Keith Anthony Baker Memorial Foundation’s sole purpose is to provide support groups to families with children or parents experiencing difficulties with all forms and stages of Cancer. By involving the support of the community and education.
Keith Anthony Baker Memorial Foundation Inc. was formed and incorporated on November 29, 1989 by Jacqueline Baker. After Keith Baker was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cancer in November 1987. His mother Jacqueline Baker wanted to keep Keith's memory alive and formed this organization after the untimely death of Keith Baker in 1988. The orginal members included Carole Watson, Barbara Sturdivant, Carrie Stode, Addie Moses, Patricia Gardner and Jacqueline Baker. This group of powerful women held monthly meetings and decided to host annual benefit luncheons, where the proceeds would go to the Michigan Cancer Foundation, presently known as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. December 1989, the first Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at Hotel St. Regis and the first keynote speaker was the Honorable Mayor Dennis W. Archer. It wasn't until February 1991, Mayor Dennis W. Archer, shepherded the foundation into an affiliation with the Detroit Regional Board of Michigan Cancer Foundation (Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute).
After the second benefit luncheon, a plaque was dedicated in the lobby of the Michigan Cancer Foundation in memory of Keith Anthony Baker. Members worked tirelessly to raise funds. Finally, in 1993 the Keith Anthony Baker Support Group was formed. The group staff is composed of nurses, social workers, therapits and other professionals who volunteer their services. They provide counseling, education and emotional support to children who have siblings, parents and other relatives with cancer. In April 1994, the first cycle of the Keith Anthony Baker Support Group was held at Central Methodist Church and was relocated in 2001 to the ARC Building, located in the Midtown Cultural Center.
The beginning of the new millennium was time of growth and innovation, which led to the establishment of the KABBARRETTES which consists of young ladies ages 13-18. The group's purpose is to provide friendship and companionship to sick children and their siblings. Also KAB had added to the organization by incorporating the Keith Baker Award to be awarded to they young football players of the Bronco's and they are presented with the "Captin Courage Plaques." Most importanly, the KAB Memorial Foundation had remained dedicated to improving the lives of children who have family members stricken with cancer.
Lezlee Adkisson
Patricia Gardner
Jonnie Hamilton
Diann Hatcher
Carrie L.Strode
Barbara J. Sturdivant
The Keith Anthony Baker Memorial Foundation has moved we are now located at 11000 W. McNichols, Suite 313, Detroit, MI 48221. We are planning more events and will be needing the help of the community hope to see you there.
