Giant Food Kicks Off 13th Annual Pediatric Cancer Fundraising Program With $2 Million Goal

One hundred percent of donations made through the sale of $5 coupon books will go to pediatric cancer research

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Aug 21, 2017, 10:10 ET

LANDOVER, Md., Aug. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant Food of Landover, Md. announced today the launch of a new fundraising program designed to support pediatric cancer research during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Giant has set an ambitious goal to raise $2 million throughout the course of an eight-week program running Aug. 18 through Oct. 12 from the sales of $5 coupon books valued at $45. All donated funds will go directly to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc.

"Since 2005, Giant has raised $17.2 million for pediatric cancer research. This year, the Giant family looks forward to supporting the inspiring work of these two local organizations as we challenge ourselves to raise another $2 million," said Gordon Reid, President, Giant Food of Landover, Md. "Our teams across all 167 of our stores are excited to join together to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and care and are motivated by the extraordinary work of our partner organizations."

Three local children who are current or former patients at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and Sinai Hospital were chosen to serve as program ambassadors. Each ambassador that is profiled below has faced a variety of challenges, but the treatments they have received have significantly improved their prospects for a healthy and happy childhood.

Mary is a thirteen-year-old with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. A resident of Finksburg, Md., Mary enjoys singing, filming and posting YouTube videos, and spending time with her sisters and cats. Mary is also an avid collector of many things including Barbie® dolls, and Shopkins.
Eight-year-old Emma from Westminster, Md., was diagnosed before the age of one with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Today, cancer-free, Emma is a lover of lacrosse and field hockey. Emma also is currently taking ballet. She also loves Disney and spending time with her family.
Noah, an eight-year-old diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, is a gifted drummer and has even played in front of a crowd of over 17,000. Hailing from Baltimore, Md., Noah's favorite food is tacos and aside from drumming, he also loves running, football, watching movies, and playing with LEGO® blocks.

"This fundraising program is one of the most significant forms of support we receive annually, helping foster critical research and treatment in a patient- and family-centered care environment," said Dr. Donald Small, Director of Pediatric Oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center."

About Giant Food of Landover, Md.
Giant Food of Landover, Md. is committed to helping its customers save time, save money and eat well. Headquartered in Landover, Md., Giant operates 167 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 167 stores are 157 full-service pharmacies. For more information on Giant, visit www.giantfood.com.

About the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
One of only 40 cancer centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has active programs in clinical research, laboratory research, education, community outreach, and prevention and control. The Kimmel Cancer Center is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Maryland.

About The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc.
The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc. (CCF), a local non-profit organization not affiliated with any national charity, was founded in 1983 by Board President Shirley Howard. Since then, the Foundation has raised and donated over $36.5 million to hospitals and researchers in the Maryland/DC Corridor including: The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Pediatric Oncology & Pediatric Neurosurgery), University of Maryland Medical Center, The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's National Medical Center, National Cancer Institute at National Institutes of Health (NIH), Sinai Hospital, and The Children's Inn at NIH.

SOURCE Giant Food