About Us

History

Children’s Road to Recovery was created by Michael and Della Polk in loving memory of their son, Christopher. They wanted to ease the financial burden of other families who were experiencing the pain of caring for a critically ill child. We are a non-profit organization staffed 100% by volunteers; including doctors, nurses, social workers, travel and hospitality professionals and other caring individuals. We believe that every child should have a chance for a happy and healthy life.

In our fifth year of operation it was decided to change the organization’s name to reflect our true mission, thus, our new name is “Children’s Road to Recovery.”

Background

Christopher Michael Polk was diagnosed with Cancer on October 1, 1986. He underwent numerous treatments at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for his illness. The battle continued for four years and during that time Chris was in and out of the hospital, sometimes staying in for months at a time. In September of 1989 the Polk’s were told that their son now had Leukemia, as a result of his previous Cancer treatments.

Chris getting ready for a bone marrow transplant at the Univ. of Kentucky Medical Center.

A search went out for a bone marrow donor, but no matching could be found. Chris needed a bone marrow transplant or he would not live. He was given a 20% chance of surviving a bone marrow transplant from his mother, Della. Although Della’s marrow was close, it was not a perfect match. The family had to travel to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in order for Chris to undergo the transplant. Their insurance did not cover the cost of traveling for Chris or his family, and it did not cover the cost of renting an apartment for the many months of recovery. It was through the generosity and support from family and friends that Mike and Della were able to take Chris to Kentucky to receive his last chance for a cure. Ultimately, Chris lost his battle to Cancer on August 10, 1990, at the age of nine. His family was comforted by the knowledge that they exhausted every possibility and did everything they could to save his life. The purpose of Children`s Roads To Recovery is to provide that same chance for a cure to other children.

Company Goals

Our Mission

The goal of Children’s Road to Recovery is is to provide transportation, lodging and funding for related expenses incurred when critically ill patients have to travel to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D. C.. Medical insurance does not provide travel benefits. Due to the unexpected and enormous expenses that arise, choices have to be made that separate family members for long periods of time. Hospitalization can be lengthy, lasting for months, and sometimes years. With the support of Children`s Roads To Recovery, families will be able to take their child where needed to receive potentially life saving treatments, and stay together at a time when the love and support of a unified family is essential.

With corporate support and the support of concerned individuals, Children’s Road to Recovery has been able to secure long term commitments for hotel arrangements, meal programs, air & ground transportation, and financial pledges. Special events for fund raising are also an integral part of the financial base needed to manage the operations of this program.

Our Vision

To help children who suffer from a life threatening illness or injury in their quest to find a cure and be well again.
To give them the opportunity to travel to and from an approved medical facility to receive potentially life saving treatment, no matter where the facility is located within the United States.
To relieve the overwhelming financial burdens thrust on the family. We know that caring for a critically ill child is both an emotional and financial strain on a family.
To give the family peace of mind in knowing that their child has every opportunity to receive the best medical treatment available.

Achievements

Children Helped

0 +

Funds Raised for Families

$ 0

Years of Service

States Served

Who We Are

Our Board

We are a non-profit organization staffed 100% by volunteers; including doctors, nurses, social workers, travel and hospitality professionals and other caring individuals. We believe that every child should have a chance for a happy and healthy life.

Michael L. Polk, President
Richard W. Wess, Vice President
Vivian A. Wess, Corporate Secretary

Della A. Polk, Treasurer
Ribis, Jones & Maresca, PA, Accountant
Vivian A. Wess, Benefits Coordinator

The Honorable
C. A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, III
Congressman

Gregory H. Reaman, M.D.
Executive Director
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Children’s National Medical Center
Lynn L. Hardesty, LICSW
Manager, Patient & Family Support
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Children’s National Medical Center
Aziza T. Shad, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Center
Georgetown University Medical Center
Yvonne Bush, LICSW
Pediatric Hemotology-Oncology
Vincent T. Lombardi Cancer Center
Georgetown University Medical Center
Cindy Schwartz, M.D.
Clinical Director, Pediatric Oncology
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Jean Kan, M.D.
Joel Brenner, M.D.
Co-Directors of Pediatrics
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Joseph M. Wiley, M.D.
Director, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Acting Chairman, Dept. of Pediatrics
Children’s Hospital at Sinai