The mission of Cancer Families United is to establish a community that offers support, advocacy, and awareness to families impacted by pediatric and young adult cancer.
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Our programs and services are designed to provide a positive experience for families with an ill child while also showcasing solidarity in their battle against cancer.
We believe in supporting the whole family, as a sick child can affect the entire household.
Awareness. Support. Advocacy.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mary Kay Pederson
President Co-Founder
When her 3 year old daughter Emma was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2010, Mary Kay was determined to create an organization that connected families with a shared cancer experience. Her vision to help families and connect them through events, awareness and advocacy, became reality in 2012 when CFU was officially registered as a 501(c)3 and could begin operating as a service organization.
She brings over
10 years of experience in volunteerism, management, program planning, marketing and communications.
Amanda Rounds
Vice President
When her son Gideon was diagnosed in 2010, Amanda knew the importance of raising awareness for childhood cancer and how it helps families feel supported. In addition to her volunteer work with CFU, Amanda is the creator and founder of the Mattawan Dream Team. A group of students that plan events in the community to fundraise for CFU and raise awareness for childhood cancer. Amanda is also a teacher for Mattawan public schools and her skills and talent in program planning, public speaking, fundraising and communications allow CFU to be successful with every event.
Farrell Howe
Secretary
Farrell was a volunteer for events and marketing before she joined the leadership team in 2016 after her son Garrett had gone through treatment for Leukemia. Her family was a recipient of the services and programs that CFU provides to families at the pediatric oncology clinic. It was the outreach by an organization that understood her experience during a time of need that compelled her to give back and join CFU. As a marketing & communications professional in Kalamazoo, Farrell provides her expertise in the marketing, design and promotion
of CFU and all events.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Sara Crum
Treasurer
Sara has over 10 years of experience serving in leadership roles with the Gull Lake public schools, her church and daughter's dance team. She has been with CFU since its founding in 2012 and has served in various roles with the organization. She and her family have strong service values and continually give back to the community. CFU is fortunate to benefit from her skills in small business management, program planning, budget management and organizational communications. Currently, Sara is the HR Director for Modernistic.
Micahleh Augustine
Director
Micahleh is a graduate of Michigan State University and a former member of the Mattawan Dream Team. As a high school student at Mattawan and member of the Dream Team, Micahleh was a driving force in the success and impact of the events, fundraising and awareness the Dream Team provided for CFU. Now as a MSU graduate and professional in the hospitality industry, she provides her expertise in development, event planning and community engagement to ensure CFU is successful.
