Childhood Leukemia Foundation Inc

For families seen at our Medical Center the ability to purchase an iPad for their child especially when newly diagnosed can be a sacrifice. The Keeping Kids Connected program has provided iPads for our patients regularly allowing them to receive home schooling when hospitalized, stay connected to their peers, and provide entertainment. Patients regularly bring the iPads with them for long outpatient visits and infusions.

The “Childhood Leuikemia Foundation” of Lansing, Michigan, calls several times a year. The scam is a “thank you for you previous donation (of $15, $20 etc.), then they ask if they “can count on you” to donate again this year. Sounds legit, but it’s a scam. I tell anyone who solicits me over the phone to mail me the info. They did and within a day of arriving in my mailbox, the call center is at it again, reminding me to honor my pledge and consider increasing my donation. Don’t fall for it. Check Guide Star or Charity Navigator to look up charities before sending any money.

Before learning about sites such as Charity Navigator, I donated to this organization a few times. There were times when I would donate money and get called the very next day. Eventually, I asked them to take me off their call sheet. That's when the fun really started! I would get, at the very least, three calls a day. I would block one number, and they'd call from a new one. Also, has anyone else noticed all these five-star reviews are very similarly worded and seem to thank the same individuals over and over? The more I read them, the more fake they sound.

I had to sit through the pitch because their people do not start off asking if it is even a good time to talk. At the end of the pitch and calling me a "good person" to try and shame me into donating I began to explain that I cannot afford to donate because I am stuck in court. I was sold a house that is a health and safety hazard, has multiple violations and I have legal expenses. Instead of because a decent human being and apologizing for wasting both our times, he hung up on me like I'm a POS because they couldn't get their donation. I'm pretty sure treating people with kindness and respect doesn't go out of style and to that I have to say this cause will never receive a donation from me ever because I deserve the same kind of sympathy and respect they want. That they couldn't act with kindness shows they lack style and are outdated. You can only shame your way into peoples pocket so many times.

I received a call from their paid fundraising organization, Innovative. In the process of the call with me, Innovative proceeded to break federal laws regarding solicitations. When I asked for their corporate contact information, they put me on hold for 10 minutes before disconnecting the call.

I followed up with CLF, originally because I wondered if it might just have been a phishing scam. Instead, I got a call back from CLF immediately to follow up on my experience. They confirmed Innovative is their fundraising partner. They also not only refused to give me Innovative's corporate contact info but tried to talk me out of lodging a formal FCC complaint because Innovative's work benefits CLF.

A very brief lesson on ethics from my college professor: If it is illegal, it is unethical, end of story.

Keep in mind CLF has no problem with illegal acts, which are by definition unethical, so long as they benefit. That's a bad mindset for any organization, but most especially for a non-profit.

I will be donating my money elsewhere, I suggest everyone else does the same.

My name is Mike. My 10 year old son, Boston, was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in early April. Since then, he (we) have been making 3 hour trips from our home to the hospital. The trips aren't too bad since Boston likes to pop in his ear buds and listen to whatever music he has on his ipod. The 4-6 day stays in the small (but spacious as they go) hospital room is what really wears on him emotionally. We tried calling and talking to mom the first few trips, then we progressed to a borrowed ipad to reliably skype. This kept him in touch and he felt a part of the family. But when he wasn't skyping, the ipad didn't get used and the music got old and the same Xbox game was worn out.

Then your group stepped in and gifted him with his very own laptop. His smile, a rarity these days, was enormous when he got to the hospital (after being told he had to endure more chemo when we thought we were done) I nearly cried. He has used it and cared for it a great deal since its arrival. Now he has more games at his disposal, better skype capabilities AND a device that he can use during the coming school year for lessons and corresponding with his teaching staff.

"Thank you" doesn't seem to do justice the gratitude my family feels. You make us feel blessed

I have had it. I was In bed with a very critical Lupus flare and the flu and the phone rang. I answered and it was a guy who started out with, "Well hi and said my name". I am wanting to know if you STILL want to donate 25$ again to Childhood Leukemia Foundation? I said, Um,I didn't donate 25$ before. OH he said,I read that wrong, it says 15$. Sorry. I said Sir,I am in bed with a Lupus flare and the flu and I am not interested. I already tithe and give to a group ,so my answer is no. He said, NO? I said yes it is no. He said well I see that you gave before and I would like to just send you a pledge for 15$. I said no and hung up. I brought up the call and called back. Guess what, it is a number that "magically"doesn't work.
After a lot of research today, there is NOT a Childhood Leukemia Foundation in Lansing, Mi. ,which is where the call was placed. Shame on frauds, do they not realize GOD see's every crooked thing they are doing?

