Ralphs Ensures Growth of Research Program at Miller Children’s Pediatric Cancer Center
Ralphs has teamed up with the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach to help expand research efforts to fight pediatric cancer and improve patients’ hospital environment. Ralphs donated more than $30,000 to JJCCC to help support clinical and psychosocial research programs that benefit patients and their family members from the time of diagnosis through remission and follow-up care.
JJCCC’s strong emphasis on integrating new research efforts into treatment plans allows patients access to clinical trials and leading therapies that will hopefully lead to a cure. These therapies are integrated throughout the patients’ entire journey from hospitalization throughout their follow-up care in the outpatient setting.
Psychosocial research initiatives are also being used to determine the perfect family centered design of the future pediatric/cancer center. The new unit will include open nursing stations, a larger playroom, hepa-filtration clean air system for immunocompromised patients, a family zone, a patient desk and 24 private rooms with TV/Internet access.
“On behalf of Jonathan Jaques Cancer Center at Miller Children’s, I want to extend my gratitude to Ralphs for their generous gift. This gift will allow Miller Children’s to expand the quality of care and research our patients and their families need as we move towards the completion of our new unit,” says Jerry Finklestein, MD, founding medical director, JJCCC, Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.
Ralphs Representatives had the opportunity to take a tour of the state-of-the-art pavilion where the future pediatric/cancer unit will be housed. They also got to see the faces of our young heroes, hear their stories and meet the families and medical care team that support them along their journeys.
Community Support
 Community support whether it be a charitable gift, or simply the gift of time, helps young patients with cancer and serious blood disorders in our community. JJCCC is always looking for volunteers to help at events or help raise funding for JJCCC’s research and psychosocial programs.
Annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run”
More than 50 celebrities starring in children’s television shows and movies join more than 250 children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders where they run, walk, wheel or are carried in a relay—passing an Olympic-style torch in front of more than 2,000 spectators. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Torch Run! For more information contact Annie Santos
 Help a Child - Hearts Program
The help a child program allows individuals to make "a gift of life" to a JJCCC patient through a small purchase of just one dollar. Retail stores, businesses and schools can sell hearts and display them proudly at their location or allow the purchaser to take the heart home and post it as they wish. The program works wonderfully as a point of purchase appeal, as a corporate competition amongst employees or as a school fundraiser. For more information contact contact Annie Santos
JJCCC Volunteers
JJCCC volunteers take part in their own community fundraisers, volunteer their time to work at special fundraising events, support the “Help a Child-Hearts Program” at local businesses, donate toys and books to children with cancer and serious blood disorders or even volunteer in the JJCCC office. Even children can participate in the “Scrubs” program. For more information contact Annie Santos
 Profiles of Courage Gala
Each year Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center and its extended family attend a black tie, dinner/dance/auction celebrating the courage of children fighting cancer or a serious blood disease. The event caps a wonderful day at the Champion's Run for Life “Torch Run” and honors the patients, families, physicians, nurses, health care professionals and volunteers who work together to make a difference in the battle against serious illness. For more information contact Annie Santos
JJCCC Partners
Philanthropy
The high level of care and support needed to treat childhood cancer and serious blood disorders is costly. JJCCC relies on philanthropic gifts and grants to ensure a healthy future for the children in our community
A significant portion of the Center’s funding is provided through community support and fundraising, including the Annual Champions Run for Life (the “Torch Run” — JJCCC’s signature event) and the Profiles of Courage gala that honors young patients and community leaders. Throughout the year, JJCCC is involved in hundreds of community and educational events that support and educate patients and their families.
How You Can Help
- Sponsor a fundraising event or activity to benefit JJCCC
- Find out if your employer has a Matching Gift Program that will double your donation to JJCCC.
- Donate to JJCCC by:
Calling (562) 933-8600
Visiting jjccc.com for online fundraising
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