On September 15, Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC) celebrated its tenth anniversary of raising funds in support of pediatric cancer research, treatment options and patient care programs for patients at Hackensack Meridian Health’s two children’s hospitals: Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.
What began as a grassroots effort in 2015 has blossomed into a full-fledged movement that has raised more than $26 million since its inception, thanks in large part to TKC’s Captain, the great Eli Manning. With Eli lending his voice and image, as well as through matching gifts every year since 2016 as part of Eli’s Challenge, Hackensack Meridian Health has been able to make incredible leaps forward in this fight.
Whether through the funding of vital research labs, which are inching closer to breakthroughs every day, funding critical support personnel positions or making it possible to launch new programs and initiatives, Tackle Kids Cancer has been instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment and support of children and families facing this devastating diagnosis.
Throughout the years, donors to the program have come in many shapes and sizes. From individual donors to community-based organizations, schools and sports teams, as well as private foundations and companies, each and every gift has contributed to bringing us one step closer to a day without childhood cancer.
The grassroots and community support shows how the power in numbers continues to make a difference for our TKC MVPs (Most Valiant Patients), including Matthew, the first MVP of the program.
“Just over 10 years ago, we found out that Matthew had leukemia,” said Amanda and Mike Saunders, parents of TKC’s first Most Valiant Patient (MVP), Matthew. “He was only five and in kindergarten. Our lives changed drastically from that point. Shortly after, Matthew was asked to be a part of Tackle Kids Cancer, and it was then that he met Eli Manning and starred alongside him in the first commercial. It was such a bright moment during such a dark time. Tackle Kids Cancer has grown so much and we are proud to be a part of it. The experiences it has given to us and Matthew have been invaluable, and we are so thankful to his doctors, nurses, hospital team and Tackle Kids Cancer for being a part of his journey. We are so thankful that Matthew completed his treatment seven years ago and remains healthy.”
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 9,000 children will be diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer in 2025. Despite that number, only a small fraction of the national budget is allocated to it, which is why private philanthropy is essential.
“For TKC’s 10th anniversary, the goal is to make it the biggest fundraising year yet,” says Eli, the former New York Giant quarterback, who also wore the number 10 jersey. “TKC has always been a grassroots effort supported by many communities and organizations, and this year, we’re looking to take it to the next level in celebration of this momentous anniversary.”
To celebrate this milestone and encourage donations, Manning is featured in a new commercial and advertising campaign that he hopes will inspire people to join him in his efforts. “It’s a fun commercial and we are doing a lot of great campaigns to raise awareness, but the reality is that there’s nothing fun about cancer, and no child should have to go through what these kids do. I’m really hopeful that our efforts will inspire people to give,” Manning continued.
To learn more about Tackle Kids Cancer, how you can create your own fundraiser to join Eli’s Challenge or to make a donation, click here.
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