In 1952,

Harry and Sylvia Brown were still mourning the loss of their young daughter. She had died of leukemia four years before.

The devastating illness was the part of the story that everyone could see. Less visible was the uncertainty, anxiety, and worry—the desperate wish for some form of support or guidance. Committed to seeing their pain transformed into hope for the next family, the Browns founded the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan (CLF). Harry and Sylvia Brown sought to honor their daughter’s memory with the vow that no one else would walk their cancer journey alone.

Soon after, in 1957, CLF expanded beyond leukemia to include patients with other blood cancers. CLF also expanded to include adults, which now make up the majority of new blood cancer diagnoses—up to 75%.

Sixty eight years later, (2020) the Children’s Leukemia Foundation renamed itself The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM). This name reflects our vision that anyone in Michigan with a blood cancer diagnosis—children and adults across a variety of diagnoses—can tap into a community of care that won’t quit.

Today, BCFM offers support for patients and their families representing nearly 200 diseases in the blood cancer family. Together with you, we stand in the gaps for Michiganders with blood cancer diagnoses, whether those gaps are emotional, social, or financial. If you are a Michigan resident affected by any type of blood cancer or precancerous blood condition, we’re with you, for you, all the way through.

BCFM’s Master’s level professionals meet each patient and family member where they are, supporting your ability to cope and heal–from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. Since Harry and Sylvia Brown, CLF/BCFM has supported more than 30,000 patients, and untold members of their families.

As one of the nation’s top-rated charities via Charity Navigator, and a Platinum transparency rating from Candid, The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan is a partner you can trust. Together with you, we can carry the Browns’ mission forward: no one walks their blood cancer journey alone.


 

Today: BCFM’s Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission

Together with you, we stand in the gaps for Michiganders affected by blood cancer, delivering personalized, compassionate support, throughout treatment and beyond.

Vision

No one walks alone. We’re working for a world where every blood cancer patient in Michigan has the opportunity to receive personalized and ongoing support based on their geographical location and unique needs.

Values

  • Make it Better: Our goal is to leave everything better than we found it: your spirits, your circumstances, and even our own programs & procedures.

  • Make it Yours: One size never “fits all.” We’ll meet you exactly where you are, with tailored support that truly fits your unique needs

  • With you, for you, all the way through: We’re here for you as long as you need us; we won’t discharge you unless you ask us to—even after cancer.

  • Listening Ear: By phone or by your side, BCFM provides a listening ear for wherever you are along YOUR fight for recovery.   

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Why did you change your name and logo from Children’s Leukemia Foundation?
    While originally created to serve children with leukemia in Michigan, we quickly grew and expanded our mission to support all blood cancer patients and their family members. The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan is dedicated to empowering patients and families to cope and heal – from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond. We’ve been tailoring programs and services that meet their acute emotional, social and financial needs for decades. Now we have a name that better identifies our work and connects with those who need us.

  2. Which diseases does BCFM support?
    BCFM supports nearly 200 types and subtypes of blood cancer and potentially malignant blood disorders. The most common diseases support are leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS, aplastic anemia, and myeloproliferative disorders.

  3. What are the requirements to be eligible for BCFM’s services?
    There are no income or age restrictions to enroll with BCFM. To be eligible, you need to be a resident of the state of Michigan and have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or qualifying blood disorder.

  4. Are you affiliated with any national organizations or hospitals?
    No. While BCFM partners with hospitals, healthcare systems and other organizations across the state and country, we are an independent 501c(3) nonprofit.

  5. Do I need to reapply to your program every year? How long can I use your services?
    Once you are enrolled with BCFM, you don’t ever need to reapply to be eligible for services. We are available for as long as you need us. Many patients find value in the emotional and social support for several years after treatment has finished. We are aware that just because treatment is complete, the need for support continues.