I am thankful for the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and for the effort they make to help make the lives of children with cancer better. Cancer runs in my family like water. It is no fun for an adult, let alone a child. Long hospital stays can be very boring, let alone the suffering from the disease. I am glad especially for the IPad program, and for the gift baskets. The son of a friend of mine suffered from leukemia for 3 years before he passed away. He died from the disease after his bone marrow transplant. He died with the toy bear in his arms that he received in his gift basket from Childhood Leukemia Foundation. Some donor who doesn't even know the name of this child made a world of difference in his life. Thank you for your support!

A few months ago I contacted CLF via their website. I was inquiring about how my grandson who was diagnosed with ALL could receive a gift basket. Kate Booth replied that they would information to be able to contact a nurse or someone who works with him to be able to verify diagnosis. After providing the info and making several follow up attempts, they never got back to me!! So much for their mission! It's some kind of scam if you ask me. No sense in contacting them because you will never hear from those people again!

I got a call from 'Rachel' soliciting funds for this organization. She called from a spoofed number that said it was a Private Caller. What kind of organization does that? There is some kind of scam going on- no legitimate charity would use a Private Caller telephone number. I asked to be taken off thier call list- let's see what happens.

Hi, We are just writing in to thank you for our son's wish basket and gift card. It could have not came in at a better time for him, his hair began falling and was really sad asking if his hair would grow back any time soon.. Our son Gilbert(Jr) had asked us for a couple of Video Games as this is how he passes time while being home, since he cannot attend school like normal boys and girls do to his weakened immune system. We would like to thank you and all your supporters who support this cause of having a child dealing with a life threatening illness/disease. CLF, sure put a big smile and filled our son Gilbert's little heart with Joy. Thank You So Much!!!! Bless You all!!!!
Respectfully ,
Rocio & Gilbert

My son just received an IPAD from Childhood Leukemia Foundation. It could not have come at a better time. Since he started his treatment, we have not seen one smile...Ugh! When he opened the box and saw the IPAD his face just lit up! As a mother, I am so grateful that others do care about my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for my family. Sincerely, Rose Garcia

Dear Ms. Barbara,

I just wanted to say thank you so much to you and the Childhood Leukemia Foundation for the Hugs U Wear wig, the Wish Basket, and the Visa gift card. I got my wig and wish basket with the help of Cindy, the social worker at CHOA. I have enjoyed wearing my wig and I always feel pretty when I wear it. It makes me feel like I have hair again. It was also special because I received my wig and wish basket a week after my birthday. I was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia in 2009 at the age of 7 and in April 2013, I received my bone marrow transplant. Thank you again for sending me these wonderful gifts.

Love, Meredith

I just wanted to say Thank You so much for the Wish Basket you have my son Mathias. This company has helped to put a smile on my sons face at a time when everything else was in a state of confusion.

My son Mathias is a 11 year old fighting ALL/Philadelphia Plus for the second time.
Mathias was diagnosed on May 2011 and did everything to prepare him for his first transplant (brother donor). He did amazing! 18 months later on February 1, 2013 he had a relapse and our journey started again. He should have been in transplant in April but a day before being admitted they found mass I'm his liver and lung. After two biopsies and waiting it came back as a fungal. Transplant had to be in hold cause to risky to go in with a fungal. We stayed in hospital for three months for treatment. We then were given a two week break to go home (home is 21/2 hours away) and get some family time before our next big journey. Transplant was on August the 15. So far he is doing great. Inclosed is a picture of Mathias at the zoo days before his second transplant, dr gave him permission to enjoy and no limitations!! Zoo is one of his favorite places.
God Bless you CLF!!!

Michelle (Mathias's Mom)

Last year this firm used a telemarketing firm that paid the charity 40% of the monies received - this telemarketer was located on the West Coast. This year they have contracted with a NJ telemarketer (in their home state of NJ, who has a post office box for an address) and their contract is for only 15% of monies collected going to the cause.

