Al and Michelle are great people who are using their tragic experience to help others. Whether it's bring bringing dinner to the cancer floor at Mott or doing Christmas in July, the Foundation tries to bring some sunshine to people who really need some.
It is my privilege to serve on the board of this wonderful charity. Every dollar raised goes to continue Ian's mission to make the world a better place. They are good stewards of the funds donated. It is an honor to work with such a caring group.
This charity was begun to memorialize and celebrate the life of Ian Clemens, a wonderful young man (age 17) who died tragically of a brain tumor just a few weeks into his freshman year at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Ian's parents, Michelle and Al, have raised thousands of dollars during the past 5 years to support scholarships for deserving young men and women to study Engineering at Michigan. Through the accomplishments of those recipients, Ian's memory will live on and contribute to our society. I have been a supporter of this effort since its inception, shortly following Ian's passing and have participated in several of their fundraising events.
The Ian Clemens Foundation hosted a family dinner at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in March, and it made a big impact on our hospital stay. Our daughter was inpatient for a week after having a tumor removed from her kidney. Staying there for a week was exhausting, but the dinner was a nice reprieve and opportunity to connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences. The Clemens family was so caring and thoughtful and brought some light to our lives that night. The Foundation is wonderful and Ian's parents are inspiring people who are going above and beyond to honor his memory. Our family will continue to support the Ian Clemens Foundation and all of their events.
The Ian Clemens Foundation is an amazing charity. This young Foundation has already accomplished great things. They partner with local children's hospitals to help families who have a child battling cancer. They work to raise awareness of tissue and organ donation. They provide scholarships to future engineers in Michigan. The Foundation works hard to get the most of every dollar donated.
It has been my great honor and pleasure to volunteer for the Ian Clemens Foundation.
The foundation was set up by Al and Michelle Clemens and the Foundation was named after their son who died of cancer soon after Ian started at the University of Michigan. Al and Michelle having faced the worst tragedy that parents can ever endure. Instead of succumbing to despair they have used Ian's death to work on improving the lives of other families facing similar situations. This is the goal of the foundation. The events are always well attended and the Clemens's have the ability to embrace you and make you a part of the family.
The work of Al and Michelle Clemens to make this foundation a reality is truly inspiring. They continually honor their son's memory by working year round to raise funds for the Foundation, which go towards an Engineering scholarship at the University of Michigan, as well as to families struggling with the costs of pediatric cancer. It is truly a blessing to have the opportunity to work with such generous people. Every year the Foundation grows, raising more funds and touching more lives. I'm excited to see how much good work can be done in the coming years!
Volunteering with the Ian Clemens Foundation is joining another family. Everyone involved with the foundation is positive and welcoming. Al and Michelle Clemens are continuing their son's goal to make a difference in the world. The Foundation's three fold approach allows so many different lives to be changes in a very positive way. The Foundation's events are organized and well run. In addition to supporting a great cause they are a lot of fun.
This charity turned an awful situation into a great positive. The Clemens family has refused to let cancer change their positive mentality. They have helped 4 students at the University of Michigan with affording the costs of college. Now they are helping families recoup the cost associated with pediatric cancers and supporting organ and tissue donation along with helping families afford the cost of college.
They have kept the family feel while expanding upon their fundraisers which allows this foundation to be meaningful and succesful.