Lurie Children’s Launches $1 Million Campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Community invited to join in raising funds, awareness, and advocacy for pediatric cancer research and care

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago today announced the launch of its Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign, a month-long effort to raise $1 million in support of pediatric cancer research, groundbreaking treatments, and vital family support services.

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S., yet less than 4% of federal cancer research funding is directed to pediatric cancers. Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders treats approximately 220 new patients each year – more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois. Philanthropic support ensures these kids have access to innovative therapies, clinical trials, and comprehensive programs that ease the cancer journey.

This year’s campaign honors and highlights two patient stories that underscore the urgency of advancing cancer research and care. Megan, a vibrant, unforgettable teen who lost her fight against an aggressive brain tumor, whose family continues her legacy by advocating and fundraising for a cure after her passing. And Ella, the longest-known survivor of her leukemia subtype who is now thriving thanks to a live-saving stem cell treatment from a generous donor.

"Megan didn’t want any child to face the same heartbreak she did. She wanted better treatments, more hope, and more time,” said Karen Sporny, Megan’s mom. “This campaign is for Megan. And it’s for every family that’s ever sat in a hospital room battling cancer and hoped for a breakthrough.”

Throughout September, supporters of this important cause are encouraged to take action:

• Make a One-Time or Monthly Gift: Fuel research, care, and hope with a donation of any amount.
• Start a Fundraiser: Turn your passion into impact—join Team Lurie Children's and start a Childhood Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser or dedicate your birthday, run a race, or rally your community with a personal event.
• Attend an Event: Join us at a local event to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer care.
• Advocate for Research Funding: Contact your legislators and let them know that funding for pediatric cancer research is a critical issue.
• Make a Gift in Honor of a Loved One: You can make a tribute gift for a loved one by selecting the “yes, this gift is in honor or memory” box on the donation form.
• Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse: On September 29 and 30 from 3pm-10pm, participating locations will donate 10% of your total order to Lurie Children’s!
• Play Yellow: Play the game of golf and change kids’ lives. Whether it's organizing a tournament or wearing yellow on the golf course, Play Yellow offers many ways to get involved.

All gifts made through September 30 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous donor, doubling the impact for kids and families facing cancer.

“Every day, 13 children are diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor, of which 30% will not survive. For those that do, they battle lifelong physical, cognitive and psychological consequences from the chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation treatments they undergo. These are unacceptable facts,” said Dr. Alicia Lenzen, Attending Physician in Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation at Lurie Children’s and Megan’s former neuro-oncologist. “Support from the community can help change these facts and carry on Megan’s legacy and those of the many kids just like her. At Lurie Children’s, we believe anything is possible, but we can’t do it alone. Fundraising allows us to continue relentlessly working towards more effective and novel cancer treatments. Join the cause for Megan – for the most resilient children fighting in the hospital today – so that we all can continue to provide hope in a disease where it used to be absent.” 

Every child facing cancer deserves hope, and that hope depends on advancing research. Right now, you can help make a difference by urging Congress to prioritize federal funding for childhood cancer research. It only takes a few minutes, and your action today could impact kids and families for generations to come. Please take a moment to contact your legislators and let them know that children’s lives can’t wait: https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/promo/6Bx.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.luriechildrens.org/CancerMonth.

Media Assets: Watch the campaign video here and download photo and videos assets here.

About Lurie Children’s

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children’s hospital in Illinois and one of less than 30 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children’s resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children’s is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. 

About Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is pioneering breakthroughs that result in the highest cure rates and improved quality of life for children. Ranked among the top programs in the country, the Center is recognized for its clinical and scientific expertise and the breadth and quality of its services. The Center’s growing prominence has positioned us as a regional, national and global referral site for young people with the most complex and demanding conditions.