We fund the networks
that bring families home.
SLOTH is a Michigan nonprofit built on a belief
that medically complex children deserve
better — and that organized, funded,
shared learning is how we get there.
Community
Connecting families, caregivers, and professionals to build a stronger, supportive community.
Education
Providing practical resources and education to empower caregivers with confidence.
Shared Learning
Sharing experiences and data to drive improvements in care across our network.
Better Outcomes
Working together to improve outcomes and quality of life for children and families.
WHO WE ARE
A funding organization, not a clinic.
SLOTH does not run hospitals or treat patients. We fund the infrastructure — the learning health networks and research communities — that connect everyone invested in these children so that knowledge flows freely and outcomes improve everywhere.
Our first funded initiative is the TRACH/VENT Learning Network. Our vision is to grow into a grant-making organization funding multiple networks across pediatric medical complexity.
We Fund
Grants to learning health networks and research communities
They Research
Multi-center networks collect data and identify best practices
Together We Share
Knowledge flows to families and clinicians
everywhere
Everyone Improves
Outcomes improve regardless of where a child
receives care
OUR VALUES
What drives every decision we make
Support
We stand alongside families carrying an impossible burden — and we fight to lighten it.
Educate
We share knowledge freely so every family and clinician has the tools they need.
Collaborate
No single institution or family can solve this alone. Together, we can.
Improve
We are relentlessly focused on measurable improvement for real children.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Our founding board — built on lived experience, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment.
Michelle Dugan
Co-Founder & Board Chair
“Oliver’s mom. Built SLOTH from love, loss, and a refusal to accept the status quo.”
Kathy Dugan
Director & Secretary
“Providing practical resources and education to empower caregivers with confidence.”
Kathy Brady
Director & Treasurer
“Sharing experiences and data to drive improvements in care across our network.”
Raisa Tataru
Director
“Brings clinical and community expertise to guide SLOTH’s network strategy.”
A STORY OF HOPE
Oliver's Story
Oliver’s journey inspired the creation of
SLOTH so no family has to navigate this
path alone.