Thanks to the generosity of Members Credit Union and its members, the company donated $36,125 to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) this year, following a two-month-long campaign.

“We are so inspired by our members and their willingness to help others,” Members Credit Union’s Community Outreach Specialist Jon Hamby-Lattimore said. “We chose Children’s Cancer Partners as our recipient of this year’s drive because of how it will impact our children locally, and our members proved just how committed they are to fighting childhood cancer with their generosity.”

CCP helps more than 2,000 North and South Carolina families whose children are receiving treatment for cancer get travel, food, and lodging while traveling for treatment. With just seven pediatric cancer centers in North Carolina and three in South Carolina, most families within the CCP program must travel hundreds of miles a week, if not across the country, to get to a center for their child’s treatment.

“People have no idea how much harder cancer is for children than adults. There are no screenings, and as a result, all too many diagnoses are late stage,” said Laura Allen, CCP Executive Director. “Where the average adult cancer victim loses 15 years of life expectancy, the average child loses 71. We work to ensure every Carolina child has access to the best treatment available anywhere.”

Families of children with cancer confront average costs of over $10,000 in transportation, food, lodging, special home care, and other needs not covered by insurance. Some face far greater costs when their child is referred to out-of-state specialized treatment. The gift that Members Credit Union is giving will help save countless lives. 

Members Credit Union ran its campaign from July 5 to August 31. Thanks to its members and the company matching their donations, Members Credit Union donated $36,125 this September, which is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

“This donation is yet another example of why Members Credit Union has the absolute best members,” Hamby-Lattimore said. “We are thrilled to offer this donation to Children’s Cancer Partners, knowing what a huge change it will make to so many children.”