The telemarketer will get 85% of all monies collected. This is UNACCEPTABLE!!!

I live in NC and received a call from this telemarketer on 8/12/13 - since I was on the computer I popped up our state's Charitable Solicitations site and looked to see if this was a legit deal, and they had been registered in our state, but their last license had expired in March, 2013 and so far it had not been renewed.

I HATE these "professional solicitators" since they drain SO MUCH MONEY AWAY from a good cause. This may be a great organization, but when you go from a 40% contract to a 15% contract - their board of directors needs to be FIRED and REPLACED with a group of people who still have gray matter between their ears instead of pudding (or possibly poop?)!

I am appalled by the percentages here - telemarketers from India can set up call centers and deluge our country with telemarketing calls made on a shoestring budget using CHEAP VoIP internet phone systems - and yet these "professional Solicitators" claim they can't do it?

Bull - other charities can. There are quite a few that can do it and turn numbers well above 50%.

I obtained these figures from the NC Secretary of State filings PUBLICLY posted on their website - figures provided by the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Inc. themselves.

Find someone else to donate to until these people get their act together. There is NO reason why the telemarketer's portion should EVER be that high. The board needs to get its priorities straight and remember that they are NOT there to serve themselves and their friends, but to serve those that have cancer and their families - like their mission statement speaks of.

Vote NO CONFIDENCE with your money! Donate elsewhere until this appalling situation is corrected.

The Child Life Team at Kaiser Permante, Los Angeles would like to express our gratitude for the kind donation of iPads and laptop we received from your wonderful foundation. We are so excited to utilize this technology with our oncology patients. It has helped us in our daily work with the children at Kaiser.

Jagger is an extraordinary little boy. He was diagnosed with b-type ALL leukemia this past November and is actively receiving treatment/chemo. He received his wish basket from you a few weeks ago but didn't feel quite up to going thru it. We both wanted to thank you so very much!! It was a nice thing to have when the last few weeks have rough for him. Thank you again!!

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful services the Childhood Leukemia Foundation has provided to our families. Working with families in pediatric oncology presents many challenges to us and we have come to rely on CLF to assist us in meeting some of those challenges.

Our kids spend many hours in the hospital and clinic receiving lifesaving therapies; the time can seem endless. The iPad program has been a wonderful addition to our kids as the iPads are used for assisting in their continued education, providing a vehicle for them to stay connected to their peers, and not to be forgotten... providing a fabulous distraction through music, movies and games when appropriate.

The Wish Baskets have also been a wonderful addition to our support services. Our families have many additional expenses with the diagnosis of cancer, many times there is not enough extra financial means to cover those expenses that bring only one thing...comfort and joy. Each family has met the Wish Basket with a genuine smile and "Is this really for me? Wow!"

We cannot thank all of you enough for your dedication, caring and compassion to children and their families journeying through pediatric cancers. We look forward to working with The Childhood Leukemia Foundation for many years to come!

Anyone donating to this charity should beware! One star rating only because I was required to enter a rating. According to Charity Navigator, CLF spends 60% of its revenues on fundraising. In addition, they immediately sell a donor's information to other groups. Within two weeks of committing to a donation, I received three phone calls from other "cancer" related charities. And I don't think it's over, as I'm getting lots of hangup robo calls since donating to CLF. This is a scam organization that only spends 30% of it's donations on its "programs".

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation donated 2 iPads in 2012 for hospitalized oncology patients at All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. These iPads are in constant use by patients during their hospitalization. Both patients and parents "love" having the iPads available. The iPads provide a necessary distraction for the minds and spirits of children undergoing chemotherapy or suffering the painful side effects of their therapies.

As a social worker, who contacts numerous foundations on behalf of families, I am very appreciative of the support provided by Childhood Leukemia Foundation. From the Hope Binders to Hugs U Wear to Wish Baskets to iPads, Kim Wetmore is accessible and responsive to needs presented on behalf of our families. Her responsiveness has gone a long, long way in assuaging the anxieties families experience when coping with childhood cancer.

I wish I had more organization such as the Childhood Leukemia Foundation as a resource for the oncology families at All Children's Hospital. The need is great, resources limited. The Childhood Leukemia Foundation is in a category of its own!

