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Windows to the FutureThe McLaren Foundation • www.mclarenregional.org/foundation

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1MARCH 2011

In this issueEver Living Tree

Recipient Gives BackCommunity Support is

a Game ChangerMen helping men face their fears in the fight

against cancerIRA Charitable Rollover

GiftsYour

Making a big impact on real lives in our community

A hand up. A kind word. A few dollars. Each of these things can make a world of difference in a person’s life. Financial obstacles can prevent people from reaching their goals, but Flint nursing student Mildred Wilkes and cancer survivor Amanda Combs each found that unexpected blessings often come just in the nick of time. Guys like Reg Tidball know that the kindness of others can make it possible to get the support needed to heal. Your generosity has meant a lot for these individuals – and the others who benefit from the McLaren Foundation’s growing community of givers. So what can giving a little do? It can change someone’s life.

Thank you for making

this difference!

Taking a swing at adaptive golf Mildred Wilkes

Amanda Combs

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When she was 28-years-old, Amanda Combs heard the news that would rock her world. ‘You have Stage 3 oral cancer.’ This non-smoking, non-drinking young woman didn’t fit the risk categories, so needless to say she was not prepared for the diagnosis – especially since she was uninsured at the time. She credits her faith, along with her family and physicians, with helping her make it through the fight of her life. Today, seven years later, she is cancer-free and giving back to an organization that came through for her in a time of need. The Ever Living Tree Fund was established in 1990 to provide financial assistance to cancer patients at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Since then, the program has bestowed hundreds of one-time cash gifts to patients in need. Combs said she received her gift when it mattered most. “It was perfect timing,” she said. “But throughout my cancer ordeal, I believe nothing

happened by chance. God had everything under control.” She was going through radiation and chemotherapy and was facing surgery when she

$25what can

do?

Inspirational Ever Living Tree

RecipientGiving Back

Your Gifts:

Making a big

impact on real

lives in our

community

“When I look in the mirror,I remember how blessed I truly am.”

– Amanda Combs

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received the bill for an extremely expensive medication. With no health insurance (she was working at a small chiropractic office at the time) she knew there was no way she could afford it. Then, a check from the Ever Living Tree Fund arrived – another completely unexpected occurrence. “Jean Battles, a social worker at McLaren, told me what the program was, and also helped me arrange to get physical and speech therapy. I am so thankful to her and to Dr. Saha for all they did. Now I’m sharing my story to inspire others and remind them that if you just have faith, God will take care of you,” said Combs, who lives in Linden with her husband, Jim. Now, Combs feels her life is truly on the track that it was always meant to be. She is currently working in the purchasing department at Creative Foam of Fenton and says that her somewhat altered appearance (following surgery to remove a tumor) serves to remind her of what she has overcome. “When I look in the mirror, I remember how blessed I truly am,”

she said. The Ever Living Tree is funded through the generous support

of employees, patrons and special friends of McLaren’s cancer program. An annual campaign makes it possible for patients in need to receive some financial assistance during their treatment.

Each November, a special holiday letter is sent out giving past recipients and other donors the opportunity to honor loved ones and support the Ever Living Tree Program with a financial gift. Donors can also customize ornaments and have them placed on the large holiday tree displayed in the lobby of McLaren Regional Medical Center.

The Ever Living Tree Program has firmly taken root in the hearts

of many whose lives have been touched by cancer. The program has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, providing help to more than 600 patients. With continued support, the Ever Living Tree will grow and provide respite for those in need. For information on how you can donate to the Ever Living Tree, visit mclarenregional.org.

(Left to right): Rhonda Squillario (sister), Marie Alford (grandmother), and Amanda Combs.

Amanda (right) and sister, Rhonda.

Amanda Combs and her husband, Jim, have a renewed appreciation for special times together.

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Your Gifts:

