Advocacy

Message and Messenger Project

Advisory Committee


Jo Ann Allen, Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois
Teresa Baellan, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Rosa Berardi, The Coleman Foundation
Kathleen Casey, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Dr. Caroline Cinquegrani, Mt Sinai Hospital
Matthew Cohen, Mt Sinai Hospital
Denise Delves, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Peg Dublin, Access Community Health Network
Theresa Gibbs, ITxM Cord Blood Services
Tasha Gibson, Firman Community Services
Debra Gill, TCA Health NFP
Kimberly Givhan, Firman Community Services
Jacqueline Gonzalez, Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition
Damascus Harris, Good News Partners: New Life Interim Housing
Dr. Charles Lampley, Mt Sinai Hospital
Heather Lawrence, Chicago Department of Public Health
Rocio Martinez, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Dr. Renee Matthews, ITxM Cord Blood Services
Clark McCain, The Coleman Foundation
Kathryn Ragland, Roseland Hospital - WIC
Luecendia Reed, PCC Community Wellness
Antonia Rodriguez, Alivio Medical Center
Dr. Tulio Rodriguez, Loyola University Medical Center
Belinda Sayadian, UIC - Mile Square Health Center
Mary C. Schneider, Policy Advocate
Dolores Smith, Gift of Hope
George Smith, Jr. MPH, Healthcare Consortium of Illinois
Brenda Snyder, Illinois Dept of Human Services
Ruby Sorenson, Spanish Agency
Dr. Patrick Stiff, Loyola University Medical Center
Dr. Myrtis Sullivan, Illinois Department of Human Services
LaTeasha Ward, Archdiocese of Chicago
Crystal White, Mt Sinai Hospital
Tracy Wilhoite, Access Community Health Network
Dr. Dorcas Williams, Chicago State University
Kim Wilschek, Together with Baby
Yvonne Lee Wilson, Catholic Charities
 
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Donor with infant son:

 

“I found out about the cord [blood] donation through my doctor. She just told me it was a very easy process, no needles, no pain, it was a very safe procedure to do. It’s free… I thought about my baby. …what if my baby was sick or needed something, I would want somebody to help … And I thought of other babies that might not have that opportunity if I just decided not to donate it, so it felt good.  …  I think I’m gonna make a difference in his way of thought as far as encouraging him to give back. I think we’re on this world to give back and help somebody. Cuz who knows, today I’m healthy, tomorrow I don’t know, I might not be healthy. So…”