned from his research about family caregiving and the Sandwich Generation. 

For more information on Fleece & Thank You, you can visit fleeceandthankyou.org.

Important to note: empathy is NOT just about walking in someone else's shoes, it's also about how you communicate back what you learned on that walk.Connect with Nick and his research on LinkedIn.

Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You Nicholas Kristock talks with Ned Spektor about origins, Make a Blanket Day: 2019 Rochester, and how to pursue your passion. Theme from this talk: Share Your Energy!

We are talking about Make a Blanket Day: Rochester, New Volunteer Shifts, Upcoming Podcast Guests, and more!

Nate and Nick dive into the concept of values, empathy, and how to be the best version of ourselves so that we can make the people around us better. About AFSThings change quickly sometimes. Looking at the photo accompanying this story in 2019 might have elicited thoughts about community, or fun events with friends; today the first thing that pops into our minds is a group of people not practicing social distancing. Certainly, life's going to be a little complicated for awhile.Just as it's affected so many areas of our lives, the Covid-19 pandemic has completely changed the way we do fitness.  As restrictions loosen and lockdowns are lifted, people will be emerging from quarantine with a very unique personal challenge to solve. How can I keep myself safe while also getting healthier and more resilient? This by in-large will be a highly individualized decision as each person weighs their risk factors, age, and overall health status against the risks of doing the things they want to do out in public. Knowing this is the “new normal” we're coming back to, AFS ensures we have an option for you. Whether you aren't ready to leave home yet, you're chomping at the bit to get back to the gym, or maybe you fall somewhere in between.The base AFS membership, or as it's referred to now: (contactless membership) includes access to the AFS community virtual hub where we host several live workouts each week you can do right from your living room. In home experiences ranging from yoga, to circuit training, even strength and stretching! Base members also get access to our signature outdoor “pop-up” workouts where you can socialize and exercise with friends out in the fresh air. The workout options are topped off with access to our members only forum and guidance from a degreed and certified personal coach we'll pair you up with to ensure you have all the tools you need to get started. For $35 per month you'll have the support you need to get moving again without ever having to set foot into one of our facilities.Feel comfortable coming to one of our physical locations? Enroll in one of our traditional memberships and take part in some of the most highly reviewed exercise experience anywhere in southeast Michigan. Now with updated/scientifically vetted screening, sanitization, and distancing protocols in place.

Title credit to  Kaylyn Anders from Cancer is Hilarious. 

About Chief Financial Credit UnionChief Financial Federal Credit Union has been meeting the financial needs of our members since 1941. We have proudly maintained locations in Pontiac, MI while expanding into the Dearborn and Greater Rochester areas.The Chief Financial goal is to be more than money. We have placed corporate social responsibility at the core of our foundation and intend to tirelessly work toward making our world a better place.Chief Financial Credit Union is committed to empowering financial success and inspiring creative philanthropy.At Chief Financial Credit Union, "more than money" is not just a tagline. It is the company culture that we have created and the fuel that drives our mission. Our goal is to inspire strategic partnerships between our employees, members, and community partners. We boldly aim to be forever remembered for the good we did, the chances we gave, the opportunities we created and the lives we changed.We believe:Worth is not only measured with a dollar signValue has little to do with a bottom lineWe can change the world one person at a timeTheir core values include:Integrity in all Relationships: Strive to do what is right for the Credit Union, employees and membership with each interactionCollaborate for Growth: Create an environment where everyone contributes equally to the success of the whole and all opinions are given the same weightTransparency on all Levels: Continuous open and honest communication to create trust between the Credit Union, employees and membersSocial Responsibility is Everyone's Responsibility: All employees of the organization should seek ways to help the members of the communities we serve to live a better life each dayDiversity Breeds Creativity: When we open ourselves up to acceptance of different perspectives we allow for new ideas to be createdPerseverance Leads to Answers: Never stop trying to find a solution

The mission of the Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation is to support young adults with cancer from the beginning of their battle to life beyond cancer. Engaging in support groups involving peer interaction, especially young adult cancer camps, can provide them with tools that will help them manage the emotional side of their battle and allow them to feel like they are back in charge of their own life."In January of 2012, Cassie was told by her oncologist, “There is nothing more that we can do.” The cancer had attacked her liver along with other vital organs and she was beginning liver failure. She went home in the care of hospice. The final 42 days of Cassie's life family and friends surrounded her. We told stories, asked questions, shared our fears, laughed and cried. Cassie wanted every young adult diagnosed with cancer to be able to experience it with the same peer support and sense of adventure she did. We knew it would be our job to make her dream a reality. We walked Cassie up to heaven's gate and she entered on March 1, 2012. Cassie's work here was done but ours was just beginning.While Cassie was at First Descents Camp she wrote a letter to herself that was mailed to her six months after the camp finished. She was at home in hospice care when it arrived. We read the letter together; in it she described the week and then gave herself some advice. She reminded herself to “Stay active, eat healthy but enjoy junk food every so often. Never stop dreaming, when you feel good and even when you feel crappy, make life an adventure.” The advice I liked the best was 'Don't take the easy road, take risks'."Learn more at the Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer website

