Northwestern Mutual pledges $5 million to help cancer center
Northwestern Mutual through its foundation has pledged to give $5 million over the next five years to Children’s Wisconsin to support its MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
The gift is the company’s largest single donation in its support for research on childhood cancer and programs for children and families affected by the diseases.
Blood cancers, such as leukemia, are among the most common forms of pediatric cancer.
The gift will be used to start programs to help guide patients and families through diagnoses, treatment and recovery.
It also will be used to expand existing programs and services, such as the Northwestern Mutual Day Hospital for Childhood Cancer, that provide outpatient care for children with cancer and blood disorders.
“Through this contribution, patients and families will experience individualized patient support and greater access to resources for navigating their journeys from diagnosis to healing,” Eric Christophersen, Northwestern Mutual Foundation president, said in a statement. “We’re proud to help strengthen the exceptional care childhood cancer patients receive at Children’s Wisconsin.”
The donation will also support patient care and a community navigator for families affected by sickle cell disease, which affects nearly 1 out of every 400 Black infants.
Northwestern Mutual said the donation is a natural extension to its Childhood Cancer Program and aligns with its commitment to addressing racial disparities.
Since 2012, the Childhood Cancer Program has focused on advancing childhood cancer research, providing family and patient support and serving as a resource to families managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment. With the support of Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisers, the company has contributed more than $35 million through the program.
“Since their first gift in 1978, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the Children’s Wisconsin mission,” Meg Brzyski Nelson, Children’s Wisconsin Foundation president, said in a statement. “This $5 million commitment will help every single child and family who turn to Children’s Wisconsin when they are diagnosed with childhood cancer or blood disorders.”
To recognize the donation, the hospital will feature the Northwestern Mutual Welcome & Information Center at the main entrance of its new Clinics Building 1 at Children’s Wisconsin HospitalMilwaukee.
Northwestern Mutual, based in Milwaukee, has $308.8 billion in total assets and $31.1 billion in revenue.