By Greg O’Neil
On the evening of April 25, 2025, the historic Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, transformed into a beacon of compassion and community. I had the honor of attending a fundraising gala for the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (BCFM), an event that drew powerful support from across the banking and legal sectors. My invitation came from Stuart Best of Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, a longtime advocate for charitable causes across Michigan.
As a reporter for Great Lakes Banker, a magazine dedicated to the community banking industry, I was especially moved by the visible presence and strong backing from several of our loyal subscribers—Independent Bank, First Independence Bank, and the Bank of Ann Arbor. Their presence at the event underscored the powerful role local banks continue to play in the lives of Michigan families—not only financially, but emotionally and socially as well.
Founded with a single, powerful promise—that no Michigan family should face blood cancer alone—BCFM has grown into the state’s leading resource for families navigating a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood-related cancers. With a 5-star rating from Charity Navigator, the organization is widely recognized for directing the majority of its funding straight into the hands of those who need it most.
During the evening, I spoke with several BCFM representatives who shared the sobering reality: many of the families they serve are already on the edge financially, living paycheck to paycheck with little to no savings. The shock of a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating—and financially catastrophic. BCFM steps in at this critical juncture, offering personalized services that range from emotional and social support to direct financial assistance.
Their work is not just reactive—it’s proactive. Families are paired with specialists who help guide them through each phase of their cancer journey. This includes navigating the healthcare system, accessing educational materials, and finding peer support. For many, BCFM becomes a lifeline—a partner in one of life’s most difficult seasons.
The fundraiser itself was a celebration of resilience, community, and generosity. Guests, dressed in cocktail attire, mingled among the exhibits of American innovation while bidding in silent auctions and pledging donations to support the cause. There was a palpable sense of unity—a shared recognition that fighting cancer requires more than medicine; it demands community.
Several speakers took the stage, including representatives from supporting banks, who shared heartfelt messages about the importance of giving back and the impact organizations like BCFM have on the communities they serve. It was inspiring to see Michigan’s financial institutions not just writing checks, but standing shoulder to shoulder with the people they serve.
As a member of the press, and as someone who has witnessed the quiet strength of Michigan’s community banks time and again, I left the evening reminded of the power of purpose-driven work. When financial institutions, law firms, nonprofits, and families come together with shared resolve, the impact is immeasurable.
To learn more about the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan or to make a donation, visit www.bloodcancerfoundationmi.org.