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LAUREN’S FIRST AND GOAL ANNOUNCES 2012 GRANT RECIPIENTS

lauren equine assisted therapy web LAUREN’S FIRST AND GOAL ANNOUNCES 2012 GRANT RECIPIENTS

EASTON, PA (Dec. 11, 2012) - Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation today announced more than $118,000 in grant awards to pediatric cancer research, patient services and families impacted by the disease. With the new donations, LFG’s total contribution in the battle against pediatric cancer is more than $1.16 million since 2004.

“We are very proud to be able to continue funding important research toward more effective and less toxic treatments for pediatric brain tumors, as well as support children and families living with pediatric cancer through varied services, activities and support programming,” said LFG founder Marianne Loose.

“The grants represent the collective generosity of our donors, volunteers and participants in our football camps each June," she said.

The largest portion of this year’s grants will be $70,000 to ongoing pediatric cancer research projects at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Johns Hopkins. Dana Farber’s pediatric low grade astrocytoma research study will receive $35,000 as will the Pilocytic Pilomyxoid Research Fund at Johns Hopkins.

Along with their dedication to funding pediatric cancer research, Lauren’s First and Goal continues its focus on supporting patient services that ease the burden on families.

The foundation is awarding $20,000 to Camp Sunshine this year in support of Brain Tumor Week at camp and a Family Volunteer Housing Unit. Camp Sunshine is a year-round program that provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child’s illness.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley and Kyle’s Peace will again both receive donations, $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. The cancer foundation offers programming for parents and children, while Kyle’s Peace serves families at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia oncology clinic.

New this year, LFG will donate $1,500 to the Cancer Support Group of the Greater Lehigh Valley for a four-week equine-assisted therapy program. Eight local children with cancer will participate in the program designed to increase the children’s confidence, independence and responsibility; foster self-control, trust and empathy and improve balance and promote exercise and relation through interactions.

The final piece of LFG´s mission is family support, recognizing the financial strain of a cancer diagnosis. So far this year, the foundation has provided more than $19,000 to 41 families.