Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to read about Clement's Kindness and for considering this great organization as part of your charitable giving. Clement's Kindness is dedicated to serving the non-medical needs of families who have a child suffering from cancer or other serious blood disorders, specifically those children treated here in the Upstate by Dr. Cary Stroud and his staff at the BI-LO Charities Children's Cancer Center.
I would like to share my personal connection with Clement's Kindness and why I have chosen to serve this incredible mission. My big brother, Frank M. DuPree, Jr., lost his battle with cancer in 1988, just before his tenth birthday. I saw first-hand his struggle as well as my parents'. It was a difficult time. He underwent painful treatments which required him to travel often, and as a result, he missed many of the simple pleasures of childhood like playing with friends. My parents were required to take extended time away from work and leave me with other family members while they traveled with Frank.
There are a couple key observations that I remember vividly: the emotional toll that the diagnosis, treatment, traveling, and caring for Frank took on my parents as well as the absolute courage and hope that my brother displayed upon his diagnosis and throughout his treatment. It is amazing that in spite of grueling and exhausting treatments, children are able to hold on to their innocence and maintain a positive outlook. As you read the incredible stories of some of the families we have been privileged to help, please note the courage and the hope in the eyes of the patients whose pictures are included. Try to imagine the heartache, emotional stress, and financial burden placed on the parents of these children. They need help!
One thing I love about giving to Clement's Kindness is that your donation makes an immediate and visible impact on families here in the upstate of South Carolina. For those of you who have given in the past, please know that it is your support that has made an impact on the lives of the families whose stories we have included in this report.
With your help, we are able to provide families direct financial assistance for travel expenses, mortgages, utility payments, and much more. Additionally, Clement's Kindness supports annual events such as Camp Courage, a trip to Carowinds, and outings with local college sports teams. These events provide, even if only briefly, the opportunity for families to have a normal life.
Please join me in making an immediate and visible impact on local families in need of our help. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bern DuPree