When a family faces a blood cancer diagnosis, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. For many families at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital and across the country, support from community partners can make an immeasurable difference. These partners not only provide resources, but also comfort, understanding, and hope.
That mission is at the heart of the DDM Leukemia Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Dakari Dunsimi Mitchell, a beloved son whose battle with leukemia reshaped his mother’s purpose and commitment to helping others.
“It’s all about keeping Dakari’s legacy alive,” said founder Beverly Mitchell, “and helping and supporting others who are dealing with this.”
The journey began in 2010, when her son, then 35 and living in Michigan, called to say he was not feeling well.
“He was saying how sick he was, and it felt like he had the flu,” Mitchell recalled. “I told him to go to the doctor and get blood work, so we could find out what was really going on.”
He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Although treatment initially brought hope, the disease progressed quickly. He participated in clinical trials and eventually required a bone marrow transplant.
During the transplant process, doctors explained how difficult it had been to find a close bone marrow match. After her son later passed away, those conversations stayed with Mitchell.
That moment became a turning point, fueling a mission to raise awareness about blood cancers and the health disparities affecting Black, Latino, and other underserved communities.
“This is what we are really trying to do, to get the exposure and bring awareness to people who are affected,” she said.
DDM was created to meet families where they are emotionally, financially, and practically.
“We try to provide services to everybody who’s dealing with whatever blood cancer they may have,” Mitchell said.
That support often extends beyond medical needs. The organization has helped families pay rent, cover utility bills, and purchase gas cards so parents can transport their children to treatment.
“A big challenge that lots of families go through is just not knowing enough about the disease,” she explained. “Not knowing what they should be doing and shouldn’t be doing.”
DDM also provides grief support, helping families cope with loss, fear, and exhaustion.
“Just to see the children smile,” Mitchell said. “To see the parents crying tears of joy, tears of relief, that’s everything.”
Partnering with UChicago Medicine Comer Cheer
That desire to bring joy to hospitalized children led DDM to partner with Comer Cheer at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.
“I saw how my son was just so sad and depressed spending his birthday or Christmas in the hospital,” she said. “I didn’t like to see that.”
Through its collaboration with Comer Cheer, DDM helps deliver moments of happiness to children facing long hospital stays by celebrating milestones, holidays, and everyday victories.
“From that point on, we’ve just been trying to give as much as we can give,” she said, “so we can bring a smile to a child’s face and into their heart.”
Through its partnership with UChicago Medicine, DDM is ensuring that one family’s loss continues to bring awareness, compassion, and hope to countless others, keeping a legacy of happiness alive.
