Kathy Ireland Joins the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s ‘Team 43’ to Raise Funds and Awareness

Each day, 43 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer in the United States. That’s why the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) is joining forces with supermodel turned super mogul, Kathy Ireland, to launch the “43 Challenge”, to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research with the goal of eradicating the disease.

In an interview with CURE®, Ireland shared details on how to get involved in this fundraising initiative and offered some advice to families who may find themselves impacted by pediatric cancer.

“New research is coming out all the time,” Ireland said. “So, while this is just a just a horrific thing that we even have to fight, there's great hope. And so, I encourage families focus on the hope, get in solution mode, and don't let the fear stop you.”

Photo courtesy of Jon Carrasco

Transcription:

CURE®: Can you tell us a bit about the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s “Team 43”?

Ireland: Absolutely. (We’re called) Team 43 because, heartbreakingly, every single day, 43 precious children are diagnosed with cancer in our country. So, we have Team 43.

Please go to NationalPCF.org to learn how you can join this team, how you can contribute your support. It's the month of April, but this goes far beyond April, your help is needed always. And we encourage people give how you can, whether it's $4.30, $43, $430 or more, whatever you're able to do. Please give because it is greatly needed. And particularly during these times of COVID, the children are more vulnerable than ever, and the monies needed are incredibly important to eradicating cancer.

CURE®: What advice would you offer a family who has been impacted by pediatric cancer?

Ireland: Well, I would say first of all, to not live in fear. There are wonderful treatments going on. There are wonderful options. So educate yourself, learn all that you can learn.

Keep your child and your family as healthy as possible and know what you're putting in your body recognize the diet and how that has an impact on cancer, recognize the toxins that might be in your home. Bodies are very vulnerable, especially when they're going through cancer treatment.

And please keep in communication with others. The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a wealth of information. So please connect (with them). They're online and you can learn your best options for where you live.

And new research is coming out all the time. So, while this is just a just a horrific thing that we even have to fight, there's great hope. And so, I encourage families focus on the hope, get in solution mode, and don't let the fear stop you. There are people who will come along right beside you.

And the National Charity Navigator, they have rated the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation with 100%. Visit them and learn how you can get the best resources for your specific needs.

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