1999 Donations

 
February 1999

Cord Blood Program
Every year, more then 30,000 adults and children are diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disease such as leukemia or sickle-cell anemia. Traditionally, bone marrow transplantation has been the therapy of choice for treatment. Two-thirds of children in the United States who require a bone marrow transplant cannot find a suitable donor, the risk for rejection is high and collections is lengthy and the procedure is costly. In 1998, doctors began exploring the use of umbilical-cord blood for bone marrow transplants to treat children and some adults with a variety of illnesses. It is currently being tested for use in gene therapy for HIV.
Cord blood has several advantages over bone marrow transplants:
1. Readily available - collected from placenta after birth with no risk to mother or child, cord can be frozen and stored for up to 15 years.
2. Less rejection of cells.
3. Less expensive- It costs approximately $3,000 to collect, test and store cord blood tissue. Bone marrow can cost upwards of $20,000 to obtain and take months to collect. Cherese's gift is for "BLOOD DONOR EDUCATIONAL BROCHURES" to be distributed over the next three years, in doctors offices, hospitals and given to expectant mothers. It will inform and educate potential cord blood donors about the process and benefits of participation. And Cherese's picture and foundation name will appear on the back of this three-fold brochure.

April 1999

The Tichenor Orthopedic Clinic for Children
As with Cherese's second gift, this one also involves Olivia, who is now 3 years old. She has been attending the Tichenor Orthopedic Clinic for Children this past year and has made outstanding progress. They provide physical therapy to meet the individual needs of each child. The school was in need of some new equipment and pool toys as well as art materials and training stairs. It is a wonderful school with excellent teachers. Cherese's gift will take care of the new supplies the school needed.

May 1999


PAWS/LA - Pets Are Wonderful Support For People Living With HIV/AIDS
Founded in 1989 PAWS/LA currently has 1,437 enrollees with approximately 2,370 companion animals. PAWS/LA exists to enrich the quality of life of People Living with HIV/AIDS by empowering them to keep and care for their pets. PAWS/LA provides a comprehensive package of essential pet care services, including veterinary care, pet food and supplies, foster homes, in home pet-sitting and much much more, all at no charge. Cherese volunteered her time to this great program a few years ago, and now she is helping them again.

 

June 1999

Miller Children's Abuse And Intervention Center
The center's mission is to provide coordinated services for immediate intervention, as well as long-term services and support to children and families traumatized by child abuse, family violence and violence in the community.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The first was founded in 1860, for young people to call their own. Today there are 1,810 clubs nationwide; 2.4 million boys & girls have daily access to a safe, positive place. Climates and cultures may vary, but these young people, ages 5 through 18, share a legacy of discovery and development that will change their lives forever. This is so near and dear to Cherese's heart, we know how she wanted to help with a place for kids to go and be safe.

December 1999

Kettering Elementary School
Cherese's gift to the elementary school she attended from 1979-1986 was a playground and special benches. This is for the special education children ages 3 to 5 years old, which includes Olivia Niro, Cherese's goddaughter. There was a school assembly to honor Cherese and dedicate the "Cherese Mari Laulhere Pre-K Play Yard". There were lots of tears, and yet lots of smiles on the young children's faces as they played in her play yard.

Olive Crest Homes & Services for Abused Children
Since the establishment of its first home in 1973, Olive Crest Homes & Services for Abused Children has been committed to healing young lives affected by abuse, neglect and abandonment. Olive Crests mission is dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating victims of child abuse and preserving the family through innovative programs and comprehensive services.




Discovery Arts
Bringing the arts to children with cancer and serious blood disorders. Discovery Arts is an outreach program created by entertainment industry professionals designed to bring dance, music, drama and art to the children while they are in the hospital with their illnesses. Since Cherese tap danced most of her life and enjoyed drama and singing, this was the perfect gift from her. It's a wonderful program.