More than $20 Million to Help Kids with Cancer over 20 Years

A PROMISE BETWEEN A SICK BOY AND HIS FATHER LEADS TO DECADES OF SUPPORT

EDINA, MINN – [DECEMBER 5, 2022] – Imagine your child is sick. This isn’t an everyday cold; this is a serious illness that threatens your child’s life. Now imagine having to pay nearly a million dollars to even give them a chance at survival. This is the reality of childhood cancer. One nine-year-old boy, battling cancer himself, saw that reality and decided to make an everlasting difference.

20 years ago, Mitch gave his entire life savings to families on the pediatric oncology floor where he was receiving treatment. Before his death the following spring, Mitch made his father promise he would continue supporting families who had a child with cancer long after he was gone. That promise has allowed more than $20 million to go to families navigating their own childhood cancer journeys. Pinky Swear Foundation carries on Mitch’s legacy by providing rent, mortgage, car and grocery payments.

“The total cost of a child’s cancer journey exceeds $800,000,” Erica Campbell, Pinky Swear Foundation’s executive director said. “We’re so proud to carry the promise that Mitch left, and we know he’d be proud of us for helping so many families just like his.”

December 11 is officially recognized as National Pinky Swear Day. This is not just a day of recognition for the impetus of the work done by Pinky Swear Foundation, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible strength of children who are presently battling cancer. These families are resilient, and every single effort to help them makes a difference.

“…we would have fallen behind on our rent which would have started a downward spiral from which we never would have recovered,” a parent of a child battling cancer said. “We’re sincerely grateful for the assistance and could never thank you enough.”

Celebrate these children and learn more about Pinky Swear Foundation and how you can help keep the promise at pinkyswear.org.

Mitch’s promise with his dad is a promise forever. Nothing can break a pinky swear.

About Pinky Swear Foundation

Founded in 2003, Pinky Swear Foundation is a national 501c(3) nonprofit headquartered in Edina, MN passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families with financial and emotional assistance. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include a variety of community engagement and fundraising events around the nation, raising more than $17.5 million to-date. To learn more, visit pinkyswear.org.

###