MACC Fund Commits $25 Million Pledge to Medical College of Wisconsin, in Partnership with Children’s Hospital

Largest pledge in the MACC Fund’s 43-year history will advance pediatric cancer research

MILWAUKEE – Sept. 25, 2019 – Today, the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund announced a $25 million pledge – the largest in the organization’s history – for the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to fight pediatric cancer and blood disorders.

Despite progress overall, pediatric cancer still causes over 1,800 deaths each year in the United States, making it the leading disease-related cause of death among children. The way we fight pediatric cancer and blood disorders will change dramatically over the next decade with technology advances and new breakthroughs.

This pledge will enable MCW and Children’s to advance the shared goal of a world free of pediatric cancer by accelerating medical discovery and clinical care advancements to continue to improve survival rates and quality of life for kids diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder.

“Together, the MACC Fund, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, have journeyed for more than four decades to advance hope and lifesaving solutions for kids and their families,” said Becky Pinter, President and CEO of the MACC Fund. “The MACC Fund feels compelled to take the lead in making a bold commitment to build on the progress we have made, accelerate options for treatment and find a cure for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. As partners, we are proud to lead the way into the next frontier of pediatric cancer research and transform lives.”

This investment will be focused in the following areas:

1. Investing in the people, programs and vital infrastructure to accelerate the development of therapies through the research process, from concept to trial to outcomes assessment.
2. Growing high-impact discovery science where early findings can lead to remarkable research opportunities to advance therapies.
3. Creating new methods of healthcare delivery that optimize the length and quality of life for pediatric patients.

“Our kids are our future. This unique partnership between the MACC Fund, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin positions us to lead this new era with innovation, discovery, collaboration, and a ceaseless commitment to fight for our kids,” said Dr. John Raymond, President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. “We are inspired and grateful for this generous commitment and legacy of partnership from the MACC Fund. Their pledge will enable our researchers to continue to drive innovation and push technology to advance the next revolution in therapies that will enable the best possible outcomes for kids. It is only by working in collaboration that we can make an impact, and I am confident that – together – we will impact the lives of countless children and their families.”

“Kids battling cancer in Wisconsin have access to the best possible care and have significantly better outcomes, largely because of the generous efforts of the donors and advocates who support the MACC Fund,” said Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders sees some of the toughest cases in Wisconsin. As partners, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the MACC Fund and the Medical College of Wisconsin share a mutual goal of increasing survival rates for these kids and improving the quality of life for all survivors.”

Every year, pediatric cancer causes more than 1,800 deaths in the United States – including the loss of 34 children in Wisconsin. As technology advances, the way we wage the fight against pediatric cancer and blood disorders also will change. This unique partnership will position MACC Fund, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to lead the next frontier of pediatric cancer research with innovation, discovery, collaboration and a ceaseless commitment to fight for kids.