Hospira Foundation Announces 10 Recipients of (Mission: Care)2 Grants and Initiates Next Phase of Challenge

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hospira Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hospira, Inc., today announced the 10 recipients of the initial grants for (Mission: Care)², the 2014 Hospira Foundation Grant Challenge. Out of more than 70 strong applicants, these 10 charitable organizations were selected to receive grants of $10,000 each and invited to participate in the next phase of the challenge - a video contest - where one organization will be awarded an additional $100,000.

The 10 recipients of the (Mission: Care)² grants, which are now eligible for the additional grant, are:

• American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA): Working to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis, the ABTA has received a grant for its ABTA CommYOUnity, a volunteer network. This program empowers volunteers nationally to serve as ambassadors and help connect brain tumor patients and their families with information on their diagnosis, treatment options and more.
• American Cancer Society (ACS): A nationwide, community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major public health problem, ACS received funding for its National Cancer Information Center (NCIC). The NCIC connects cancer patients, families and caregivers to personalized and reliable cancer information, resources and programs in order to improve their quality of life and decrease the overall mortality from the disease.
• American Kidney Fund (AKF): Helping people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives, AKF provides direct financial support to dialysis patients in need, and delivers programs that help at-risk individuals prevent kidney disease through education, awareness and access to care. AKF has received a grant for its Kidney Action Day initiative - through this program, AKF works in underserved communities, providing people at high risk for kidney disease with free health screenings and important healthcare guidance and resources.
• American Lung Association (ALA): With a mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, ALA received a grant for its Enhancing Lung Cancer Patient and Provider Communication program. This program empowers lung cancer patients and their caregivers to have meaningful discussions with their medical teams and includes lung cancer screening education.
• AmeriCares: A world leader in delivering donated medicines and medical supplies to local health programs, AmeriCares has received funding for its U.S. Medical Assistance program, which provides medicines, supplies and technical support to safety-net clinics and hospitals serving uninsured and underinsured communities across the United States.
• Bear Necessities: A national organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it, Bear Necessities received a grant for its Bear Hugs program, which provides customized experiences to brighten the lives of children going through cancer and provides financial assistance to families.
• Direct Relief: Working to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations by mobilizing and providing essential medical resources needed for their care, Direct Relief received funding for its Safety Net program, which increases access to care for vulnerable people throughout the United States.
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS): With a mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families, LLS received funding for its Patient Assistance program, which assists patients with treatment-related transportation/lodging financial challenges.
• Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF): Dedicated to conquering all blood cancers by funding research into their causes and cures and enriching the quality of life of those touched by these diseases, LRF has received a grant for its Patient Financial Assistance Program. The program provides reimbursement of medical expenses to patients and families diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma or myelodysplastic syndromes.
• National Children's Cancer Society (NCCS): Working to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families, NCCS has received a grant for their Transportation Assistance Fund, which alleviates the financial burden of travel and lodging for families who have a child with cancer.

"Out of so many compelling applications, the Hospira Foundation is pleased to award grants to these 10 organizations whose programs will do tremendous work in supporting our dual focus on oncology and improving access to affordable healthcare services in their communities," said Stacey T. Eisen, president, Hospira Foundation. "We're excited to see their programs brought to life in the videos they submitted and look forward to seeing which program the public selects to receive the $100,000 grant in the final phase of the challenge."

Phase II – The Video Contest

As part of the next phase of (Mission: Care)², these 10 organizations have submitted a video highlighting how they would use the additional funds to amplify the impact of their programs. These videos have been posted online and now the public will vote on which program should receive the additional $100,000 grant. The video with the most votes when the voting period ends on December 12 will be awarded the funds.

Vote Now!

View the videos and vote at http://bit.ly/mc2vote. Official rules are available online at Hospira.com/MissionCare2.

About The Hospira Foundation

Established in 2004, the Hospira Foundation is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation focused on improving health and wellness in the communities Hospira touches. The philanthropic arm of Hospira, Inc., the Hospira Foundation provides grants to charities whose missions and programs support the focus areas of advancing oncology education and wellness programs, and/or improving access to affordable healthcare services. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated approximately $10 million to support communities across the globe.

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SOURCE The Hospira Foundation

Related Links

http://Hospira.com/MissionCare2