Fleece & Thank You is the official fiscal sponsor of Warmilu, an infant warming company. Lack of warmth is a huge problem experienced by many populations across the globe. Over 1 million premature infants die annually due to hypothermia-related causes in resource scarce settings. Most of these fatalities are due to a lack of basic access to electric incubators and other life-saving sources of warmth. Warmilu created a patented infant warming blanket (featured left) and is currently warming 10,000 infants born to hospitals in 75 countries around the world, and this partnership will help to increase that reach. You might not know this, but Nicholas and Grace are two founders whose early lives were saved by incubators. Nick was born a twin, and his twin sister was taking up much of the nutrients in the womb. He was born with fully developed organs, but he could not warm himself up. The care team was quick-thinking and put Nicholas into an incubator, which saved his life.In a different Michigan hospital, Grace was born 1-month preterm the day after Christmas. Smaller than a teddy bear, Grace was warmed by an incubator for 11 days to stabilize her and grow her underdeveloped lungs. For days, both founders were separated from their parents. Being isolated made an impression. Grace's parents told her stories about incubator life and only being able to touch her toe. This early challenge instilled a lifelong desire in Nicholas and Grace to make a positive impact and bring people closer together.Today, both Nicholas and Grace are still blown away that their paths intersected in pediatric healthcare, specifically warming children with blankets! The world is a better place when FTY blankets provide comfort to kids and Warmilu blankets provide life-saving warmth to keep infants warm near their parents. Together, blankets from Warmilu and FTY become physical embodiments of love when kids are in their greatest time of need.Our “Wrapped in Warmth” partnership with Fleece and Thank You allows YOU to create comfort and hope for someone going through a difficult time. Every soft, colorful fleece blanket symbolizes the love and support of friends, family, and community. The Warmilu + Fleece & Thank You Blanket Kit is a great way to provide hands-on support to children needing comfort locally and abroad. For every Warmilu + FTY Blanket kit sold, one infant warming blanket will be donated to a hospital abroad, saving THOUSANDS of infant lives.Learn more about the partnership here!

Fleeceandthankyou.org for more info!

The world of clinical trials is shrouded in mystery for many, and in this conversation, Alyssa helps bring us the "simple explanation" of what clinical trials are, how they work, and why they are so important. 

ABOUT NURSES INSPIRE NURSESNurses Inspire Nurses is a community of nurses created to inspire and uplift ourselves and each other. It all began when Cat Golden, our founder, was tired, burnt out, and sick of waiting for external circumstances to change to start feeling better.She started doing things to uplift her coworkers and created coffee talks, a safe space outside of work for nurses to come together, have real conversations, and find support. SHE KNEW SHE WANTED TO SUPPORT NURSES IN AN EVEN BIGGER WAYShe knew she wanted to support nurses in an even bigger way and created Nurse Giveback Night, an event for nurses to celebrate themselves and all the hard work they put in each day.When she put the phrase “Nurses Inspire Nurses” on a t-shirt to sell at the very first Nurse Giveback Night, she got an overwhelming response and knew she was onto something.

Nick Iannarino (PhD, University of Kentucky; MA, University of Dayton) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Language, Culture, and Communication at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Nick specializes in health communication, and he is particularly interested in how people in close relationships manage the social experience of severe and chronic illness. His research considers the unique communication practices and challenges experienced by young adult (YA) cancer survivors and their close social network members. He has also studied the use of humor in existing narratives about traumatic illness (e.g., found in YA blogs, comedy performances, comic books), adult siblings who have made health decisions for an aging parent, and family communication patterns among cancer patients and their primary caregivers. Nick also teaches undergraduate courses on multiple topics related to health communication, qualitative and quantitative research methods, interpersonal communication, and public speaking.