On behalf of the pediatric patients of Good Shepherd Hospice, we would like to thank you for your generous donation of iPads and accessories! They will provide much needed distraction and comfort to the children and their families. We are looking forward to helping the children incorporate the iPads into legacy building activities. Thanks to your generous donation we are now able to offer the pediatric patients and their families the chance to create these memory making moments. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you. Your support has helped our child life program to grow in many new ways and it will ensure that the patients remain connected to their family members. May you continue to have great success in all of your projects and endeavors at the Childhood Leukemia Foundation!

We would like to thank the Childhood Leukemia Foundation for the donation of two iPads to the Kids Cancer Foundation. Thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of CLF, our young patients now have iPads to help distract them and utilize with visual imagery we do during our procedures. There are a wide variety of educational and therapeutic apps as well as entertaining apps that we can utilize on the iPads which have been very effective in assisting in relieving anxiety for our patients before and during many of the treatments and procedures they must undergo. The iPads have been instrumental in making visits to the hospital a little more entertaining and enjoyable for our young patients. The Kids Cancer Foundation is honored to have been chosen to receive this thoughtful gift that has brought hours of entertainment and laughter (which is something we truly value) to these brave "little warriors". Thanks to the support of organizations like Childhood Leukemia Foundation, we are able to provide hope and support to children and families battling childhood cancer. Little warriors need big heros like the Childhood Leukemia Foundation! We are so grateful for this gift!

We are so thankful for the gift card. Canyun was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in both kidney six weeks ago and this was just what she needed. We took her to Target to use her gift card and she bought a puppy in a carry case, but she had to get her identical sister Cheyenne a puppy too. Thank you so much for the gift. It really touched us that you passed along love and with that same gift of love we watched our 3 year old share it with her sister. Keep up the amazing work that you do!

My daughter Chelsea just received a new iPad from your foundation and I cannot say thank you enough!! I wish I could have captured her reaction on video, she was so excited!! Immediately we had to download every game she had ever played on one before, then she realized she could listen to her favorite music and watch movies… :) Later that evening she was able to "see" her brothers for the first time in over a week. They were all so excited as this was the first time they had ever used Skype, and her brothers being 2 & 4 weren't quite sure what to think, but they got used it real quick. They were making silly faces and poking each other, they were playing just as if they were in the room together.
Chelsea had spent the better part of last year in the hospital going through chemotherapy but we were closer to home and the risks weren't as high, so her brothers were able to visit. Now that she has had a bone marrow transplant I’ve decided it's too risky for them to visit, they were all really upset but it just isn't worth the risk. So this was a wonderful surprise to say the least. I just want to thank, you, Childhood Leukemia Foundation and all its donors again for the generous gift and for helping so many families during these difficult times.

Sincerely,

Cassi (Chelsea's Mom)

Please check into the financials of this organization before you decide to donate... they DO put a smile on kids' faces at times of need. BUT they could and SHOULD do it A LOT more/better with the amount of money they collect. The figures on this website are wrong. The organization's financial statements show much more in the expense/salary categories than this website shows. Most of the money goes to expenses/salaries/fundraising and NOT to the Programs that we donors intend it for... I have donated a few times over the past couple years, but am not going to anymore... look into it before YOU do.....

The CLF is a scam, I worked there several years. Most of the time they wont remove you from the call list, they think its funny to call them back and make people mad. Also Lou is very mean and disrespectful to his employees, makes them stay after and not pay them, shorten there pay checks and has made threats, dont want to give the bounuses as promised even though we earned them. He dont care about the kids all he cares about is his stupid bar that he owns and pay check. I have never seen them help any child and if they do it is very few. Barb the owner was making 260,000 a year till the economy got bad and wasnt getting the donations like in the past but still she make 140,000 still too much.

Hello Childhood Leukemia Foundation,

My name is Mariela and I am an Outpatient Pediatric Oncology Social Worker for Northern California Children's Oncology at Sutter Memorial, Sacramento. I wanted to let you know what an amazing impact you make with offering Hugs-U-Wear to our patients. WOW! You should see their faces when they receive their Hugs-U-Wear and how proudly they wear their hair piece daily. Thank you very much for your assistance, support and dedication to our children.

Also, I received conformation twice for the request found below and I want to make sure only one request was made for this request.

