COMMUNITY CONCERNS FOR THE MEDICALLY FRAGILE

CCMF is a non-profit group that was started by a small group of parents who did not want their children to live in an institution.The Medically Fragile children require intense life-long care. These parents wanted their children to live in a home setting with 24 hour care. Our kids are often in need of wheelchairs, g-tubes for nutrition, tracheostomies for respiratory needs and commonly suffer various types of seizures. Communication is often an obstacle as well and the combination of these conditions prompts us to be their full time advocates. 

Standing Oaks is a home to five residents requiring this level of care and also extends respite care to families who greatly benefit from the ability to leave their loved one in a setting in which they have confidence. This allows families the opportunity to recharge and partake in some activities that would otherwise be difficult at best. This home was made possible with the collaboration of the March of Dimes, CCMF, the Rotary Club of Sarnia and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

CCMF is very active in the lives of the Standing Oaks residents and also reaches out to all the medically fragile individuals in our area. Our latest accomplishments include a large covered activity area at the Standing Oaks location; a van for transportation to appointments and functions, and the most recent renovation and upgrade to the respite room. 

We are proud to be the voices of these individuals and we thank every person and organization who has helped in our cause. They are our community's most vulnerable. 

Short term our monies are used to provide a weekly Hands on Art program and a Music therapy program that is open to all medically fragile individuals in the Sarnia/Lambton area. We also offer seasonal events such as dances, BBQ's, and Christmas parties which allow our members to connect with many previous acquaintances and provide great fun for the entire family.

Long term, our focus is on the much needed expansion at Standing Oaks. This will allow four more young adults to also enjoy a lifestyle of dignity and quality. We strive to make sure that this expansion conforms to the family oriented atmosphere that currently exists.