Friends of Mel Foundation Becomes Sponsor for Bone Marrow Transplant Program

University of Illinois Medical Center Receives Grant to Support Bone Marrow Transplant Program

HINGHAM, Mass., Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Illinois is set to receive a grant from the Friends of Mel Foundation (FOM) in support of their Bone Marrow Transplant Program. The program was selected as the recipient of the Mel's Magic award for January 2011. Mel's Magic was created by FOM in May 2009 to familiarize their supporters with other organizations that work tirelessly to make a difference in the cancer community. Each month, FOM gifts $1 of every Mel's Bracelet donation to a deserving organization who shares in their mission to help those affected by cancer.

"The stress of dealing with cancer treatment should not be compounded by financial stress. Through this program, our goal is to provide financial assistance for expenses not covered by insurance," commented Pauline Alighieri, Executive Director of the Friends of Mel Foundation.

The Friends of Mel Foundation was founded in 2006 in memory of an exceptional woman named Mel Simmons. Mel was a spiritual woman of legendary generosity and boundless energy.  Humor was her trademark.  In 2000, Mel was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, she lost her battle five years later; however, along the way Mel used her unique talent to raise the spirits of anyone who came in contact with her. Today her legacy spearheads fundraising efforts by FOM that benefit cancer research and education programs, as well as organizations who strive to meet the immediate needs of cancer patients and their families.

In addition, the University of Illinois Medical Center has been presented with a unique opportunity. A private donor has graciously committed to a "one-to-one challenge" grant. Funding from the Friends of Mel Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar, and will provide direct financial support for bone marrow transplant patients who have difficulty covering the costs of co-pays, prescription medication, travel and other expenses related to their treatment but not covered through insurance.

About University of Illinois Medical Center

The University of Illinois Medical Center is the primary teaching affiliate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the country. UIC's Bone Marrow Transplant Program has treated more than 550 patients.  The University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC) Bone Marrow Transplant Program treats a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma – conditions that cumulatively afflict more than 800,000 people in the United States. Many patients, otherwise incurable with more conventional therapies, have the potential to be placed into remission following a stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

About Friends of Mel Foundation

Friends of Mel Foundation's mission is to provide quality cancer care for the whole patient by funding cancer research, education and support. Their goal is to support creative and promising projects that impact patient care at both the grass root and institutional levels. To date, through donations received for Mel's Bracelet, over $2,500,000 has been gifted to programs that support their mission. Currently, the Friends of Mel Foundation is in the process of planning their first conference dedicated to cancer survivors and their caregivers; The Art of Living – Life Beyond Cancer. It is scheduled on June 4th, 2011 at the Marriott in Quincy, MA. To make a donation and join the thousands of women around the world who are wearing Mel's Bracelets, visit www.friendsofmel.org or call 781-740-2511.

SOURCE Friends of Mel Foundation