September 21, 2007

From the Executive Director

My Friends Care, Inc. has gone through significant changes in 2007. It began with the retirement, after eleven years of service, of the former Executive Director, Jackie Ellis in January. Winnie Kissick came on board shortly thereafter. I started as the new Executive Director this past August. My schedule has been very busy since then!

I actually have some history working with My Friends Care. MFC helped to fund a Bone Marrow Drive that we held for my sister-in-law just over ten years ago. They helped us tremendously when we needed many questions answered and help with funding and how to raise funds. I was a former Board Member for several years. In the interim, of finding a new Executive Director, the Board has worked very hard to keep the office operating. I applaud them for their dedication during the transitions.

Some of you may know that our Chair, Patti Neal, accidentally fell and broke her leg in three places, at the end of June this year. She needed major surgery and has had a long slow road to recovery, but she is coming along and is hoping to get back to her job in October. Patti and the board were going through the hiring process, for me, when this happened. Her dedication went above and beyond the call of duty to call me from her hospital bed, trying to keep me informed.

I have trained with Jackie Ellis which made my transition very smooth. We have a new part-time bookkeeper on board with us and her name is Kim Bumbalough. Kim has over 10 years of experience with bookkeeping and we are very happy to have her join us. We also have a new family group that joined us recently. The fundraising process is just beginning for them. MFC will be there to help support them in their efforts and will also continue to grow to be a support to as many families as possible.

Did you know that MFC will celebrate its nineteenth anniversary next May? I am very excited to be working with an organization that remains an important source of help for families in need of financial help as well as helping to add more names to the National Marrow Donor Registry.

We thank you for your understanding and patience this past year and apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. I look forward to working with you and welcome your phone calls and/or emails with any questions or suggestions you may have.

Debra Wurmlinger

Our mission has expanded as the diseases and support needed, changes. 

Mission Statement:
"To provide expertise and support for family and friends of individuals with blood disorders or blood malignancies who are raising funds for treatment, blood stem cell transplants, donor recruitment and/or donor searches".