Together Toward Hope
To honor the 5th anniversary of Michael Gustafson’s death, the Swifty Foundation was featured on ABC 7 News Chicago. The segment highlights Mikey’s master plan, how Swifty is accomplishing it, and the details of Kira Couch and Caitlin Holzer’s Shaving for Hope! event.
“I’m going to give my life up and we’re going to see if we can find a cure.” – Michael Gustafson
Michael Gustafson was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor called Medulloblastoma when he was just 10 years old. As he underwent treatment, Michael and his parents, Patti and Al Gustafson, learned the medicine he was given was 30-40 years old due to how little funding there is for pediatric cancer research. Michael lost his fight to cancer at 15 years old on January 6th, 2013, but his death was not in vain. By his request, Michael’s body was donated to assist tissue-based pediatric cancer research.
The Swifty Foundation was started by Michael himself in order to raise funds and awareness for pediatric brain cancer research by supporting tissue donation, research collaboration, and Medulloblastoma research.
In 2017, Swifty’s Annual Appeal raised $150,000 to fund the first year of the Tissue Navigator position at Lurie Children’s hospital. This accomplishment is crucial in aiding families to become better advocates for their child’s cancer treatment plan. The value of tissue in cancer research is often overlooked, and it is Swifty’s goal to make others aware of how tissue donation can help in the search for a cure.
Please take the time to watch the Swifty Foundation’s ABC 7 News Chicago feature and learn more about how Swifty is moving together toward hope.
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