AdventHealth, Chick-fil-A and Tijuana Flats Teaming Up to Raise Funds for Pediatric Cancer

AdventHealth for Children is partnering with Chick-fil-A and Tijuana Flats during September, which is childhood cancer awareness month, to raise funds for childhood cancer, which is one of the lowest-funded of all cancer research programs.

A portion of profits from select restaurant locations, and proceeds from plush cows available at select Chick-fil-As and the sale of Tijuana Flats Jasons Moms Hot Sauce, will be donated to pediatric cancer research and AdventHealth for Children's oncology program.

Were passionate about finding a cure for cancer, and it made sense for us to do all we could to help children fight this terrible disease, said Randy Steil, executive director of the Tijuana Flats Just in Queso Foundation.

More than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Unfortunately, funding for pediatric cancer studies hasn't kept pace with other types of research. The latest data shows that of the $5 billion the federal government funded for cancer research in 2015, only 3.96 percent of it was dedicated to researching the 12 types, and over 100 subtypes, of pediatric cancers.

"Having a positive impact on the lives of our team members, guests and community is the why behind our work. It is an honor to join with AdventHealth for Children in the fight against childhood cancer, and to work together to brighten the lives of their young patients," said Bob Kyle, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A restaurants on Tuskawilla Road and Forsyth Road.

According to the American Cancer Society, childhood cancers are often biologically different than the cancers that share the same name in adults, meaning that childhood-specific research is required, and children and adults ultimately may need different treatments.

Cancer affects thousands of children every year, yet the funding to help them is lacking, said Dr. Fouad Hajjar, medical director of hematology/oncology at AdventHealth for Children. These children deserve a fighting chance to overcome their disease, and we need the research to get there.

To learn more and find participating Chick-fil-A restaurants, visit FloridaHospital.com/CowsCare.

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