In 2017, Swim Across America made a commitment to grant $1M from its Swim Across America—Atlanta charity swim to fund a pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) clinical trial at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The total cost of the trial is $2M.

We are pleased to share that the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Touchdowns for Children’s (T4C) program has dedicated 2018-2019 funds raised so that the trial is fully funded. T4C allows fans to support the patients cared for at the Aflac Cancer Center, while also cheering on their favorite college football team. Fans have the chance to help pediatric cancer and blood disorders patients by pledging as little as $1 for every touchdown scored by their favorite team during the 12-game season. The program is inspired by Anna Charles Hollis. Anna was a brave patient at the Aflac Cancer Center who courageously battled AML for six months before passing away.

According to the America Society of Clinical Oncology, leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, and AML is the second most common form of leukemia in children. According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, only 4% or an estimated $198M of federal government funding goes to study pediatric cancer research.

Swim Across America’s belief in the promise of the clinical trial led by Dr. Doug Graham and Dr. Deb DeRyckere, provided SAA the confidence to grant $1M to the Aflac Cancer Center. We knew additional funding from the philanthropic community would be needed so the trial could continue, and we were pleased to champion for the additional funds and are excited to partner with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Touchdowns for Children’s Program.

We thank our supporters and will keep you updated on the progress of the trial.