Last updated on August 15th, 2021 at 05:24 pm
Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food, a greater Washington, D.C. regional food retailer, has launched its 17th annual pediatric cancer fundraising program to support pediatric cancer research initiatives during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Giant aims to raise at least $2 million throughout the eight-week program, running from Aug. 13 to Oct. 8, from the sale of $5 coupon books valued at more than $30. All funds raised will be donated to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation Inc. to support ongoing cancer research.
Since the program’s inception in 2005, Giant Food has raised more than $25.7 million for pediatric cancer research. During the campaign, Giant customers can participate by purchasing a coupon book at their local store. New this year, Giant Delivers and Pickup customers also have the option to make a donation of $1, $3 or $5 at online checkout.
“We are privileged to support the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children’s Cancer Foundation in furthering their pediatric cancer research efforts,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. “The campaign and its success each year would not be possible without the support of our customers and associates. The Giant family is excited to again join together with our communities to raise awareness and funds to support these two local organizations and the crucial work they do in researching, treating and eradicating childhood cancer.”
Three young local cancer fighters serve as Giant Food Pediatric Cancer ambassadors. These children, and many others like them, have faced numerous challenges, but the treatments they have received, as a result of Giant’s support, have helped in enabling them to lead healthier and happier lives.
- Nine-year-old Ella Borowski was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 6. Her favorite activity is playing outside and when she grows up, she wants to be a veterinarian. If she could have any superpower, she would want the ability to turn into animals;
- Twelve-year-old Rajan Patel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 9. His favorite activity is riding his bicycle and if he could have any superpower, it would be super speed. When he grows up, he wants to be a radiologist; and
- Nine-year-old Madelyn Olivia Smith was diagnosed with an extrarenal rhabdoid tumor at the age of 4. When she is not drawing, painting or exploring outside, she is playing with her younger siblings Benjamin, Emma and Ethan. If she could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly.
“Since our founding in 1983, Giant Food has been by our side, committed to helping our community’s children with cancer in the most impactful way – through funding childhood cancer research,” said CCF President Tasha Museles. “We are humbled and honored to receive Giant, and their customers’ support, which has profoundly improved CCF’s ability to help advance treatments and finding cures for these brave fighters. On behalf of CCF as well as the community at large, we are deeply grateful to Giant Food for continuing its role as a local leader to raise funds for this tragically underfunded field of research.”
Giant was recently named the 2021 Children’s Cancer Foundation’s Gift of Life Awardee at the CCF’s 37th Annual Gala. The award is CCF’s highest honor – recognizing leaders, and their businesses, who have made a difference in pediatric cancer through both community and philanthropic efforts.
“Through our collaboration with Giant Food, we continue to work side by side to raise awareness while driving tomorrow’s advancements in childhood cancer research and patient care,” said Donald Small, M.D., Ph.D., director of pediatric oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. “The annual pediatric cancer fundraising program highlights the experience of our brave young patients, while also providing critically needed funds that allow our clinicians and researchers to develop personalized treatment options that lead to improved outcomes and, ultimately, cures. We remain ever grateful for the partnership of Giant Food and look forward to all that we will accomplish – together.”