Making a big

impact on real

lives in our

community

Mildred Wilkes of Flint, a 2011 recipient of the Rachor Family Foundation Scholarship, always dreamed of becoming a nurse. A born nurturer, she helped care for her handicapped brother and many of her other siblings while growing up on the city’s north side. In middle school, she plotted a plan to get her education and make her nursing dream come true. While attending the University of Michigan-Flint Nursing Program, this 2004 Flint Northern graduate worked several jobs – all while raising her five-year-old son, James. Along the way, she made sacrifices and got support from people who cared. Bit by bit, she is achieving her goal. She is scheduled to graduate with her RN degree in May 2011. But, always reaching for more, she has her sights on yet another goal: returning to school for an advanced degree. “After I work for a couple of years as an RN, I plan to get my master’s degree and work for the underserved population as a Family Nurse Practitioner,” she said. “I spent some time in a free clinic during my clinicals and it really touched me. I thought that I could do more for these people if I have my nurse practitioner degree.” Wilkes did her homework to find out about the Rachor Family Foundation Scholarship, and she applied online. She was selected, along with Monique Tilley, Renee Mitchell and Lynn Elling, to receive a $1,000 scholarship for her outstanding potential and work ethic. Just like many things that fall into place for those who work hard, Wilkes actually found out that her Rachor Scholarship came through the same day she faced a financial setback. That $1,000 “gift” made a world of difference in her life particularly on that day. The Rachor Family Foundation, Ltd. has created over 50 scholarships since it was formed in 1996. The Foundation’s mission is to provide post secondary education scholarships for local students residing in Genesee, Shiawassee or Lapeer County. Each scholarship is named in honor of an outstanding individual who exemplifies excellence in their field with the hope that their success may inspire local students to attain a degree. For more information about the Rachor Family Foundation Scholarship Program, contact the McLaren Foundation at 810.342.4087 or visit www.mclarenregional.org/foundation.

It Can Help a Scholarship Recipient Who Wants to Do More

$1,000what can

do?

(Left to right): Roxanne Caine, Michael Rachor

and Mildred Wilkes.

Mildred Wilkes and her son, James.

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Your Gifts:

Making a big

impact on real

lives in our

community

Monica Haubenstricker’s father loved the game of golf and played regularly at a local country club. But when Parkinson’s Disease kept him from swinging the club the way he ‘used to’, not even his course pro knew how to help. “Dad was too embarrassed or uncomfortable to ask for help in that setting, so he couldn’t play the sport he loved. After I lost him, I decided that nobody should be without golf, if that’s what they really like doing,” said Haubenstricker, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and coordinator of Michigan Adaptive Golf. It was 17 years ago when Haubenstricker heard about First Swing, a national group in New Hampshire that was leading instructional clinics on adaptive golf. She partnered with First Swing and McLaren to bring the clinics to Flint, and since then, has helped grow the program to what it is today. Currently, Michigan Adaptive Golf holds annual tournaments and clinics in various Michigan locations, plus a weekly league at Swartz Creek Golf Course in Flint. From cancer survivors to hip-replacement patients and many others, adaptive golf is aimed at helping a wide variety of people get their game back. Adaptive golfers work side-by-side with McLaren recreational therapists and volunteers to regaining their balance, range-of-motion, flexibility, and endurance – things that are important when attempting to hit that perfect drive or sink a putt. Just as important is the self-esteem that comes with reclaiming the pastime they love. The instructional clinics are provided free to golfers with disabilities, and the weekly league is offered at a nominal fee. The program is open to people with disabilities, their family members, friends, golf partners, spouses and children. “No one is excluded,” said Haubenstricker. Individuals are provided with unique modifications or equipment as needed, and accommodations can be made to assist patients with standing, sitting, swinging a club and more. The program runs on volunteer power and the support of generous donors whose gifts range from prize certificates to golf cart donations. Volunteers are needed to assist on the course at clinics and for the weekly league. Haubenstricker urges men and women of all ages – and ranges of golf expertise – to come out and get involved. “There is nothing like helping someone who thought they had to give up their golf game. Seeing them hit a ball well and just be outside socializing, it is very rewarding,” she said. For more information on Michigan Adaptive Golf and to find out how you can help, call 810-342-2038.

Community Support is a Game ChangerGiving the Gift of Golf Back to Disabled and Recovering Patients

Monica’s passion has served as a catalyst for golfers young and old to learn to love the sport.

what canone person’s

do?

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Reel Recovery:Men helping men face their fears in the fight against cancer

