MPDCI Board of Directors
Lu Beltman
Kim Bowman
John Brock
Ken Brock
Colleen Dreher
Mark Gammon
Matt Jastrzembski
Kim Marcus
Don Marcus
Vicky McDonald
Laura Tillman
Lew Tillman
Nort Upson
Mike York
About the Board
MPDCI is governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by a large membership. The board is made up of dedicated individuals who are willing to serve a two year term. The board meets monthly. Visitors are always welcome to attend the meetings. They are encouraged to take part in discussions. On any given night the board might discuss anything from transplant issues to planning an outing.
Meet the Board
Mike York
I became an MPDCI board member when I saw how much was being done for my son Darin. I still marvel at the hard work and dedication that the people on the board put forth to enhance the lives of children and adults with CF. I continue on the board to be a small part of making a difference in the CF'ers we help.
Nort Upson
My involvement with the MPDCI board came about because we have a son with Cystic Fibrosis (age 27); and I wanted to stay as active as I could in helping these people cope with this disease. The MPDCI Board has many programs to do just this; and I am pleased to be a part of it.
Mark Gammon
One of my passions has been seeking out and finding other cystics who are in need of or interested in a bilateral lung transplant, and inviting them to participate in the MPDCI adult support group events such as the Culture Club. The Culture Club hosts area events to stimulate fellowship with other cystics who share the same fears, anxieties, and questions, yet don’t always know with whom they can talk. I am also trying to understand how MPDCI might be of further assistance with programs such as the Education and Lung Transplant Scholarships and the Bed Bath and Beyond donation program. In short, I am glad to be a part of the MPDCI board to meet, befriend, and help others with CF.
Laura and Lew Tillman
Laura and Lew Tillman are both returning board members, having served 4 years ago. They are glad to be able to volunteer their time with MPDCI in order to directly help CF patients and their families. They feel that the mission of MPDCI is a very worthwhile one and deserves as much assistance as possible.
Vicky McDonald
I volunteer because I have two boys with CF. I think MPDCI is a great organization for people living with CF.
Matt Jastrzembski
In June 1976 my first patient was a 19 year old with end stage CF. He got me to quit smoking; and I said I wanted to do something with children and adults with CF. I continue to be a part of MPDCI because of the many ways that MPDCI is involved with children and adults and continually looks for ways to enhance their lives.
Lu Beltman
I continue to be on the Board of MPDCI because of the impact on the lives of those with CF I have seen over the years. CF is no longer a childhood disease; and MPDCI and its programs have also “grown up” and evolved with those changing needs. I take pleasure in being a part of these changes.
Kim and Don Marcus
We learned about MPDCI in 1988. Maggie, our daughter, was one. The thought of an organization dedicated solely to the Michigan CF population gave us great comfort. Over the years, our entire family has benefited from the services offered by MPDCI. Don and I decided to volunteer to help MPDCI continue the important work for all the existing and new CF families. We are very proud of the contributions we have been able to make over the past three years. Don is a retired executive and brings a wealth of experience to the board. I am currently employed at Chrysler, working in the PowerTrain Development Organization.
Colleen Dreher
I am 21 years old, and currently in a nursing program at OCC. When I finish I will be an RN. I joined MPDCI because I have family members that are very involved with the group and want to do everything I can to help the CF community. I also hope to bring CF awareness and aid to every hospital I am involved with once I am a nurse.
John Brock
I feel very blessed to be the last surviving camper from the first year of camp. I got re-involved with the board after being away from MPDCI for a while, and have enjoyed the new things we are working on to support and help the Cystics in Michigan.
Kim Bowman
This is my first year on the MPDCI board, although I am no stranger to this wonderful group of people. I have two wonderful little boys with CF; and we have been involved with MPDCI for a few years now. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful and passionate group of people.
Ken Brock
I became involved with MPDCI through my son, John, who attended MPDCI's first summer camp in 1972. John attended camp every summer and became a senior camper. After that he became a counselor and worked on the board. Then four years ago he asked me to attend MPDCI's Lansing Planning Session where I was asked to become a board member. I continue to be involved because I believe that MPDCI's programs are serving a very worthwhile purpose for those with cystic fibrosis. I want to help find ways that will make life better for the patients and families dealing with CF.