Forty-six years ago, three families turned pain into passion, and they have been at it ever since.

That was 1978, the year the Davidson-Brin Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation was founded. Through their extensive fundraising efforts over the years, this powerhouse team has made significant contributions to driving new research and providing assistance to patients. One of the biggest supporters of that chapter from the beginning has been the Schlossberg family and the Alden Network, Health Care, and Senior Living Services.

“My dream is that one day we won’t need to have a foundation because a cure will be found,” said Ina Schlossberg. And for the last 46 years her dedication, and that of the chapter, has been unwavering.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Alden’s commitment to leukemia research started in 1978. The company’s founder and president Floyd Schlossberg and his wife Ina, lived next door to Marcia and Harvey Brin who had just lost their 10-year-old son, Alan, to leukemia. 

That year, the Brin family and friends, including the Schlossbergs, merged fundraising activities with another family, the Davidsons, who had also lost a child to leukemia – their 19-year-old son Donald. Together they formed the Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation.

A team effort

Over the years, the Davidson-Brin Chapter has raised more than $11M in support of the Leukemia Research Foundation. For decades, the chapter has sponsored a large “Raffle for Research” spring fundraiser and an annual “Ski for Research” trip to Colorado. Since its inception, the ski trip has been organized by Harvey’s brother Gerry, with donations going to support leukemia research. The next trip is scheduled for February 27 – March 4, 2025 in Steamboat Springs.

Marcia Brin (second from left), Ina Schlossberg (second from right), and their team, led fundraising events for decades.

Each year, under Gerry Brin’s leadership, athletes get together for the Ski for Research trip to Colorado.

In addition, throughout Alden’s network of 43 health care and senior living communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, the company has also sponsored a myriad of innovative fundraisers.

“Staff at various Alden facilities raise donations through skee ball tournaments, fishing derbies, car shows, and many other really fun and innovative fundraising events throughout the year,” said current Alden president and active Leukemia Board member, Randi Schlossberg Schullo. “The ABC7 Gibbons Run is another fantastic bonding opportunity. Employees come together there each year, as well, to support this worthwhile cause.”

In addition to Randi, Harvey Brin is a past Leukemia Research Foundation board member, and his brother Gerry, is the board treasurer. Harvey’s late wife Marcia was also an active board member.

The Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter’s fundraising creativity and long-term commitment continue, because the need is ongoing. “We can never take life for granted,” said Ina. “Now, more than ever, research is the key to saving lives.”