Kathy Ireland, supermodel turned super mogul, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), will begin serving as the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s (NPCF) International Youth Chair – effective immediately. The announcement was made by David Frazer, CEO of NPCF. Her new partnership with NPCF will help impact children battling cancer nationwide as she works to raise awareness and funds for critical life-saving pediatric research.
“National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is an incredible organization,” says Kathy Ireland, a renowned humanitarian and philanthropist. “NPCF’s tireless work in seeking cure and treatment for pediatric cancer, saves the lives of so many children and it is an honor for all of us at kiWW to join David, and each and every person at NPCF and its incredible and generous partners, in our mission to destroy pediatric cancer.” Ms. Ireland will help the NPCF launch several upcoming initiatives and will also participate in events to call attention to the fight against pediatric cancer by engaging communities nationwide and globally through current and future relationships.
Only four percent of the billions of dollars annually spent on cancer research is directed towards treating childhood cancer, and fewer than 10 drugs have been developed for use in children with cancer since 1980, compared with the hundreds of drugs that have been created exclusively for adults. Cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease among children, and this year, 43 kids each day are expected to be diagnosed. NPCF, a Tampa-based nonprofit, funds research to eliminate childhood cancer with a focus on fast-tracking less toxic, more targeted treatments by partnering with 24 leading hospitals nationwide.
“We take a truly collaborative approach to finding cures for all types of pediatric cancer,” said David Frazer, CEO of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. “We are energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Kathy Ireland – an icon and tireless advocate for so many causes – on new ways to engage the global community to have the greatest possible impact for the children and families fighting cancer each day.”
The Foundation’s has a robust community engagement program, with initiatives such as Fashion Funds the Cure, events that couple exciting fashion trends with the dreams of pediatric cancer patients as they walk down a magical runway; and Brewing Funds the Cure, where craft brewers from around the country create their own IPA brew, Rising Hope, that benefits NPCF with every purchase.
NPCF has donated more than $30 million to pediatric cancer research since its inception in 1991. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar donated funds research, and Charity Navigator has awarded NPCF a perfect score of 100 percent – the highest rating a nonprofit can receive — for financial health and transparency.
“We hope this exceptional designation demonstrates our financial accountability and trustworthiness,” said Frazer. “We currently have 30 research projects underway. With the help of our extensive network of partners, we aim to increase the survival rate of children with cancer and lessen the side effects of their treatment.”
Ireland is one of the top ten women’s health advocates in America, according to UCLA. Her commitment to life at every stage is a platform of her personal philanthropy, and includes the opening of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout America, providing disaster relief to people devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and the opening of treatment facilities in Haiti and Honduras. Ms. Ireland brings awareness to state-of-the-art medical care in Israel at Sheba Medical Center, for both Jews and Arabs alike, and initiated a mentoring program for teenage single mothers, which includes prenatal care and has enjoyed support from numerous celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Jackson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who said “Kathy Ireland not only possesses unique and personal gifts which help and empower others… Kathy guides by example. Follow her leadership, you who are pioneers for change.” Continuing the tireless work, activism, and financial support of her close friend and mentor, Elizabeth Taylor, Kathy is also Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
To learn more about the work of NPCF, please visit NationalPCF.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®)
kiWW® is listed as one of the most powerful brands in the world by License Global Magazine. Kathy Ireland is named one of the 19 most influential women in licensing by License Global magazine and according to Fairchild Publications, Kathy Ireland is one of the 50 most influential people in fashion. Furniture Today names Kathy one of the most influential leaders in the furniture industry. Kathy graces the cover of Forbes Magazine twice (2012, 2016). kiWW® is responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales. kiWW® is the recipient of multiple awards including several Good Housekeeping Seals. Kathy and kiWW® support many non-profits including: YWCA Greater Los Angeles for which she is an Ambassador, Dream Foundation, Providence Educational Foundation, 911 for Kids/AEF, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kathy is named an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
About National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer through the Sunshine Project, the Foundation’s collaborative research initiative. By partnering with doctors and researchers from the country’s top institutions, the Sunshine Project is fast-tracking the development of new drugs and therapies that will ultimately lead to the cure of childhood cancers. The NPCF has received a perfect 100% score for financial health and transparency and is recognized as the top-rated cancer charity in the U.S. by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit www.NationalPCF.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Individuals can also directly donate to the cause through the website.
