Praise and Gratitude, from the Heart

Being a parent of a child with cancer, it is very heart-lifting anytime your child can forget about the ordeal they are going through, if even for a few minutes. My son, Andrew Samuels, is a personal hero of mine and I was overjoyed to see him join Ed and Leann Boullion to assist with Michigan from the Heart (“Victors & Heroes,” fall 2011). They are two of the best people I know. My wife, Kiela, and I are so proud to watch Andrew share the great compassion, faith and strength he has demonstrated his entire life — the cancer was just an opportunity to share it. Many thanks to all who have participated in Michigan from the Heart, but I reserve the greatest praise for the brave children who, in the midst of the fight of their lives, bring a bright ray of understanding to those of us on the sidelines. Hail to the victors and the heroes of U-M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital! I am forever grateful and humbled.

Brian A. Samuels
Ypsilanti, Michigan

My family can’t say enough about the Michigan from the Heart organization. It meant so much to us when our son was visited by Patrick Omameh, and later attended an Eastern Michigan University game and met Brock Mealer at the Big House. Many thanks to everyone involved in this great organization!

Daniel Fracker
Jackson, Michigan

God bless the children, Ed and Leann Boullion, and the athletes and volunteers that make Michigan from the Heart happen. I have been very fortunate and blessed to see the wonderful benefits this program provides to children.

Dale LaClair
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Proud Alumna

Having graduated from the U-M School of Nursing in 1951, I always knew that the U-M Medical School was first-rate. The wonderful graduates featured in “From Milan to Marquette” (fall 2011) certainly exemplify my opinion. Congratulations!

Nancy Nelson, R.N.
Cincinnati, Ohio

Another Life Saved

As an oncology-certified nurse, I have seen firsthand the benefits of a bone marrow transplant (“Not Only a Doctor,” fall 2011). Also, as an oncology nurse who worked with Dr. Michael Soileau, I have seen the emotions that go into the donation process. Michael was full-swing into his residency yet did not hesitate to help when asked. He was obviously concerned about the effects the donation process would have on his body and his life, but I never saw a moment of hesitation. Michael, you save lives every day. You saved another by donating your bone marrow. Thank you for simply being you.

Angela Christensen, R.N.
Clawson, Michigan