CA Firefighter Family Helps St. Baldrick’s Foundation Meet $50,000 Goal for Giving Tuesday
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 29, 2016) – People across the nation are joining together today – Giving Tuesday – for one purpose: to give back. The largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, is proud to announce it has set a goal to raise $50,000 today for lifesaving childhood cancer research. Acting as the face of this fundraising challenge is the daughter of two Atascadero, Calif., firefighters, 5-year-old Annie Blake.
Annie was diagnosed with leukemia just two weeks before her 4th birthday, forcing her typically very brave firefighter parents, Misty and Jeremy, to face their ultimate fear. However, Annie and her family exude optimism, and with the holidays approaching, they have chosen to celebrate. They are committed to doing their best to use this experience to make a difference in others’ lives by working with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to help find cures for kids with cancer.
In addition to Annie’s parents, thousands of other firefighters across the country organize St. Baldrick’s head-shaving events each year, and choose to shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer and to raise funds for lifesaving research.
“As firefighters of more than 15 years, my husband and I have always thought we were prepared for anything,” said Misty Blake, Annie’s mom and local Atascadero, Calif., firefighter. “Hearing the words, ‘Your daughter has cancer,’ more than diminished that perspective. We are so thankful for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and how it’s helped our family focus on using our situation to help others. If we can help just one family avoid going through what we have, it will be worth it.”
St. Baldrick’s is dedicated to giving kids hope for the happy, healthy childhoods they deserve, and participates in this national observance dedicated to supporting philanthropy each year.
“The St. Baldrick’s Foundation envisions a world where kids can grow up cancer-free,” said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick’s. “This is why we support the best childhood cancer research in hospitals and institutions around the world, and why we will aim to exceed our $50,000 goal today.”
After making a donation, St. Baldrick’s is encouraging people to share why they #GiveStBaldricks on social media. For fundraising updates and to learn more about Annie’s inspiring story, join the St. Baldrick’s Giving Tuesday Facebook group.
About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best cancer treatments for kids.
