Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a nonprofit organization committed to raising funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer, the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. Through the concept of local events and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted $10 million to date, funding 80 research projects, including 32 that are now treatments available for children battling cancer today. They provide inspiration and support for individuals, businesses and organizations to raise funds by hosting grassroots bake sales and other fundraising events. When two-year-old Liam Witt was diagnosed with childhood cancer in 2007, his parents Larry and Gretchen were shocked to learn of the lack of effective treatments for pediatric cancers due to poor funding for research. They pledged to support the funding of research for safer, more effective treatments for children battling cancer, and founded Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in 2008. Tragically, Liam came to the end of his courageous four-year fight with cancer on January 24, 2011 at the age of six. Though devastated by his loss, the Witts remain more determined than ever to continue the fight against pediatric cancer. At Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, they are laser focused on how funds raised by supporters are put to work. Under the direction of their Medical Advisory Board, funds are granted to five of the nation’s leading childhood cancer research centers to find less toxic, more effective treatments. A portion of funds also goes to the Children’s Oncology Group’s Phase 1 and Pilot Consortium to match, dollar for dollar, funds granted by the federal government for children enrolled in clinical trials.
BTIG COLLABORATION AND IMPACT:
For the past five years, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has been a recipient of donations through its partnership with BTIG Charity Day. With BTIG’s support, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has brought awareness to pediatric cancer, helped inspire engagement and built a community of “good cookies”. Donations have helped to fund childhood cancer research grants resulting in the development of many promising treatments. In 2015, Brooke Shields participated as a celebrity ambassador at BTIG Charity Day representing the important work of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.
“BTIG Charity Day is a highlight of spring at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. The energy in the room is contagious and the opportunity to participate is a reminder that anyone can make a difference for children battling cancer.”
–Emily Fowler, Executive Director of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