With great appreciation,

Mariela:)

Mariela M., MSW
Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Social Worker

I just wanted to let you know that our pediatric cancer patients and their families are so grateful for the Wish Baskets. The children are so excited to get them and so very delighted when they open them up. One mom told me that her son loves the pajamas so much that she has a hard time getting him to put them in the laundry basket. Another mom said her daughter was able to buy the watch she always wanted with the Target gift card. Thank you for all you do!!!

On behalf of the Division of Pediatric Oncology here at Stony Brook, I would like to thank you for providing us with the wonderful Hope Binders. These binders have been a valuable tool used by the staff during our teaching sessions with the families. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, one can only imagine how a family's life is turned upside down. Prior to discharge, a structured teaching session is provided with an attempt to develop a new routine for the child and family. The Hope Binder has been and instrumental tool for families. Families are able to categorize all of the information, develop a way to keep track of the treatment and management, organize other important information such school, insurance and finances. The use of the Hope Binder can assist families regain some sense of control. Thank you again for the work you do in helping make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

We received several phone cards today from your organization. Thank you very much for generous donation. Many of us, who are healthy with healthy children, may take a phone call to a family member for granted. Our families who are here with their children, a call to a loved one may be just what they need to help them through the day. On behalf of the many pediatric bone marrow transplant families that my team serves each day, thank you for the gift and the many other services and resources that your organization provides to our children and families all year long.

On behalf of the Pediatric Oncology team at Levine Children's Hospital I would like to thank you for your generous donation of a new Apple IPad for our patients and families to use. This donation will enable our families to maintain a communication lifeline to family and friends unable to be with them during the course of a child's hospital stays. The Childhood Leukemia Foundation provides vital resources to all of our pediatric cancer patients through its many programs. The Wish Basket program has brought smiles to many of our children and a smile is a welcomed site to a parent of a child with cancer. The new
IPad will help' families stay connected to the outside world during prolonged visits and will provide entertainment for the children. It will also be utilized to provide education on diagnosis, medications and various procedures. On behalf of the entire Pediatric Oncology
Team at Levine Children's Hospital I say thank you.

Thank you so much for giving our daughter, Juliana, a $50 gift card to Target and a gift basket. Juliana and her mom, Tammy, went to Target today and as you can see Juliana is VERY happy!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
John

I wanted to thank you once again for all the wonderful programs that C.F.L. offers families. I provide Hope binders to our newly diagnosed families and this has been well received and provides them with a mechanism to keep all their important paperwork organized and some control and assistance with organization during a time of crisis. It has been very well received by our parents.

I also use the hugs u wear program for our younger children who are diagnosed with Leukemia to help them cope with the hair loss when they get started in treatment. The hugs u wear are more comfortable than a wig and your program providing this resource for free it helps the families. Wigs are very costly and alot of families do not have the funds to purchase them. This program has also been a great resource for our families.

Finally, I use your Wish Baskets for our children who have A.M.L. (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) who have long inpatient stays as well as the children who relapse with their Leukemia and have already gotten a wish. The gift baskets have been a wonderful source of joy to these children and their families. They get very excited when they receive the basket and it helps bring something positive to a very difficult situation.

I appreciate all of these wonderful programs and will continue to utilize them to help my patients and families during their treatments. Keep up the great work, it is pleasure working with your staff and program.

CLF is a wonderful organization. So many things have changed since my daughter's diagonosis with ALL in July. When her CLF Gift Basket was given to her, she just smiled ear to ear- (something I havn't seen in a long time! ) It's nice to know that you care about the happiness of not only my daughter, but so many other sick children across the country! God Bless! Samantha

We received an amazing gift from CLF in July as our son spent several weeks in the hospital and was finally diagnosed with MDS (Monosomy 7), which can only be treated by a bone marrow transplant. He LOVED the goodies in the Wish Basket and we were so excited to be able to get him a few new things with the Target gift card to keep him accupied in his bed. Thank you so very much for your generosity and love towards our family! You are a blessing!!

Thank you so much for putting a smile on my daughters face. She was diagnosed with AML Leukemia in May of 2011. She was a healthy 10 year old girl until the day we went to the doctors for a cut. Her journey began immediately and she has been fighting hard since that day. She was so happy to receive her Wish Basket. What a great surprise that brought lots of smiles. We were finally able to sneak out and go shopping with the gift card. She began a pillow pet collection while in the hospital and was so excited to get the turtle. She also bought an i-Tunes cards and some candy to share with her brother and sister. Thank you so much for all that you do for our precious children. We are forever grateful and will be huge advocates. In the short time we have been walking this path, the Childhood Leukemia Foundation has been so helpful in so many ways. Thank you!

