Community Partner Programs
Additional special programs are managed directly, or in collaboration with community partners, such as Children’s Cancer Center in Phoenix, Tu Nidito, and University Medical Center in Tucson. These special programs have included:
Discretionary Funds-Provided to Children’s Cancer Center, University Medical Center, and Tu Nidito / Education and Outreach
Annual Holiday Gift Program / Neuropsychological Evaluations of Children with Leukemia
Other Special Projects as Requested by Institutions That Are Dedicated to Providing Services to Children with Leukemia
Annual Holiday Gift Program / Neuropsychological Evaluations of Children with Leukemia
Other Special Projects as Requested by Institutions That Are Dedicated to Providing Services to Children with Leukemia
Amanda Marks
TU NIDITO PROGRAM MANAGER
LFAC responds immediately to all requests with a minimal turn around time between request and payment. Tu Nidito and its families are very fortunate to have a resource like LFAC; it is the only organization of its kind providing assistance to benefit children diagnosed with Leukemia. Tu Nidito’s Courage Bead Program began in 2003 as a way to recognize and honor the journey children take when they are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Currently 50% of the children enrolled in the Courage Bead program are diagnosed with Leukemia. When a child is first diagnosed, a Tu Nidito staff member sits with the child, giving him or her a cord to string their beads, and together they begin to tell the story. Then,each time a child experiences a procedure or part of the treatment path, he or she adds a bead to the necklace reflecting the experience. The bead program is an opportunity for children to tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of the many steps taken throughout the course of treatment. The bead program also encourages children to speak about their feelings relating to their illness and treatment. Courage bead give even the smallest children a voice as they deal with the pokes, pain, hair loss, and nausea while they journey through their treatment. Each year LFAC provides money toward Tu Nidito’s Courage Bead program to designate toward Leukemia patients. Funding from LFAC allows Tu Nidito to purchase the ongoing supplies necessary for the maintenance of the program, provide necklaces to children with a Leukemia diagnosis, and replenish beads that are low in number. The financial assistance ensures that Tu Nidito always has the ability and supplies for children diagnosed with Leukemia to enroll in the Courage Bead program. LFAC provides emergent and non-emergent financial assistance to Tu Nidito families coping with a child’s leukemia diagnosis. The monies have been used for various family needs. Some examples include: assistance with mortgages, utility payments, and burial expenses. Every so often there are certain milestones, special events, or circumstances within a family’s diagnosis / treatment process. LFAC provides discretionary funds to Tu Nidito to use for these unique needs. If a child diagnosed with Leukemia has to celebrate a birthday in the hospital or if he / she completes therapy, these funds can be used to buy balloons, a birthday card, or other items to bring happiness to a family. If a mother is staying in the hospital 24/7 with her child, the funds can be used to buy her a magazine and cup of coffee to lift her mood. by having access to these discretionary funds, Tu Nidito is able to bring enjoyment, happiness, and other spirit lifting items to a family when thy are going through such a difficult time. Sincerely, Amanda Marks, Tu Nidito Program Manager