Inspired by Community.

Leaning into Community. Inspiring Community.

MMSF Donates $75,000 to Be The Match® (now NMDP) for Patient Support.

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Sometimes the dreams we dream are meant for others and we are here to help make them come true.

Read Stories of Hope

NMDP Announces Make Me Stronger Foundation as 2024 Honorary Chair.

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MISSION

To build a community powering strategic philanthropy to curate and elevate grassroots programs, leaving a lasting imprint on those we touch.

VISION

A movement where compassion and strength inspire reimagined possibilities that spark transformative change.

PURPOSE

Make Me Stronger Foundation is a community-led nonprofit organization dedicated to leaving a lasting impact on people, partners and causes it touches. The foundation is a platform for our community and others to create and champion programs reflective of their passions as we build a shared legacy, together.

MMSF evolved from an intimate effort by a group of friends to support a loved one going through a difficult diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In 2012, this community of friends came together with a Call to Action in response to a Cry for Help. What resulted was the realization of the power that not only one individual  but a community working together could have to uplift and give strength to someone in need; the power of a collective movement to make someone stronger. We are an evolution of our Make Me Stronger community and Make Me Stronger blog that was started in 2012. A story that has been written for years - inspired, lived and touched by so many. The Foundation is the manifestation of the support and hope that our community shared with us, this platform is a way for us to pay it forward — to honor and share with others the magic of community that we've received.

We believe that ripples can create waves when hope and strength are given and received, and when in effect, it is contagious - inspiring compassion in others and uncovering the best in all of us.

PROGRAMS

Make Me Stronger Foundation is a partner to organizations and individuals creating compassionate change in the world. We aim to support and amplify their purpose in order to deepen their impact for larger and lasting change. Our community is passionate about launching new programs/initiatives and is continuously seeking out more causes to support.

NMDP 5 Year Grant | 2021 Launch

In 2021, Make Me Stronger Foundation committed $75,000 to build a groundbreaking new program with NMDP (formerly National Marrow Donor Program and Be The Match), focused on removing financial barriers for patients with committed donor matches but unable to pursue a transplant. Our strategic partnership led to uncovering an unidentified patient pool and we are thrilled to see other donors and sponsors joining NMDP and MMSF to support these patients and their families. Through FY 2023 our grant has supported 11 incredible patients, who’ve exuded strength and perseverance despite extremely difficult physical, emotional, and financial circumstances. We are moved by their inspiring Stories of Hope.

Stories of Hope Campaign | Oct - Nov 2023

Our first youth-led fundraising campaign in support of our initiative with NMDP was a success! Over the month-long campaign, we saw personal, creative, and inspiring commitments from 9 amazing teams. From getting stronger physically or athletically through movement, sports, and challenging workout regimens… To leaning into artistic/entrepreneurial skills and community-building through lemonade stands, bake sales, can shakes, and making and selling crafts… To improving academic and early developmental coordination through reading and dancing…To sharing personal stories…these teams truly embodied the mission of MMSF to be a voice for patients fighting blood cancer.With the help of 85 supporters, these youth-led teams raised over $5,400, exceeding our fundraising goal, and enough to cover one full, potentially life-saving NMDP grant, creating one more inspiring Story of Hope!

IMPACT

We believe our MMSF community’s reach has no limits. Here are a few highlights of the direct impact that MMSF grant funding has already had on our honorees at their most vulnerable times. We aspire to keep growing our community to continue touching and changing lives in meaningful ways.

11

Stories of Hope

$99,000

Grants Gifted

200

Members (and growing)

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Jay"

As “Jay” prepared for transplant, financial setbacks interrupted his care. Due to his immunocompromised status, chemotherapy and medical appointments, he was unable to work. Facing eviction and a long waiting period for disability, “Jay” considered stopping his treatment completely to get a part-time job. The MMSF grant has allowed “Jay” to cover his living expenses while continuing to focus on his health.

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Melanie"

"Melanie” matched with a donor but was unable to move forward with transplant, primarily due to caregiving barriers. Her only option for a reliable caregiver was a family member who lived overseas. The MMSF grant provided the financial assistance needed to allow her relative to travel to the US in order to provide the care “Melanie” needed post-transplant. She received her transplant in 2023.

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Sam"

"Sam" and his wife are raising 2 children as they face significant health and financial challenges. "Sam’s" unable to work due to his health and his wife is unable to work as the only caregiver. They have depleted their savings and simply run out of resources. The grant funding from MMSF provided the family financial relief allowing them allowing them to refocus on supporting “Sam” and his health. Newly approved grantee – not yet transplanted.

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Francis"

"Francis" faced multiple barriers when considering a transplant, including distance from the transplant center, caregiving, and finances. Securing a caregiver was challenging despite having four adult children, as two have developmental disabilities for whom he provides full-time care, and two risked losing much-needed wages. The MMSF grant allowed “Francis” to fully consider all possible options though he ultimately decided not to proceed with transplant.

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Mason"

"Mason" was unable to move forward with a transplant due to multiple financial and caregiving barriers. The grant provided by MMSF replaced lost wages, allowing "Mason" to secure a reliable caregiver, and offered additional financial support both pre- and post-transplant. "Mason" received his transplant and celebrated 100 days post-transplant in November 2023!

STORIES OF HOPE

Meet "Ciara"

"Ciara" is a single parent who had been unable to work since she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2022. "Ciara" and her 4 children were on the verge of eviction. The grant funding from MMSF allowed her to secure housing and move forward with a bone marrow transplant, which she received in June 2023.

CONNECT

How would you like to participate, support, contribute?  

There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
- Margaret Wheatley

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