NORTHWEST INDIANA | Community Cancer Research Foundation’s Cancer Resource Centre (CRC) received $16,000 in donations in 2023 from Laini Fluellen Charities, Inc., whose goal is to improve health outcomes for women at high risk for and diagnosed with breast cancer, especially triple-negative breast cancer.
Laini Fluellen Charities was founded in 2009 and named in honor of Laini Fluellen, who died at age 38 from triple-negative breast cancer. Since its inception, the Northwest Indiana/Chicago-area organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer education, research, training, screenings and innovative treatments.
“Laini Fluellen Charities and the Community Cancer Research Foundation rally behind the same cause – raising awareness and support in an ongoing battle against triple-negative and other forms of breast cancer,” said Marie Macke, executive director of Oncology Services for Community Healthcare System and administrator of Community Cancer Research Foundation. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity, partnership and alliance in funding research, developing treatments and supporting resources for those in need.”
This year’s donations included $10,000 in the form of 200 $50 holiday food certificates for the CRC to distribute to cancer patients and their families. The CRC received a second donation of $6,000 following Laini Fluellen’s 12th Annual A Pink Tie Affair gala, a fundraiser that honors leaders who support the organization’s mission. Among this year’s honorees was Macke, who received the first Tranece Artis Trailblazer Award. Artis, who died last year, was the organization’s executive director and Laini Fluellen’s aunt and best friend.
“It was an incredible honor to be named the first recipient of this award,” Macke said. “I am grateful to Tranece, along with her amazing family, in setting up this foundation. Many patients have benefited from their generosity and education.”
Jennifer Sarkey, director of Cancer Care Services for Community Healthcare System, praised the hard work, dedication and life-saving mission of Laini Fluellen Charities and its board members.
“The generous donations made by Laini Fluellen Charities will help those who turn to the Cancer Resource Centre during an unsettling time in their lives,” Sarkey said. “The CRC’s purpose is to support, nurture, educate and help local cancer patients achieve the best possible health outcome. Donations like these send a reassuring message: ‘You are not alone.’ ”
For more information on Community Cancer Research Foundation and the CRC, visit myccrf.com/about-us.
For more information on Laini Fluellen Charities, visit lfcharities.org.
