Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food has launched its 18th annual fundraising program in support of pediatric cancer research initiatives during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Giant’s goal is to raise at least $2 million over the eight-week program, running from Aug. 12 to Oct. 13, from the sale of $5 coupon books valued at more than $45 each. All funds raised will be donated to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation to support its ongoing cancer research.
Since the program’s launch in 2005, Giant Food has raised more than $27.9 million for research. Throughout the campaign, customers can participate by purchasing a coupon book at a local Giant store. Giant Delivers and pickup customers also have the option to make a donation of $1, $3 or $5 during online checkout.
“This campaign has been so successful year after year thanks to the help of our amazing customers and store associates and we are thrilled to join together once again with our communities to lend our continued support to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food.
“We are proud to be able to raise awareness and funds through this campaign to support the critical research of these two local organizations and their exceptional work treating and helping to eradicate childhood cancer.”
This year, three young local cancer fighters serve as Giant Food Pediatric Cancer ambassadors. These children have faced numerous challenges, but the treatments they have received from this program’s support have helped them to lead healthier and happier lives.
- Eight-year-old Hannah Bean was diagnosed with Stage Four Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 6.
- Four-year-old Christopher Milecki was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive Leukemia at just 17 months.
- 13-year-old Jade Farmer was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age 10.
“The tremendous generosity of Giant Food and their surrounding communities, through their annual Childhood Cancer Campaign, provides vital funding for physician scientists to advance research initiatives leading to innovative care and personalized therapies for kids with cancer, as well as a platform to highlight the bravery and tenacity of our young patients as they navigate this difficult disease,” said Donald Small, director of pediatric oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
“On behalf of all of us within the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center’s Division of Pediatric Oncology, we are truly grateful for our partnership with Giant Food, which continues to make a difference in the lives of our patients today, tomorrow and in the future.”
