Dispursements Will Surpass 2005 Total by Nearly $60,000
St. Louis, MO, June 6, 2006 - The Foundation for Children with Cancer (FCC) of St. Louis, Missouri has received more than $140,000 for pediatric cancer patients through the organization’s “Hats On Day” , a national, school-based program in which students donate fifty cents or more for the privilege of wearing a hat to school. Seven hundred schools participated in this year’s program, doubling the number of participating schools since 2005. Proceeds provide financial assistance to the families of pediatric cancer patients for mortgage/rent payments, utilities, groceries, travel and other personal expenses that are incurred while their child receives medical treatments. FCC returns 75% of dollars raised to hospitals and treatment centers that are located in the communities where the money was raised. FCC expenses for the program in 2006 are averaging 25%.
“The goal of the ‘Hats On Day’ program is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. It helps to raise awareness about childhood cancer and allows students to show support and compassion for young cancer patients”, said Renee Kirkiewicz, executive director of Reach Our Children, FCC’s parent organization. “Next year, we expect the number of participating schools to grow to 1000″.
FCC was formed in 1998 to lend tangible assistance to children with cancer and their families. Since then, it has helped thousands of families around the country deal with the many financial and emotional challenges that often accompany childhood cancer treatment. Schools that are interested in enrolling in the “Hats On Day” program for this year, and that are located outside the Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois area, need to enroll before July 1, 2006 and should call The Foundation for Children with Cancer at 314-843-9300 or visit www.childrenwithcancer.org. Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois schools should contact Friends of Kids with Cancer at 314-909-7440.
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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Renee Kirkiewicz call 314-843-9300 or email renee@childrenwithcancer.org.