In observance of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, Paisano's Pizza and Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garçon have teamed up to assist the family of 8-year old cancer victim Tara Sankner of Fairfax, Virginia.
The 'Let's Take Care of Tara' campaign will run September 3rd -- September 30th at 22 participating Paisano's locations in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area.
Every Tuesday in September, callers mentioning the campaign will have 10% of their order donated directly to Tara's family to assist with treatment and growing medical expenses as Tara battles an inoperable form of brain cancer identified as astrocytoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute over 12,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children aged 0-14 and kills more children per year than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined. Yet the budget of the National Cancer Institute allocates only 3% of its funds to pediatric cancer research. Brain cancer, tumors in the central nervous system and leukemia's were noted at 50% of all new pediatric cancer cases.
Paisano's core belief has always been to give back to the community. The owner and founder of Paisano's, Fouad Qreitem, whom was awarded the Community Champion award in 2011 said, "I have an 8 year old daughter and cannot imagine my family being faced with this situation. I want to help to raise awareness and to ease some of the financial burdens for Tara".
In addition to spearheading the "Let's Take Care of Tara" campaign, Pierre Garçon has pledged a $2,500 for every touchdown he scores vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football on September 9th 2013. Garçon is encouraging his friends, family and supporters to take action by donating to foundations focused on raising money and awareness of childhood cancer causes and research into new cures. To show your support for Tara and her family use hashtag #TD4Tara during Monday night's game.
"The platform I was granted when I entered the National Football League has provided me with the opportunity to positively impact so many people, and to encourage others to do the same." Garçon said. "Partnering with Paisano's Pizza to provide financial relief to Tara's family as they go through this is the least I can do."
