Mark Saunders knows firsthand how much Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charities mean to those battling life-threatening illnesses.
The USPS employee’s granddaughter, Eve Griffith, is now cancer free after treatments made possible through charitable organizations.
Pediatric cancers receive about 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget, according to the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer.
“It’s important to donate to organizations that focus their fundraising efforts on curing pediatric cancers,” Saunders said.
The CFC allows federal employees to donate to more than 18,000 nonprofit organizations through payroll deductions or one-time donations.
In 2009, when Eve was 2, she was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a cancer of the kidneys typically found in children.
Her case was unique: Only 5 percent of children diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor have more than one tumor in each kidney, but Eve had 13 tumors between the two.
She underwent months of aggressive chemotherapy before having surgery to remove her right kidney and part of her left.
During her treatments, Eve received help from Cure Search and St. Baldrick’s Foundation, organizations that raise funds for cancer research.
Saunders wanted to show support for Eve and help raise funds for others.
“I’ve had my head shaved a couple of times to raise funds for St. Baldrick’s,” he said.
Saunders, a senior public relations representative at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC, is thankful to the organizations.
“The CFC touched my family’s life, and that’s why I encourage postal employees everywhere to contribute. Children with cancer need your voice. Let them hear it through your donation,” he said.
Employees can make CFC contributions through Dec. 15.
Contact your local campaign manager or visit the CFC LiteBlue site for additional information.