Meet the Friends of Mel Foundation

                                 The Ellie Fund's wonderful partner!

DIRECTV Hometown Heroes, an original series hosted by Joan Lunden, features the inspirational stories of everyday people whose extraordinary acts of kindness, courage and bravery are making a profound difference in the loves of others.  Each week, the 30-minute program honors three exceptional members of the DIRECTV community from across America.  These unsung heroes show us how we can all make a difference.

Episode 2, premiering Sunday, April 12, features the story of the Friends of Mel Foundation.  Joan Lunden visits with Pauline Alighieri, President of the Friends of Mel Foundation. 

It is the mission of the Friends of Mel Foundation to raise money to fight cancer.  The Foundation funds creative and promising projects that impact patient care at both the grassroots and institutional levels.  Areas of greatest interest are research, education, awareness, prevention and patient support. 

In the spirit of Mel's generosity, many cancer patients and survivors have been ministered through their battles with cancer.   As a tribute to Mel, the Foundation has been created to continue her work.  To date, through the sale of Mel's whimsical bracelets, the Foundation has awarded numerous grants and awards, including over $1,000,000 donated to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center for cancer research and education. The Ellie Fund is honored to be a recipient of funds from the Foundation!

It is not just those directly touched by cancer who are effected by this terrible disease.  Mel's Foundation exists to further awareness of the need for everyone to join the fight against cancer. You can help by sharing this information with everyone you know.  For more information, visit www.friendsofmelfoundation.org

DETAILS:

Program Title: Hometown Heroes, Episode 2

Broadcast Premiere Date: April 12

Time: 9 AM and Noon

Run dates: April 12 - June 1 (approximate)