michiganpulmonarydiseasecommunity

Well here we are already into February, and it seems like only yesterday we were watching the ball come down in Times Square. Before we know it, it will be time for CFSN to mail out another round of C.A.R.E. packages containing toys, books, crafts, etc. to our kids, followed by our Summer Adventure program, which sends families to places or activities of their choosing . Also at that time of year, our scholarship programs for education and summer camps really take off.  I bring this up basically for 2 reasons:

(1) Membership in the CFSN/MPDCI. We need you!  We want you - your ideas, thoughts and energy. What I want you to realize is that the people on the board are people just like you who are part of the membership base and want to see a better life for our CF kids and families and volunteer their time  to make this all happen. We meet only 1 day a month, but with that one day we try to make a big difference. If you haven’t done so already, I am asking you as CFSN’s (MPDCI) President, to please take the time to fill out the membership form for yourself or family, send it back in and become part of our base to keep these programs going. Being a member of CFSN/MPDCI does not mean you are on the board of directors - it just means that you support what we as a group are doing and if not, it gives you a voice to say so. There are decisions that the board cannot make alone. These are decisions that are sent to the general membership (you) to help us. The bigger the base, the better the decisions.  And since these decisions usually affect our kids and families, wouldn’t you want to have a say? Membership is cheap - just look at your form. If you like what we do, then please sign up to be a part of it,  and you don’t necessarily have to be a board of director. If you need a form, please just call or email our office manager, and she will be glad to help you. Remember our program can only work if we have a broad base to support it.

(2) As you know, we are a self-funded, non-profit organization. Just like everyone else in this economy, we have been losing money and it takes money to keep the smiles on our kids’ faces  when they get their C.A.R.E. packages and to provide Summer Adventure wishes for our families.  We realize that a lot of our CF families can’t afford to continually send us money.  Believe me, I understand that. What I do ask though, is that if we have a fundraiser, such as the upcoming Tupperware one planned for later this year, or our Bash or whatever, that you might pass the word to your family, friends, and groups that you are part of (i.e. Elks, Moose, Eagles etc). If you have an idea for a fundraiser, please pass it on to the board by email, U.S. Mail, or at one of our board meetings.

We will be sending out raffle tickets to all of our families during May.  If your family is not able to purchase them, please take them to work or ask your friends if they are interested in supporting CFSN by purchasing a few raffle tickets.  Please don’t just throw the tickets away as that is money lost to helping our kids. We are also looking into sponsoring a golf outing, another Bash or possibly a dinner/show/comedy night.  We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities, and you can help.

Come to our February general membership meeting and see what your board does on your behalf.  Make a difference and join us in the Cystic Fibrosis Support Network of Michigan/ Michigan Pulmonary Disease Community Inc.

Mike York

CFSN President