Young cancer patients benefit from Michigan Architectural Foundation fund
“Iggy Peck Architect” and “You Wouldn’t Want to be a Skyscraper Builder” are among the 100 book titles for toddlers through teens recently donated to the Cowell Family Cancer Center.
The Rae Dumke Development Fund of the Michigan Architectural Foundation donated the “Build Imagination” collection to spur imaginations and raise awareness of architecture in the younger generation. Michigan Architectural Foundation Board Trustee Rae Dumke, Hon. AIA, and Tom Mathison, FAIA, vice president of the Michigan Architectural Foundation presented the books to cancer center officials after a similar donation to the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham, Mich., proved to be a hit.
“Children and parents all had such delightful reactions to the collection during the open house (in Birmingham) held to present the books. I wanted to be able to share these special books with more children around our state,” Dumke said. “I hope that these books will be a source of comfort to parents and children during the treatment process.”
Munson Healthcare Executive Director of Oncology Services Kathleen Laraia said the books are a great addition to the cancer center and offer fascinating material for young patients, some who spend hours receiving an infusion treatment.
“We really want to thank Rae, Tom and the Michigan Architectural Foundation Board for thinking of us and our patients with their generosity,” Laraia said. “These are inspiring books for young and old alike.”
Dumke is a resident of Maple City and president of the Glen Arbor Art Association. She is a former executive director for Michigan Architectural Foundation, American Institute of Architects Michigan and American Institute of Architects Detroit. The Michigan Architectural Foundation established the dedicated development fund in her name to honor her legacy of 43 years of service.
For more information on the Cowell Family Cancer Center and oncology services go to munsonhealthcare.org/cancer.
