Changes Made to Keep Children's Cancer Connection Strong

As you are well aware, we are facing one of the most difficult economic times in our nation’s history.  Like many companies and organizations, Children's Cancer Connection has also been affected.  In order to ensure that we weather this economic storm and have the ability to maintain our programs for those facing childhood cancer our Board of Directors has chosen to act proactively and has made the hard decision to cut a number of budget items to ensure the strength of this organization.

We have made significant cuts to every expense line item including supplies, equipment, printing and postage and all other areas that we could do without, or delay, until things turn around.  The most noticeable impact of these cuts however, includes a reduction in our staff. 

This week we had to say farewell to our Receptionist – Cheryl Angier.  Cheryl has been the morning voice of the organization for nearly three years. 

We also had to say goodbye to our Director of Programs and Volunteer Services, Brecka Putnam.  Brecka joined us in February of 2008 and has been instrumental in helping us grow our programs.  Brecka brought the first “Survivors of Childhood Cancer” program to Iowa and has been a huge advocate of our family based programs and services.

Brecka asked that we share a note from her –

"Dear friends,

It has been a joy to work with and get to know you over the past few years.  I have learned so much from you, and am amazed by the strength of families touched by childhood cancer and the compassion of the volunteers that serve them.  It is with sadness that I inform you that my position at Children’s Cancer Connection has been eliminated due to financial reasons.  I will miss those of you that I have worked with greatly, but I take comfort in knowing that this decision was necessary to preserve the organization and allow Children’s Cancer Connection to continue providing excellent services for families.  Should you wish to contact me in the future, please don’t hesitate: brecka.putnam@gmail.com. "

We are saddened that we have had to make these deep cuts and that our Children's Cancer Connection family has been affected.  We are dividing responsibilities to ensure that we maintain our current level of programs and services.  We feel very fortunate that we have managed to not have to downsize as long as we have.  Many other organizations were forced to do this early in the economic down turn, and others have had to close their doors. 

Both our Board of Directors and I are committed to do what it takes to ensure that we will be here to meet the needs of every family that needs our services and programs. 

I am available to answer questions and listen to concerns.  Should you want to contact me, I am available by email at Mark@childrenscancerconnection.com or by phone at 515-243-6239 extension 1101.