Memorial Foundations/Charities

Hello all....I am just trying this group to see if anyone has any suggestions.  You have all been so helpful with any questions I have had.  I recently lost my mother 9/23 to liver cancer.....she survived 10 months after diagnosis.  She was 59 & a very active woman, until they attempted to treat the cancer.  My sister & I have decided to have an annual tennis tournament (tennis was my mom's life) in my mom's memory, with all proceeds going to liver cancer research.  Well now, this is not enough for my stepdad...he wants to start a foundation in her name, where we distribute the funds to different organizations....but mainly we want money being used for research in treating or possibly preventing Liver cancer.  We have come up with events/fundraisers to keep the organization going each year, but I'm not sure how to start.  I may need to hire an attorney.  Does anyone have any idea how to go about starting a foundation?  I called the american cancer society & they advised me that none of the funds they receive are allocated to liver cancer.  I was shocked to hear that, as I have always been a contributor the acs.....not anymore.  If anyone has a clue or a suggestion, I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thanks....

My father just died of cholangiocarcinoma on 4/12. He was diagnosed on 3/10. My family was shocked as well that there is no specific fund for this type of cancer. There has not been alot of progress made on this disease. unfortunaelty research takes alot of money. I would like to  assit with this. Have you made any progress with this? I would like to organize either a fishing derby because my father enjoyed fishing or a walk to raise money, like you I am not sure how to get this started. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer

Maine.

On 5/1/2008 jennifer13 wrote:

My father just died of cholangiocarcinoma on 4/12. He was diagnosed on 3/10. My family was shocked as well that there is no specific fund for this type of cancer. There has not been alot of progress made on this disease. unfortunaelty research takes alot of money. I would like to  assit with this. Have you made any progress with this? I would like to organize either a fishing derby because my father enjoyed fishing or a walk to raise money, like you I am not sure how to get this started. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer

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Maine.

We were able to connect with the American Liver Foundation, as they are the only charity which donates for research on Liver Cancer.  They are going to sponser our memorial tennis tournament and help us get a local walk going.  Also the American Cancer Society does have some neat fundraisers, but when you've lost someone to a specific disease, I understand wanting to raise funds for research on that disease.  Try doing some searches online and also the American Cancer Society can sometimes refer you to another charity that sponsers the cancer you want to help beat.  I am so sorry for your loss.......I know how horrible the loss of my mother is and continues to be.  I will pray for you & your family.