The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is celebrating a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against pediatric cancer after a generous $2 million donation from Energy Transfer, a leading midstream infrastructure company.
The donation, made possible by the company’s 2024 workplace giving campaign, is a result of the dedication and compassion of more than 1,200 Energy Transfer and Sunoco employees nationwide.
The funds raised through employee donations and corporate matching will directly support groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at MD Anderson, which will enhance the hospital’s efforts to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Commitment to the fight
Energy Transfer’s ongoing support for pediatric cancer research is not just about funding; it’s about changing lives. Since 2014, the company and its employees have contributed more than $17 million to MD Anderson’s research programs, and this year’s $2 million donation will further strengthen those efforts.
“The generous contributions from more than 1,200 Energy Transfer and Sunoco employees across the country is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Richard Gorlick, division head and chair of Pediatrics at MD Anderson. “Through the dedicated support of these committed employees, we can fund important clinical trials that make a significant difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients now and in the future.”
Each year, the employee’s donations are made even more impactful by corporate matching funds, which always includes $500,000 from the Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation. The combined effort ensures every dollar raised goes directly to funding critical pediatric cancer research at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.
Supporting life-changing research and clinical trials
One of the key areas the donation will support is the development of new, innovative treatments that have the potential to transform the outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
A prime example is the menin inhibitor research, which has shown promise for treating pediatric leukemia and other blood diseases. Breakthroughs like these are made possible by donations like Energy Transfer’s, which fund the clinical trials and research that bring new hope to patients and their families.
Chris Curia, Chief Human Resources Officer at Energy Transfer, said Energy Transfer and Sunoco employees are proud to continue their support of MD Anderson and its mission to eliminate cancer.
“We continue to be inspired by the truly remarkable advances their research is bringing to the treatment of pediatric cancers and the differences being made in the lives of children and their families,” he said.
For families who face the heartbreaking reality of a pediatric cancer diagnosis, this support means everything. Each discovery, each new treatment and each clinical trial brings children one step closer to surviving cancer. For families, these breakthroughs not only offer hope for a cure but also provide the opportunity to see their loved ones grow up, lead healthy lives and pursue their dreams.
A partnership in the fight against pediatric cancer
In October, representatives from MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital visited Energy Transfer’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas. During the visit, they met with senior leaders from Energy Transfer, including Curia, executive chairman Kelcy Warren and co-CEO Mackie McCrea.
Gorlick shared how Energy Transfer’s previous support has already led to significant advancements in pediatric cancer treatments, which further demonstrates the life-changing power of their contributions.
The partnership highlights the powerful impact that corporate giving can have when combined with employee passion and commitment. The continued support from Energy Transfer is not only helping to fund innovative cancer research but is also inspiring other companies and individuals to take action in the fight against pediatric cancer.
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