Connie Russell

Connie Russell has spearheaded The Lee Slatter Holiday Program for the past three years. This program aims to relieve the stress and financial strains placed on many families around the holiday season when a child or caregiver is undergoing cancer treatment. Connie works with Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society to obtain a list of families in need and she and her team of volunteers work to place them with sponsors who supply the families with everything from a turkey dinner, to presents, to a Christmas tree. 
 
This past holiday season sponsors were able to help a married couple, both undergoing cancer treatment, from having their car repossessed, kept several families from having utilities disconnected, gave gas cards to families who were having difficulties traveling to and from Children’s Hospital for treatments, provided toys and clothing to children, and much more. 

Connie says, “I think what I see year after year that keeps me driven with this program is the spirit and positive attitudes that the patients have, especially the children. They keep everyone around them feeling hopeful. It just has a way of making our day-to-day problems seem all of a sudden very manageable.”