MILWAUKEE, Sept. 10, 2017 : Northwestern Mutual, a leading national financial security company, is committed to giving all kids a chance to live life to the fullest by accelerating the search for a cure to pediatric cancer.
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the company is doubling down on its efforts to bring hope to thousands of children and families.Northwestern Mutual is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its national cause focused on childhood cancer, which was launched in 2012 to find cures, provide family and patient support, and aid those who struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. Since its inception, the company's employees and financial advisors have contributed more than $15 million to the cause, and have funded more than 165,000 hours of research. The Childhood Cancer Program raises awareness and funds through its nonprofit partners, including Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Beads of Courage, Gabe's Chemo Duck, and other family support nonprofits as well as camps and retreats nationwide.
"For five years, Northwestern Mutual has had an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life for those with childhood cancer," said Eric Christophersen, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an inspiring celebration of these children's strength - and that of their families - and we're proud of our employees', advisors', and partners' efforts to bring attention to this critical cause."
This National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Northwestern Mutual is expanding its commitment to distraction therapy for those undergoing treatment in the hospital. The company is piloting a virtual reality program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, which it plans to scale to other hospital partners nationally. The initiative began through Northwestern Mutual's Enterprise Venture Fund, which solicits innovative ideas from employees and awards grants for research and development.
Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisors around the country will be dedicating their time in September to volunteer for local organizations making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. In support of nonprofit partner Beads of Courage, offices will participate in the annual Great Bead Challenge. In Los Angeles, CA a team will lead a fundraiser for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. In Troy, MI a team will host a Super Hero Fun Run for children and offices in Denver, CO; Gainesville, FL; Sioux Falls, SD; Seattle, WA and more will host fundraisers for nonprofit partner Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation throughout the month.
