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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. At Kier’s Kidz, a nonprofit that helps kids, young adults with cancer and their families, it is an important time to shine more light on the realities of childhood cancer.
For Larry Perfetti, president and CEO, reality hit home when his daughter, Kiersten Hickman-Perfetti, was diagnosed in 2004 with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissue of the muscle.
On the way to one of her many treatments, Kier talked with her parents about her vision for a non-profit that would eventually become Kier’s Kidz, Kier’s legacy of hope and love for kids and young adults fighting pediatric cancers.
“Kier had tremendous energy. When she was going through treatment, she would spend so much time with the younger kids to help them get through their days,” Larry Perfetti said. “I am very proud of the way she handled herself and her passion for helping others.”
From patient and family support to pediatric research, the organization helps kids, teens and young adults battling cancer by providing financial assistance, connecting to resources, providing emotional support and underwriting pediatric cancer research. During the pandemic, Kier’s Kidz has provided thousands of dollars in grocery, gas, and ride-sharing gift cards to families at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and Morristown Medical Center’s Goryeb Cancer Center.
“Especially with inflation on the rise, we have seen situations where families had to choose between eating and visiting their child in the hospital that day. It’s a choice no parent should ever have to make,” Perfetti said.
Kier’s Kidz has grown tremendously since its inception, and it has formed many important partnerships, such as, Kier’s Kidz at Rutgers, a formalized club at Rutgers University. Through Kier’s Kids at Rutgers, students conduct fundraisers and bone marrow drives, assemble care packages for pediatric cancer patients, and learn about research initiatives and clinical interventions from oncology experts. Kier’s Kidz also has partnership with caring, committed Business Sponsors.
“It is inspiring to work with these young people because they are filled with a willingness to help and we’ve seen some of our student volunteers go on to be oncologists,” said Perfetti.
The nonprofit is always looking for new partners; a great way to help kids and young adults with cancer is to sign on as an annual business sponsorship. To become a Business Sponsor and part of the Kier’s Kidz Family, you can contact Larry Perfetti at kierskidz@me.com. Kier’s Kids will feature your business profile on its website and social media accounts, including your company logo, business details and a website link to your business.
“We are looking to grow our business sponsorship because it’s a great way for people to support an important cause while creating more marketing awareness for their business,” said Perfetti. “We need their support so we can do even more.”
As Kier’s Kidz continues to grow and expand, the organization is working to develop an app that will allow patients and their families to look up a specific cancer and easily find a plethora of resources.
“I really think this app will help parents because it is overwhelming to look up any type of cancer online. It certainly would’ve helped us,” said Perfetti.
A membership with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce has been invaluable, he explained, adding that the chamber is always willing to help his non-profit grow.
“Through the Middlesex Chamber, we have gained a lot of positive connections and attending regular events gives us a great opportunity to gain exposure and connect with possible business sponsors,” he said.
Learn more about Kier’s Kidz and its mission of helping kids beat cancer at www.kierskidz.com.
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