-minus 5 stars. This is a scam. The administrative expenses are way too high.

Of course, I am happy to hear that some children and their families get something out of this scheme. The problem is it's probably a few little gifts and treats (for publicity only and not for the good of sick children) that do not reflect the amount of money that goes to administrative costs.

The person who called my house AT 8:15 IN THE MORNING was uneducated and not well spoken (sounded like she had about five cigarettes too many that day) and obviously had no other way to make money.

I would not donate to this charity. I'd give the money to Make A Wish or other well-known and active charity.

Words cannot adequately express the joy that the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and its donors recently brought to my five year old son. He was diagnosed with an Optic Glioma on March 30, 2011, and he started receiving chemo-therapy on April 12. His diagnosis was a real shock to our family, and in many ways, we are still processing it all.

A few weeks ago, my son arrived at the oncology clinic to find your gift basket waiting for him, and it brought a huge smile to his face. Your generosity not only lifted his spirits, but the spirits of his parents as well. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness; it touched our hearts deeply.

He was able to purchase a few things with his Gift Card. The items include: a Hex Bug, a Zhu Zhu Pet, the Zhu Zhu Pet Police Station, and the Kung Zhu Battle Station. He was also thrilled to receive his very own MP3 player (included in the gift bag), and he immediately informed his daddy that it was "for kids only."

May God's richest blessings be upon you and your donors for encouraging our family.

My daughter was the recipient of a Wish Basket from Childhood Leukemia Foundation. I don't know who put it in, but we do know that it made her last stay in the hospital so much more fun! She especially enjoyed the light up ball and the gift card! She had a blast making her voice sound funny with the recordable gift card. The fact that the card was a toy in itself made it easier for to wait to use it. When we did go shopping, she cleaned up in the toy department! She was very excited to get her toys and a new headband. A HUGE thank you to those of you who put the baskets together and to those who donate to make this possible.

Thank you so much for the gift card in my sons Wish Basket. He has been wanted a new headset for his Xbox360 since mine has his has been broken for quite some time, so the Wish Basket and the gift card was the perfect gift. With is new headset, he can talk with all of his friends while playing some of his favorite games to pass the time. We so appreciate everything! Thank you for keeping my sons spirits high!

During the last few years Childhood Leukemia Foundation has been sending our children diagnosed with cancer "Wish Baskets". The baskets are requested soon after the child is diagnosed. As you can imagine the first couple of weeks is particularly traumatizing for the child and parent as they learn about the disease and the length of treatment. They are in a state of shock as they try to get questions answered and begin rearranging their lives. Soon this beautiful purple package arrives. I have people stopping me as I attempt to deliver this gift. Comments like, "Wow how pretty, who is that for, what is in it?" I smile as I continue onto the child's room. Unfortunately our rooms are often bland and despite good intention, not very attractive. This colorful gift arrives and immediately I see the child's eyes light up. Some say, "is that for me?" This little gift brings much sunshine and "color" into their lives. The parents are surprised too! They want to know, who is expressing this type of care about them. The teenagers love having the gift cards and begin thinking about what they want. I don't know whose idea this was, but I commend them and commend the foundation for all of your efforts!

My son was very excited when he received his DS game. He has been in the hospital 6 days this time and he's feeling a little low. We noticed that when he felt "low", he communicated less with others and spoke so softly it was hard to hear him. Once he received the game, he became excited and his speech was much more audible. As you can from his note, he wanted one for a long time. The game was great because it gave him something to look forward to any time of the day and is a good distraction from being in the hospital.

"Thank you for the game Childhood Leukemia Foundation. I've wanted a Nintendo DS for a long time. I really like playing Mario games. So thank you very much for both the Mariokarts DS and the Nintendo DS."

