Rachel's Goal

Diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in January of 2011, a then 11 year old Rachel Kovach began an intense treatment regimen of chemotherapy and surgery. The road that lay ahead of her was going to be tough but surrounded by friends and family, Rachel vowed she would get back to her life of going to school, swimming, being a die-hard NY Giants fan and most of all, being able to call herself "cancer-free!" During the course of her treatment, Rachel was given the opportunity to answer the magical question, "If you had one wish, what would it be?" when she was referred by her social worker to Make-A-Wish® New Jersey. Now 13 years old, Rachel is on a mission to increase awareness about pediatric cancer. In fact, for her fondest wish, Rachel decided she wanted to create a public service announcement about pediatric cancer with none other than her favorite NY Giants player, Mark Herzlich. Rachel's wish has been granted by Make-A-Wish New Jersey and the PSA and information below are the results of her unique wish. Please join Rachel in her fight to increase awareness about pediatric cancer and the need for research and support for the thousands of children diagnosed each year with this disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

About 11,630 children in the United States under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2013.
One in 300 boys and 1 in 333 girls will develop cancer before the age of 20.
Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, more than 80% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more, however, cancer is still the second leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years old (after accidents).
In 2009, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's budget was used for pediatric funding.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts and Figures 2013, PAC2 and CureSearch

HELP FUND RESEARCH

Philanthropic support, both large and small, will help fund research, give financial assistance to families, and raise awareness of pediatric cancer. By donating, you are helping extraordinary advances that will improve the lives of many children.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia^® Foundation

Donations to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation supports vital programs that are not reimbursed through insurance; funds pediatric healthcare, research and clinical education; and drives the Hospital's growth.

Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer

The Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation was established by a child with cancer with one purpose in mind: to fund pediatric cancer research. The Foundation serves as a vehicle to secure private funding to distribute to research facilities and promote awareness through its fund raising activities.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott who wanted to raise money to help find a cure for cancer. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has funded more than 275 research projects at more than 70 institutions. In addition, Alex's Lemonade Stand is able to provide financial and educational resources to families through their childhood cancer programs.

HELP FAMILIES IN NEED

Make-A-Wish^® New Jersey

Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. A wish come true empowers children with life-threatening medical conditions to fight harder against their illnesses. It helps children feel stronger, more energetic, and more willing and able to battle their life-threatening medical conditions. For many of them, it marks a turning point in their fight against their illness. For their doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, the wish experience works in concert with medicine to make their patients feel better, emotionally and even physically.

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation

From paying household bills to giving professional financial guidance, the Jay Fund helps take the financial and emotional burden off families. The Jay Fund helps families through financial assistance, Jay's Financial Playbook to manage their child's appointments and expenses, a quarterly financial seminar, a financial coach, and scholarships for those wishing to continue their education.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. They strive to be part of changing a child's life, their family, their community and ultimately, the world by providing programs that strengthen families during their most difficult or challenging times.

Contact your congressman

Help increase federal funding for pediatric cancer research by calling or writing to your congressman today!

RACHEL'S GOAL