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U-M CCC - Progress Newsletter Winter 2003 Online

Cancer Center and Make a Wish for Hope

The U-M Cancer Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan welcomed Lynne V. Cheney, Ph.D. (to the left), wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, as the special guest at their first "Words for a Wish and a Cure" benefit Oct. 4.

During her keynote address, Dr. Cheney touched on themes from her recently published alphabet-based book for children, America: A Patriotic Primer. She briefly recounted the accomplishments of several key historical figures and stressed the value of keeping such stories alive for today's children. Cheney also recognized the important work being undertaken by the staffs and volunteers from both organizations.

The event's 270 patrons also enjoyed a lively concert by the Grammy Award-winning Irish musicians, The Chieftains, and the vocal talents of local Make-A-Wish recipient Jessica Waldron.

'The gala netted more than $100,000 to be divided by the two organizations for both "wishes"and "cures."Sponsors included Border's Group, Domino's Pizza, Forester's Group, Pfizer, Liberty Title, Hylant Group, Advance Print & Graphics, Creative Solutions Group, Inc. and Edwards Brothers.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and the University of Michigan Cancer Center's Childhood Cancer Program have joined forces time and time again to provide cutting edge-treatment and complementary social services to hundreds of children facing life-threatening diseases," says Valerie Castle, M.D., co-director of the U-M's Childhood Cancer Program and board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.

Lynne Cheney, Ph.D. speaks at joint fundraiser for U-M and Make-A-Wish

Wishing Stars
The "Words for a Wish and a Cure" benefit sparkled for many reasons, not least of which were the touching and inspiring "Wishing Stars" that decorated the ballroom.

The Cancer Center's Child and Family Life Program organized this special "Wish Upon a Star" exhibit. On display in the Cancer Center last fall, it shared the unique wishes of pediatric families and those who support them, from both near and far. The bright and whimsical stars reflected the hopes, dreams, inspirations and magical thoughts of children, teens, families and Cancer Center staff.

You can help support the programs mentioned in this article. Visit How to Support Our Mission to learn more.

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