After being contacted by this charity for fundraising several years ago, I looked them up on Charity Navigater. I also happen to be acquainted with the woman who founded this charity. I was horrified to find out that it was mainly a scam. They hired professional fundrasers and hardly any of the money goes to the actual patients. For years, they gave the same tiny amount of money away and the rest of it went to the fundraisers and the woman running the business. The only reason the percentage of money they gave away went up was because (thankfully) the amount of money donated went down. Businesses like this that call themselves "charities" are disgraceful, and should be illegal.

Hi, I would like to Thank The Childhood leulemia Foundation, my 12yr. old son gas been in remission for over a year. During his intensive radiation treatment he lost most of his hearing in his right ear and some in his left. The Dr. said it was a direct result of the radiation and he would never recover what hearing was lost. We were devistated, another blow to his young life. We sougt a hearing specialist, who suggested he wear hearing aids. When we looked into the special type that was needed we found out the cost was $1,850.00 dollars each, we could not afford them at thi s point. I was directed to contact the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, upon doing so, the dircetor asked me some questions, and wanted the social workers information along with my sons. Within one week my son was fitted with two special hearing aids, and the cost to us was zero, TheChildhood leukemia Foundation, picked up the entire cost. I can not thank them enough, they are a God-send, to this day he,s hearing and doing well, again I must thank them for their generoosity and unconditional help. Thank You, Harry. R.

After receiving several calls from the Childhood Leukemia Foundation telemarketing staff, I decided to look them up and found some very dismal news on CharityNavigator.org and ReportYourComplaint.com. It looks like CLF may be a scam operating under the auspices of a charity. Very little of donor funds goes to help those in need!

We have a boy who has been battling cancer since the beginning of the year. He is very much into space and all things science related. I was there when he opened his Wish Basket and wish I would have had a camera. He was so excited about the molecule ball that was in the basket. He said "Mom, look! Its DNA!" He was seriously enthralled with his molecule ball. It was great! He was also so excited by the gift card and could not wait to go and get a movie he had been waiting to get. His reaction to this Wish Basket was priceless! Thanks Childhood Leukemia Foundation for all you do!

I am writing in support of CLF and their innovative resource for patients and families known as the Hope Binder. Working in the medical field, I have seen countless families benefit from this resource. It has helped them keep their child's medical information organized, provided education information and support. In addition, CLF has been wonderful to work with. They continuously check in with my organization, provide the binders seamlessly at no cost to us. This foundation is a blessing to us and the families we deal with.

We would like to thank you for your continued support. You have continually provided Calling Cards, Hugs U Wear and Hope Binders free of charge to our families in need. Each of these items has made a significant impact in the quality of life for our families. The calling cards allow families to keep in touch with their families during their hospital stay when otherwise they feel "stuck"in the hospital. The Hugs U Wear program provides free wigs to our beautiful children whoare concerned about how they look with no hair. When one of our patients tries on the wig for the first time, the look on their faces is PRICELESS!!! You give them back a sense of normalcy, which is important when everything else in their life is so abnormal during this time. The Hope Binders you provide are an essential part of our programs. This organized book contains not only tools like paper, pens and calendars but also contains books that help parents to understand what childhood cancer is and all of the complicated medical jargon that is commonly used in hospitals. This binder is a LIFELINE!!!

After receiving a Hope Binder from the Childhood Leukemia Foundation I can now keep all of my child’s records in one place. The binder is just so helpful! It contains sections for medications, physician contact information, as well as test and lab results. Best of all this binder allows me to carry the important information about my child’s care when we go to the hospital, infusion room or the doctor’s office. We can’t thank the Childhood Leukemia Foundation enough for this wonderful resource, it has made such a difference in our personal battle with childhood cancer.

We were returning from the hospital for the second round of chemo, and we knew this time we were in for a pretty long stay. Our social worker surprised us with a “Wish Basket” from Childhood Leukemia Foundation. It really helped to brighten a lousy day. The fun activates and other helpful items in the basket really put a smile on our daughters face, and ours too. It even had a Target gift card inside which allowed us to spend money on something fun for our daughter. We can’t thank CLF enough for this wonderful gift, and for all they do to help make the difficult journey of battling cancer a little easier for us, and so many other families. Our sincere thanks to CLF and their Wish Basket program!

Childhood Leukemia Foundation sent our daughter a Wish Basket full of goodies and a gift card for her to use as she wanted. The basket could not have come at a better time. She had recently lost her hair for the third time and was very shy about being in stores with no hair but with her gift card she was thrilled about buying stuff. She ran up and down the aisles looking for what ever caught her eye. She finally set her sights on four dvds and a special coloring book. For those thirty minutes she has forgotten she was bald. Thank you for your kind gift and all you do!