Angela helped lead an amazing conversation that talked about finding your purpose, acceptance of others, trusting the process, and leaning on others for support. When Angela's daughter Brooklyn was first born, they immediately knew something was different. Brooklyn was born with a cranio-facial syndrome called Crouzon syndrome that resulted in several other complications. Angela shares what she learned from 8 years of hospital surgeries and treatment stays. 

Along with updates on Make a Blanket Week Walled Lake/Novi 2021 presented by Kroger, we are also talking about the F&TY Golf Outing, a big order we received from Discover Credit Card, some open positions we are hiring for, and National Volunteer Week!--Wisdom--“Old is when regrets outweighs dreams.” If you think of life in the concept of 4 quarters, the average life is 79 years. If we call adulthood at 18, what is halftime? 48.5! We get, on average, 61.5 years of adulthood, meaning each "quarter" is 15.25 years. That means your first quarter ends at 33.25, halftime is 48.5, and the third quarter goes until 63.75. The point: Don’t feel like you have to hit a buzzer beater in the first quarter! 

From 12p-3p at Suburban Collection Showplace, hundreds of awesome humans will be showing up for an epic drive-thru event to support kids in the hospital! Learn more at fleeceandthankyou.org!

Of course, there is an appropriate planning period important for any long-standing endeavor, but to extend that time period of waiting longer than it needs to be, to freeze out of fear of moving forward, to wait when we need to move, would be our greatest misuse of a valuable resource called time. Listen to my chat with Devin Tarrant from Applied Fitness Solutions as we chat about time and the importance of not waiting to do the things we believe in. seizing opportunities. Applied Fitness Solutions is a sponsor of Fleece & Thank You's work, and they host multiple blanket-making events at their locations throughout the year! You can learn more about Devin and the Applied Fitness Solutions team and vision at their website. Thanks for the inspiration, Devin!

This update episode talks about our new warehouse cutting positionsour lobby renovationvolunteeringspecial events- Make a Blanket Week Walled Lake/Novi presented by Kroger and our Fleece & Thank You Golf OutingMiles for Meaning competitionand as always, some wisdom!Today's wisdom: "The same sunshine that melts the butter hardens the clay."

We are catching you up quickly on Make a Blanket Week: Walled Lake/Novi, our upcoming Golf Outing in May, a call for runners across the country for a big running/walking event we are in, a HUGE event with a major credit card company, and conversation about the measurement of success vs. effort.

Updates on this episode include:Grab n' Go Volunteer Shout Out!New Volunteer Support Position and Communications Intern, AlexisVirtual 'First Wash' PartyGolf Outing 2021Partnerships with: Nurses Inspire Nurses, Oakland University - LEAN, and Fairway

Updates on this episode include Giving Tuesday, the Washing Machine, Virtual Blanket Making, our Holiday Blanket Bundle, and, most importantly, having an attitude of gratitude!

"Discipline will take you places motivation never could." Alyssa and Nicholas break down discipline vs. motivation and how the FTY year has been!

Working for a grassroots nonprofit, you have to wear a lot of hats, and sometimes it can feel like you're juggling swords, fire, and apples all at the same time. Listen to Alyssa and Nicholas talk FTY updates AND have a dialogue about running a small business.  

Rabbi G has a story for the books. As an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University and the Founder of Kids Kicking Cancer His life's journey has taken him around the world speaking and serving in the area of pediatric illness and helping children cope with pain. Rabbi G and Kids Kicking Cancer is on a mission to bring hope to 1 million kids in the world. This is a conversation you don't want to miss, and he even gives us a power breathing lesson to use in our own life! For more info about Rabbi G and Kids Kicking Cancer, check out kidskickingcancer.org. If you benefit from power breathing, send an email to info@kidskickingcancer.org!

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. 

Updates on this episode include:Prank WarsSTEP Birthday KaraokeWasher/Dryer DeliveryChildhood Cancer Awareness MonthMake 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. ​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.​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.​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.​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.​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 shipmentGolf OutingMake a Blanket WeekGlobal Orders + ShippingWasher/DryerCampfireBlanket Kit ExperienceRock Community ChallengeBOND Student OrgLawrence Tech University support 

Updates on this episode include:Washer/DryerPromo BlanketsWarmilu + FTYTraverse Bay Ferry Company PartnershipOwens Corning Global OrderB-present partnershipFTY 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:SupportEducationHealthy lifestyle activitiesSocial eventsResource connectionsThe 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 ProjectsShelvingWashing MachinesDrive-In Movie TheatersChildhood Cancer Awareness MonthFTY ApparelCommunity 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.

