Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation is pleased to announce that PepsiCo has renewed its partnership with Tackle Kids Cancer, an initiative of the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health that raises money through strategic corporate and community partnerships to support research and patient care. The partnership renewal marks a commitment of a $325,000 annual gift by PepsiCo to Tackle Kids Cancer.
“Through the renewal of this partnership, Tackle Kids Cancer can continue its vital mission – to raise awareness for pediatric cancer, advance critical research and provide compassionate care to our patients and their families here in New Jersey and beyond,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.
The generous contribution supports the Children’s Cancer Institute’s commitment to providing essential clinical care, unique support services and groundbreaking research initiatives to patients and families battling childhood cancer at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
In addition, together with the New York Giants, PepsiCo water brand Aquafina is also making a generous one-time $100,000 donation to benefit research and patient programs at the Children’s Cancer Institute, which also includes Giants merchandise, memorabilia and experiences. To celebrate, PepsiCo will display materials promoting the partnership at select retailers throughout New Jersey.
“PepsiCo’s renewed commitment to Tackle Kids Cancer will allow us to continue advancing treatment for pediatric cancer patients and their families throughout New Jersey,” said Alfred P. Gillio, M.D., director, Children’s Cancer Institute, Hackensack Meridian Health. “With their support, the Children’s Cancer Institute has become the only pediatric facility in New Jersey to offer CAR T-Cell Therapy, a revolutionary treatment for leukemia patients. The ongoing participation of corporate partners like PepsiCo will be tremendously valuable going forward.”
Previous initiatives with PepsiCo and Tackle Kids Cancer have helped raise nearly $100,000 to benefit the innovative research and care provided at the Children’s Cancer Institute. These funds have supported the implementation of CAR T-Cell Therapy, the development of a comprehensive neuro-oncology program and the growth of a genomics and precision medicine program. Funds have also supported the expansion of clinical trials to address sarcomas and solid tumors and the development of an onco-fertility program to assist patients in preserving their fertility after treatment. Additional awareness for Tackle Kids Cancer and its mission has also been raised through previous in-store promotions between Inserra Supermarkets and PepsiCo through their Aquafina brand.
“The exciting extension of this partnership signifies PepsiCo’s dedication to supporting our pediatric cancer patients and the efforts of our physicians, nurses and researchers at the Children’s Cancer Institute,” shared Amy Glazer, executive director of development, Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health and Tackle Kids Cancer. “Generous contributions from our corporate partners make the work we are doing possible.”’
Since 2015, Tackle Kids Cancer has raised more than $10 million to support clinical and research programs at the Children’s Cancer Institute. The Children’s Cancer Institute has been named among the top 50 pediatric oncology programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and it continues to reach patients and their families throughout New Jersey.
Click here to learn more about PepsiCo and Tackle Kids Cancer partnership.