After receiving the foundations gift, social work presented the curious box to a six year old boy. It was the 29th day that this boy and his family were at the hospital. He was in a great deal of discomfort. Try as they might, his parents could not get their eldest to stop crying. Upon seeing the purple house (WishBasket) however, our patients focus shifted. Over the nex 10 minutes, I watched as he exlpored the contents of the basket. His blood pressure dropped, his parents relaxed and a difference was made in what can be a cruel and unusal form of treatment. Today he and his parents were reminded that other care. Thank you for making a difference. The Pediatric Social Word Deparment at Shands Hospital. Bailee has been a patient here for over a year. On one day fo her clinic visit we gave her her Wish Basket. She could not believe that I was giving her a present with her name on it. She opened the box in the middle of the hallway. All of the contents were spread all over the floor for everyone to see. Mom read your letter and was overwhelmed with emotion at what this letter said and what the box entaled. Her reaction was priceless! Bryttany is a teenager that usually spends her inpatient visits under the covers, lights off in her room, and converses minimally with anyone who walks into her room. I brought her her Wish Basket and all she kept saying was "Oh my gosh, the box is purple". She didnt even want to open the box because it was purple and that is her absolute favorite color. When she did open it, she was so excited to receive her gift card she couldnt figure out what to spend it on first! "How did they know I love purple" was all she kept saying. James is a teenager who is quiet and doesnt really say to much to the staff. When we gave him his Wish Basket however, his smile, facial expression and verbal gratitude for the basket said alot to his appreciation for your service. His expression was priceless! Advocate Hope Childrens Hospital Thank you so much for the Wish Baskets. We have been giving them to our patients on their birthdays and I must say from the youngest to the oldest, they have all loved their baskets. The baskets have not only brightened the child who receives its day but also brightends the day for the childs family as well as all the staff! Thank you for all you do to make the difficult journey of battling cancer a little easier for these children and families. Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida I am writing in support of the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and their resource known as the Hope Binder. As a medical professional in an outpatient Oncology clinic, I have seen countless families benefit from this resource. It has helped them keep their child's medical information organized, provided educational information and support. In addition, CLF has been wonderful to work with. They continuously check in with my organization, provide binders seamlessly at no cost to us. Any expansion of this program or others by this foundation would be a great benefit to those that may receive them. Dana Farber Cancer Institute We want to extend our gratitude for the gift card and the Wish Basket. Our son is 20 months old and getting over a bone marrow transplant. We still have a long way to go until we can play outside so we bought a little tikes buggy to drive around in the house. It already been quite a bit of fun for him. Thanks soooo much!!! The Silva Family Kendall is a 6 year old patient of mine who just received her Hugs U Wear and she loves it. She is a very loving and caring child who wants to be a nurse when she grows up. We want to thank you for bringing back a sense of normalcy for her with your Hug. Clarion North/Riley Hosptial I wanted to thank you for my Hope Binder! My social worker delivered it after I asked her in the hospital for one. I had papers all over the place and so i was able to toss all the loss folders and organize everything into yours. I love the hole punch so I could sit in clinic and accomplish it while waitiing for my son (who just turned 6) to recover from bone marrow aspiration and spinal. The phone card was wonderful, I gave it to my mom who lives in FL so she can call us as she doesnt have long distance on her phone - she is 81. It helps her to feel not so far away. The binder is GREAT!!! Sarah Kleinhans

Their calling cards allow many of our out of town patients to keep in touch with their families when the are "stuck" in the hospital. The Hugs U Wear program provides free wigs to our beautiful girls who are concerned about how they look with no hair. When one of our patients trys on a wig for the first time, the look on their faces is priceless! The Hope Binders you provide are an essential part of our Oncology program. When a family is diagnosed, I immediately provide the family with a Hope Binder. This organized book not only contains tools like paper, pen and calendars but also contains books that help parents to understand what childhood cancer is and the complicated medical jargon that is commonly used in hospitals. The binder is a lifeline in many ways. We cannot thank you enough for the incredible work that you do, and we sincerely hope that thise who help to fund these programs recognize the hope this provides to our families.