Take it from someone who has lived in multiple countries and states, moving is hard and can be unsettling. Listen to this awesome discussion as Julie teaches us how to find purpose in your current situation and how to be resilient when change is the only constant. 

Join Alyssa and Nicholas as they talk through the FTY updates for the week, including:Reopening PlanOnline OrdersCommunity Partners coming backRecent Hospital Deliveries + At Home Blanket DeliveriesWashing Machine JourneyWe also end with some wisdom from Roy Disney!

Twist Out Cancer (TOC) was built on the belief that when you share, the world opens up. At the age of 29, Jenna Benn Shersher was diagnosed with grey zone lymphoma—a rare form of cancer which affects less than 300 people in the United States. Midway through treatment, Jenna, a dancer at heart, was isolated due to her compromised immune system. Alone and longing for the days when she could dance freely, she created an online video of herself doing the twist. She asked her friends to join her on her virtual dance floor, and within days, Jenna’s challenge was met by hundreds of videos of thousands of people dancing around the world. She no longer felt alone but instead connected to and supported by a community of twisters. When Jenna completed treatment she knew that she wanted to give back in a meaningful way. She recognized the power of sharing and the importance of creating a support community that caters to the psychosocial needs of those affected by cancer. Thus: Twist Out Cancer was born.

You fill find few better definitions of the heart of empathy than Gilda's Club Metro Detroit. Here is more info about the organization, which can also be found at https://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/Our MissionGilda’s Club Metro Detroit ensures that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. Our organization creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.Our HistoryOur namesake, Gilda Radner, was one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout her time on the show, she created a number of enduring characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella and Lisa Loopner. Laughter and love were central themes of Gilda’s career and life, including in her marriage to actor and comedian Gene Wilder.Gilda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1985. She said that having cancer gave her membership in an elite club she’d rather not belong to. She passed away in 1989,but her legacy lived on when her husband and friends established Gilda’s Club and the first red door opened in New York City.Our Larger CommunityIn July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community. By helping to complete the cancer care plan, CSC optimizes patient care by providing essential, but often overlooked, services including support groups, counseling , education and healthy lifestyle programs. Today, CSC provides the highest quality emotional and social support through a network of more than 50 local affiliates, 100 satellite locations and online. Learn more about the Cancer Support Community.

For more information on the magical programs of Crowns Against Cancer, check them out at  https://www.crownsagainstcancer.org/In their words...MissionCrowns Against Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that started as a group of university students around Metro-Detroit, Michigan. Since then, we have branched to serve pediatric patients and special needs populations all throughout Michigan. We are committed to bringing smiles and magic through princess, superhero, and other fairy-tale character visits.How Crowns Against Cancer was founded: Our founders were having tea one day, when our president Ilinca briefly mentioned the idea to vice-president, Ria. They both LOVED princesses growing up and the magic surrounding their stories. Both of them have always been very passionate about helping and giving back to the community, especially the pediatric community, and the idea for character visits popped into their heads. "The idea itself isn't a novel one, but we wanted to make the organization accessible to anyone who had a passion and commitment to help bring magic and smiles to sick and ailing children. The hospitals can often be a very scary place for many children and having the cheerful, magical presence of their favorite princesses and fairy-tale characters can be such a comfort to them at a time when they should be able to have fun and enjoy their childhood. Through our visits, we are committed to making each and every child feel special, and do what we can to give them a piece of their childhood back," they said.While we initially (and still) are primarily focused on the pediatric cancer community, we also visit diverse cases in the hospitals and we are branching out to include various other communities including special needs.

Life throws a lot of pitches at us during our time up at the plate.We see them all- curveballs, changeups, and even the intimidating fastballs.One thing is certain: “The only thing worse than not having an opportunity is having one and squandering it.”Listen to my chat with Chris Nemes from Nemes-Rush Private Wealth Management as we chat about seizing opportunities.Nemes-Rush Private Wealth Management is a sponsor of Fleece & Thank You’s work, and they host an annual all-client appreciation & blanket-making event!

B-Present is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that improves the experience of young adults with cancer through programs and digital campaigns that promote connection and support. This mission will be achieved through two initiatives: b-aware and b-connected.B-Present is focused on serving the young adult cancer community between the ages of 18-35 and their support networks. Young adults face many unique challenges as they establish personal and financial independence, attend college or start a career, begin a family, pay for their own medical expenses, and often have limited access to support services. When a cancer diagnosis enters this already chaotic phase of life, it’s even more difficult to find balance and support. b-present is committed to providing solutions that keep these unique challenges top of mind.You can find out more about B-Present at b-present.org.