The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan

Every 90 minutes, someone in Michigan is told they have blood cancer. The statistics point to each one of us knowing an individual or family touched by leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma or another blood related disorder.

While situations never look exactly alike, these diseases suddenly change everything, creating a ripple effect that is often devastating. Patients and their loved ones face an abundance of emotional, financial and social hardship, and that is where The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (formerly Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan) comes in -- to support them and help them maintain their quality of life throughout the experience. 

BCFM is a statewide non-profit organization that provides disease information and resources, as well as emotional, financial and social support for adults and children across Michigan who are affected by blood cancer. BCFM offers a variety of critical programs and services that help meet patients’ and families’ acute and ongoing needs. 

OUR HISTORY

In 1952, Harry and Sylvia Brown were still mourning the loss of their young daughter who died of leukemia four years before. The reality of her illness was devastating. Even more leveling, however, was struggling through uncertainty, anxiety and worry without support or guidance. In bonding with other families who had also lost a child to blood cancer, the Browns vowed that no one else would have to walk that road alone, and founded CLF in their daughter’s memory.

In 2020, CLF began delivering services under the new name The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM) – a name that reflects our broader mission and focus, which is to support any patient or family member in Michigan affected by any type of blood cancer or precancerous blood condition, including many types of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood related diseases. In fact, BCFM offers support for nearly 200 diseases in the blood cancer family.

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to addressing the emotional, financial, and social needs of patients and families affected by blood cancer across Michigan for more than 70 years. Master’s level professionals personalize critical education and support services to each patient and family member, elevating their ability to cope and heal – from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Today, we serve more than 2,800 patients and 8,700 family members across the state. And, since our first year of service delivery, we have supported more than 30,000 patients, and untold members of their families.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES THIS ALL POSSIBLE

Because our offerings are funded 100% through philanthropy, fundraising is crucial for continuation of BCFM’s services. And, because its primary focus is to support patients and families, the majority of funding directly benefits those it serves.