The Susan Farley Memorial Educational Advancement Fund
The Michael H. Flanagan Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 2002 by Michael’s family. Michael was diagnosed at 19 with Leukemia. During his 3 year battle he underwent 2 bone marrow transplants spending weeks and sometimes months in isolation while he struggled with complications. Throughout his life Michael strived to live a life of courage, integrity and faith. The Flanagan family was so pleased by the care Michael received from the nurses at The Miriam Hospital and Tufts Medical Center that they decided to establish a fund in Michael’s name. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and furthering education is essential and often very expensive.
The Michael H. Flanagan Foundation is renaming its Educational Advancement Fund to honor the memory of Susan Farley who passed away January 17, 2021, at the age of 48. During life with and without leukemia, she embodied courage, integrity and faith which were the defining characteristics of Michael H. Flanagan. Wife to Kevin and loving mom to 5 children, Susan began her relationship with the Foundation after being diagnosed in 2014. She and her family spent Thanksgiving that year in the Rhode Island Hospital Oncology Family Room, recently refurbished by the Foundation, to bring comfort for all who need that space during treatment. Susan received a Foundation Comfort Bag and happily beat the disease for some time. Susan’s daughter Grace, inspired by her mom’s courage and strength, created a senior project, Feet for Defeat, a fundraiser benefiting the Foundation, bringing a community together on a beautifulDecember night in 2015 to walked laps in a festive and purposeful atmosphere. Her sister Claire designed the logo and Susan herself rallied friends and family to donate and participate. Grace is now pursuing her nursing degree in an accelerated program. Soon after that event, Kevin and Susan were featured speakers at the Foundation’s biannual celebration, sharing an appreciation for all who have shared a similar battle and inspiring others support the Foundation. Soon after, Caroline ran the Boston Marathon in her mom’s honor, with the Foundation as a partner.
Her daughter Grace created a senior project, Feet for Defeat, which benefited MHFF as we worked together to raise awareness, create a fundraiser and bring a community together on a beautiful December night in 2015. The community walked laps in a festive and purposeful atmosphere, tied close to she and her family as her mom’s battle was her inspiration. Grace is currently in an accelerated nursing program as she pursues her degree. Her sister Claire designed the logo and Sue herself rallied friends and family to donate and participate. Soon after that event, MHFF hosted the bi-annual benefit and Kevin and Susan were our guest speakers. Kevin shared his sentiments as Susan stood by his side and embodied an appreciation for all who have shared a similar battle and inspiration for all others to be a support. Caroline next decided to run the Boston Marathon in her mom’s honor and used the MHFF as a resource in fund-raise.
This fund will be awarded to an RN/BSN or Social Worker, LICSW who has gone above and beyond when providing patient care in the area of Oncology. The recipient, who must have also shown excellence in patient safety and clinical skills, will receive $1000 to use toward furthering their education in the field of Oncology.
Members of the Farley family are included in the selection process of our candidate(s) and presentation. We are honored to have the memory of Susan be tied to this special award. During life with and without leukemia, she embodied courage, integrity and faith which were the defining characteristics of Michael. This award will allow a nurse to be recognized for their work as they continue to care for many other patients facing similar battles.
Application Process
- Complete application
- Please write a 1 page narrative on a separate page explaining your need for this fund
- Obtain 1 reference (Teacher/ Manager/ Mentor).
- Return to MHFF by May 5, 2024. If you have any questions, email Liz Lisle at eslisle@gmail.com.
Criteria
- Current RI or MA RN/BSN license or LICSW
- Educational advancement chosen must be related to field of Oncology
- One successful application per lifetime
- Excellence in patient practice or care (no infractions on nursing license)
- Steadfast leadership
- Compassion and human interest outside the required responsibilities
- Must be an employee at Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Roger Williams Medical Center or UMASS Memorial Medical Center.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a designated committee comprised of MHFF board members and a representative from hospital education. The recipient will be notified by mail and a breakfast will be held in their honor, if their schedule allows.