Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit that inspires individuals and businesses to “Be Good Cookies,” by hosting local events to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.
The organization was founded in 2008 by Larry and Gretchen Witt upon their son Liam’s diagnosis with cancer. They were shocked to learn that the primary reason pediatric cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the U.S. is due to lack of effective treatments – a result of under-funding. Tragically, Liam lost his battle in 2011, but his parents continue to fight for children everywhere.
“We want to provide people with simple ways to get involved,” says Gretchen Witt. “Grassroots events are the driving force behind Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Macaroni Kid and their incredible network of publisher moms have helped spread the word, and have inspired fundraising events across the U.S. – from Peoria to Pensacola. To date, about 3 dozen events have been held by publisher moms, raising more than $25,000 for pediatric cancer research.”
May is a huge month for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, as they honor Liam’s birthday, as well as Mother’s Day. That’s why the organization encourages everyone to join the fight this May by hosting their own local fundraiser.
From bake sales to penny drives to dodge-ball tournaments, every dollar counts. And this May, one of the organization’s corporate partners, Brownie Brittle, is matching funds raised, so every event will do twice as much good for the cause!
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer awards research grants to some of the nation’s leading cancer centers. This funding is essential to advancing the development of new treatments, as less than 3 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is allocated to pediatric cancers.
To date, the funds raised by Good Cookies have enabled nearly $4 million to be granted to research. These grants have resulted in promising new treatments advancing to clinical trial, where they’re now available to children battling cancer.
A recent letter from Texas Children’s Cancer Center proves the power of a Good Cookie. Director David Poplack, M.D. explains, “It is not hyperbole to state that your support has been transformational in its impact on improving therapy for childhood cancer. Children are being treated with therapies that wouldn’t have been developed if it wasn’t for the support they received from “Cookies.”
Want to Be a Good Cookie? Host your own fundraising event this May! Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides support, resources and guidance every step of the way, and will even spread the word about your event. So get started today by registering to host a May event.
