Michigan From The Heart's Vision
How "Michigan From The Heart" Was Created
The vision of Michigan From The Heart first came to Ed and Leann Boullion by way of great misfortune. Their daughter Channon was diagnosed with cancer in 1991 and received care at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Thankfully Channon's cancer has been in remission for several years. In fact, she has earned a degree in flight aviation and has begun her career as a pilot. But for many young people facing illness or injury, happy endings often seem out of reach.
The Boullions and friend Tom Bloom realized the significance of the visits from University of Michigan student-athletes to the halls of C.S. Mott Hospital. As a result, Michigan From The Heart was formed to offer friendship and a little cheer to critically injured and ailing children.
Nearly a two decades later Michigan From The Heart is more dynamic than ever. Ed and Leann continue to be the driving force behind the organization and its simple yet critical mission: to improve the quality of life for the young patients at C.S. Mott Hospital.
From the beginning, U of M superstars like Desmond Howard (Super Bowl MVP), Brian Griese (former Michigan and NFL quarterback), and many women's and men's athletic teams have been ushered down the halls of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital to brighten the days of some very ill children. Each year a growing number of student-athletes, coaches, and other student volunteers learn the value of helping those who are less fortunate. They bring joy to those who most need it in their lives. The benefits of these hospital visits are twofold; the young patients often meet a role model and make a new friend, and the student-athletes witness firsthand the advantages of giving back to the community.
Through donations and various fundraisers, Michigan From The Heart has been able to help ease the pain of the young patients and their families. Michigan From The Heart supports the family and children throughout their stay at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital - Lasting friendships are often formed because of this one-on-one contact.
