Jeff Gordon and his Children's Foundation launched a very special initiative for children with cancer last year as an invite-only group – but it has proven so popular that it is now open to the general public.
The Promise Circle brings together a group of dynamic, committed women, in an effort to improve the lives of pediatric cancer patients, while offering opportunities to its members to be actively engaged in the foundation’s mission. In addition to evaluating and collectively funding childhood cancer initiatives, the membership is invited to take part in special programming designed to educate members about the fight against childhood cancer, participate in service projects and attend semi-annual meetings. Members choose their own level of involvement based on their personal availability and interests.
It is the kind of news that no child or parent should have to hear, but sadly 37 children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States. Promise Circle Member Mrs. Robbie Howiler is all too familiar with these statistics, as her daughter Marnie was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms Tumor at the tender age of 5. “It was during Marnie’s intensive treatment that I vowed to join the fight against childhood cancer, and the energy and passion of The Promise Circle resonated with me. It is within this dedicated group of women that I believe we will make a difference in childhood cancer and the lives of countless children stricken with this disease.” Despite great advances in treatment, 1 in 5 of those children will lose their battle, and a significant number of survivors will endure secondary effects of their treatment including physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities, and a heightened risk of developing secondary cancers. The Promise Circle is dedicated to supporting the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation in their fight against pediatric cancer, providing a unique way for women to profoundly affect the outcomes of children battling cancer.
The Promise Circle presently boasts 25 members whom are diligently raising awareness and support of this fantastic mission. In addition to raising over $25,000 for their grant fund, the membership completed its first service project in support of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital over the 2010 holiday season. Member Katie Strumpf explains, “I am motivated to help pediatric patients not so different from the childhood cancer survivor that I am, and The Promise Circle allows me to incorporate my experience with cancer into helping children batting cancer.” Currently the membership is planning an exciting new fundraising event, developing educational programs and social activities and establishing their grant priorities and processes.
A childhood cancer patient is forced to grow up too quickly, but you can help them reclaim their childhood by supporting The Promise Circle. Members of The Promise Circle commit to contributing a minimum of $1,100 each year for three years. $1,000 of each member’s contribution is pooled and used to support a project chosen by the membership that will impact the lives of children with cancer
The Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation was established as a non-profit 501 ©(3) organization in 1999 by the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. The Foundation supports children battling pediatric cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure.
The Foundation also supports the Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital in Concord, NC, which serves children in the community by providing a high level of primary and specialty pediatric care.
To find out more about The Promise Circle, click here.