A combination of fresh air, physical activity and “courageous conversations” often set the stage for feelings and emotions to surface. Reel Recovery gives men the chance to open up, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of cancer. A lot of guys enjoy fishing and hanging around other guys who like to fish. They enjoy the outdoors, healthy competition and getting their hands dirty. They normally don’t enjoy emotional exploration of their deepest fears, but the men who attend Reel Recovery fly-fishing expeditions are more than just regular guys. They’re cancer survivors. Reg Tidball, a GM retiree from Genesee, and Daniel Anbe, MD, a retired cardiologist and current McLaren Foundation Chairman, were among the survivors in attendance last June at a two-day Reel Recovery expedition held at Ranch Rudolph near Traverse City. These new friends spent time with 10 other patients who were learning to cast their lines and express their feelings about facing and overcoming cancer. The retreat gave these men the chance to let down their guards and talk with each other, asking questions like ‘Did you get a second opinion?’ or ‘What was that treatment really like?’ Tidball, who heads up the Us, Too support group at McLaren and is vice president of the Prostate Coalition of Michigan, called the experience “life changing.” He credits the professional facilitator who worked with the group for sparking frank conversation and starting the bonding process. “It was required that everyone speak up, and they gave us questions to think about before the next session,” said Tidball. “There were friendships made and tears shed.” Dr. Anbe, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2009, initially thought he would attend Reel Recovery to gather information and be an interested observer. He was surprised at how many feelings he had to share and how emotional and healing the process was. “The questions got

$10,000what can

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Your Gifts:

Making a big

impact on real

lives in our

community

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progressively more profound, starting with ‘Who are you?’ and ending up with ‘What do you still have to accomplish in your life?’ “The final day, we all stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle, our fishing guides standing with us, as the facilitator gave a final thought before sending us on our way. It was very emotional. I wish everyone could experience this,” he said.

How It BeganThe program was founded in 2003 by a group of Colorado sportsmen who witnessed first-hand how beneficial fly-fishing was for a friend who was suffering from brain cancer. They established the traveling retreat to provide the same opportunity for other men around the country who are battling the disease. From the volunteer fishing guides to the rods, reels and waders, everything is provided for participants. The Reel Recovery website states that adult men who are in treatment for or recovery from all forms of cancer are eligible to attend a Reel Recovery retreat, and all retreats are free to participants. This is to ensure that men from all socio-economic backgrounds have equal opportunity to attend. The organization provides meals, lodging and equipment and participants are responsible only for their transportation to the retreat location and a fishing license. A signed medical release from a physician is also a prerequisite.

Moving Down StreamSince participating in Reel Recovery, Tidball says he learned so much, not just about cancer, but about leadership. He now plans to support the cause as a sponsor. “You’ve gotta pay it back. I never would have guessed (before diagnosis) that I would be involved with a support group or anything, but there is a need. This was really good,” he said. “We all helped each other, and our facilitator got into our heads and our hearts,” said Dr. Anbe. “It was powerful.”

“The final day, we all stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle, our fishing guides standing with us, as the

facilitator gave a final thought before sending us on our way. It was very emotional. I wish everyone could

experience this.”– Daniel Anbe, MD

Reg Tidball (far left) and Dan Anbe (second from left) are hooked on fishing and the opportunity to help men with cancer.

(Left to right): Dan Anbe and Reg Tidball.

401 S. Ballenger HighwayFlint, Michigan 48532

IRA Charitable Rollover is Good News for GiversPresident Obama signed a tax law bill on Friday, December 17 that extends Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) for tax years 2010 and 2011. This means that individuals who are owners of a traditional IRA, and are age 70 1/2 and older, stand to benefit. The Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows these individuals to donate any amount up to $100,000 per year from their traditional IRA to a qualified charity. This is particularly appealing for individuals who need to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) either as the IRA owner or as beneficiary of an inherited IRA. The previous IRA Charitable Rollover expired at the end of 2009, but before it sunset, it is estimated to have raised hundreds of millions for charities across the country. This provision is now extended through Dec. 31, 2011, and is retroactive, meaning that the tax benefits apply to any qualified donations made after Dec. 31, 2009. The extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover also includes a special provision that allows taxpayers who make any qualified donations between Dec. 31, 2010, and Feb. 1, 2011, to deem that those donations were made on Dec. 31, 2010, for tax filing purposes. Tough economic times have hit many charities very hard, with giving rates remaining flat or dropping while demands for services have risen. Tax incentives such as the IRA Charitable Rollover play a vital role in encouraging donors to make gifts, especially as the contribution amounts increase. The rollover provision is a powerful and unique way that donors can support charitable causes in their communities. Given the short window of opportunity to take advantage of this incentive for 2010, experts encourage individuals and development offices to capitalize on this important development. The IRA Rollover was first enacted in 2006 as part of the Pension Protection Act. Since then, Americans have made millions of dollars of new contributions to nonprofits – including social service programs, religious organizations, arts and cultural institutions, schools, and health care providers – that benefit people every day.

For more information about making an IRA Charitable Rollover gift,please contact the McLaren Foundation at (810) 342-4087.