(Children's Cancer Research Fund is a national organization and is not affiliated with CCRF based in Minnesota)
With Matti's recent passing and pursuant to her wishes, Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) will close this year. Matti had a long relationship with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), going back almost 40 years. CHLA is creating a special tribute to Matti in honor of her years of generous support and service.
The Hematology Oncology Psychosocial and Education (HOPE) Program Resource Room will be named in her honor. This room provides a warm and inviting environment for patients and families, which supports them during their treatment and recovery journey. With more than 34,000 outpatient clinic visits per year, the room's value to the patients and families is immeasurable.
Matti's focus has always been to make children less afraid of the hospital setting, starting with putting Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and later Bugs Bunny, on children's hospital gowns and doctors lab coats. Naming this particular room in her honor couldn't be more fitting.
CCRF will donate the remaining balance of its funds to CHLA at the time CCRF closes.
What is a child's smile worth? Especially the smile of a seriously ill child undergoing difficult treatments in a strange place, maybe far from home.
Caring people - like yourself - and Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) know how valuable and important smiles can be at such a time.
Established in 1987, CCRF is dedicated to providing national support for clinical research in pediatric cancer, while improving the medical environment for all children. A Healthier and Happier tomorrow is the mission and promise of a Children's Cancer Research Fund to children and their parents everywhere.