The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and New York Football Giants are proud to announce the launch of a new fundraising campaign, Eli’s Challenge, as part of its successful Tackle Kids Cancer initiative. Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning has pledged to match grassroots donations to Tackle Kids Cancer, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.
The announcement coincides with Tackle Kids Cancer’s first anniversary. In just one year, it has raised more than $2.5 million for programs and services at the Children’s Cancer Institute, part of the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at HackensackUMC, a member of Hackensack Meridian Health. The successful campaign has motivated people to get involved, highlighted by various community fundraising efforts hosted by scout troops, school and youth teams, police departments, and other community groups. One of these efforts was coordinated by Becca, a “Most Valiant Patient.” After her cancer diagnosis, her scout troop rallied to raise more than $300 for Tackle Kids Cancer through bake sales and penny collections.
Manning, who has volunteered his time to support the cause, was inspired through these efforts, and decided to rally people to the cause with his matching gift.
“It is truly inspiring to see how many community groups have held bake sales, car washes and other fundraisers for this cause, and I want to challenge more of them to join our team.”
By visiting TackleKidsCancer.org/Eli, teams can be formed and begin fundraising right away. Manning will match the funds raised by these community groups. “We value our relationship with Hackensack University Medical Center and are honored to be part of Tackle Kids Cancer. The work that is done by the Children’s Cancer Institute and those who have contributed to Tackle Kids Cancer has served as inspiration to Eli and all of us. We are proud of Eli’s work in our community and his selfless support of the Children’s Cancer Institute,” said Allison Stangeby, vice president of Community and Corporate Relations.
The Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center consists of dedicated clinicians and researchers specializing in pediatric cancer. With more than 100 active oncology and transplant clinical trials currently open, it is leading the charge to cure childhood cancer. “It is estimated that roughly 10,380 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2016. While extremely rare, pediatric cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children in the U.S.,” said Stephen Percy, M.D., interim chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “Every dollar received through the Tackle Kids Cancer campaign will support our most important programs and research.”
“The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation is proud of the longstanding partnership we share with the New York Giants and its players,” said Jon M. Fitzgerald, president, Foundation; and chief development officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Eli Manning’s commitment to Tackle Kids Cancer has extended far beyond what we had hoped for. Not only has he volunteered to be the face of our campaign, but he has made numerous visits with the children at our Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. He is truly a champion of the cause, and we could not have raised $2.5 million in our first year without the help of Eli and the New York Giants.”