An important letter from TMH Foundation Board Member Kim Howes
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Dear Friends,
If you’re not a fan of long letters, you can skip to the bottom.
But I hope you will allow me a few minutes to share how you can bring life-saving care to local patients fighting cancer. This is important for so many people, and it’s deeply personal for me.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, will mark 15 years since my mom’s passing from breast cancer. Marsha Lynn Koppe was one of a kind – wicked smart, tough, and full of love. She had a beautiful voice and an unforgettable laugh.
I miss her – especially her guidance in hard times, but I am so grateful for the time we had together. It’s also encouraging to see the many advances in breast cancer treatment that have taken place since she passed. Tallahassee Memorial’s Cancer Center and Walker Breast Program are bringing a national level of care to patients in our community.
I know there are many causes you can – and should! – support this holiday season, but the unfortunate reality is that cancer never takes a break. Cancer patients always need us.
Tallahassee Memorial is seeing growing numbers of patients in financial distress who are uninsured and unable to pay for treatment. They rely on community support to access life-saving care.
Of the 2,340 newly diagnosed cancer patients at TMH in 2023, 15% were uninsured. Many have limited resources and face time away from work, as well as the financial and physical strains of traveling long distances to receive care.
I am reaching out to ask you to make a gift before Dec. 31 through the TMH Foundation to help local patients get the care they need.
I always wanted to do something in Mom’s memory to help ease the burdens of cancer treatment for other women. After watching a growing number of friends and family members face breast cancer, I became more determined than ever to find a way to help!
In October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched the Flamingo Challenge with the support of my colleagues at First Commerce Credit Union and in partnership with the TMH Foundation.
This fun, grassroots effort results in businesses and individuals placing flamingos in their yards and fundraising – however they choose – to support the Walker Breast Program.
Now, in its fifth year, the Flamingo Challenge has raised a significant amount of funding to directly support patients. This year, however, our efforts were delayed by Hurricane Helene, which was quickly followed by Hurricane Milton.
With our delayed start and so many funds going to worthy disaster relief programs, I want to ensure we keep the momentum going for cancer patients, whose needs remain constant.
Before Dec. 31, in honor of my mom and the many patients who are counting on us, will you make a tax-deductible gift to the TMH Foundation? Your gift will help some of the most vulnerable members of our community access care when they need it most.
No one should face cancer alone. With your help, we can ensure all patients get the care and support they need.
Thank you and may the peace of the season surround you and your loved ones.
Kimberly Koppe Howes
Senior Vice President – Chief Visionary Officer
First Commerce Credit Union
TMH Foundation Board Member
P.S. Any amount you give will have an impact. You can choose to give monthly or make a one-time gift. I invite you to follow your heart and consider one of the much-needed items below. THANK YOU!
