October 2009 - Relationships Move Gifts to Action

Dear Friends:

Last month, I wrote to you about the amazing power of the MACC Fund's Kids Helping Kids Program. As I wrote about this program, I began to think about all the ways in which our relationships with each of you propel the MACC Fund further along in our mission to eradicate childhood cancer and related blood disorders.

This month, we will celebrate our wonderful 33-year partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks' ongoing generosity and support have been keystones in the critical milestones that MACC Fund supported research has reached since 1976.

We hope that you will join us on October 23rd to celebrate relationships as your Milwaukee Bucks host the 33rd Annual Bucks MACC Fund Game at the Bradley Center. The Bucks have planned a fantastic Kids Day Festival. The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a Bucks Player Autograph after the game. Cascio Interstate Music is bringing the band StreetLife, along with 10-year old singing sensation, Tallan "T-Man" Latz, to perform at half-time. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.maccfund.org or give us a call at 414.456.5830.

Each relationship brings action to the Gift of Hope. As we celebrate our 33-year relationship with exciting Milwaukee Bucks NBA action, we also celebrate our relationships with you. Whether you volunteer your time, organize or run an event, participate in one or more events, contribute your resources, or have a relationship with a child or family affected by childhood cancer or related blood disorders, every one of you has helped advanced the goals and mission of the MACC Fund in very significant ways.

Thank you for giving hope to children with cancer and blood disorders.

Blessings,

Your Gifts in Action

In 2006, the MACC Fund committed $3.5 million dollars toward the creation of the MACC Fund Pediatric Cancer Research Wing at the University of Wisconsin's Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. Later this fall, this research wing will open and will provide space for the collaborative efforts of six research teams dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

In June 2008, the MACC Fund committed $5 million dollars to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to support translational research at the MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Translational research uses outcomes data to provide the most advanced medical technology and updated protocols to treat childhood cancer and blood disorders. The success of translational research also relies on nurses, social workers, child life specialists, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists and others who are vital to providing care and information.

In September 2009, Professor Bryon Johnson, Ph.D, was awarded a grant renewal from the National Institute of Health's Cancer Institute. He will continue research into cures and treatments for neuroblastoma--one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. Building on past research supported by the MACC Fund, Dr. Johnson and his team of research scientists hope to use a multi-faceted approach to optimize treatments for neuroblastoma and improve patient outcomes.

These are just three of the many ways your relationships and gifts of hope--your time, your talent, your monetary support, and your relationship with the MACC Fund--are helping to battle childhood cancer and related blood disorders.