MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Healthcare is proud to announce it has been awarded a $70,000 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support The Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program. This funding will help expand educational and wellness resources for pediatric cancer survivors across Central California, empowering them to thrive long after treatment ends.
“This grant allows us to reach more young survivors with the tools and guidance they need to build a healthy, successful future,” said Dr. John Gates, Valley Children’s pediatric hematologist/oncologist and director of The Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program. “We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation and our local franchise partners for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.”
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. Valley Children’s was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisees, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and wellness programs across the region. Taco Bell has proudly supported Valley Children’s for more than 32 years, making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation for recognizing the importance of survivorship care,” said Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation President Robert Saroyan. “This support helps ensure that young survivors have the tools they need to lead empowered lives. We’re proud to partner with Taco Bell in this meaningful work.”
Established in 2009, The Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program is the only one of its kind in the region. It provides long-term, comprehensive follow-up care to more than 1,800 childhood cancer survivors. The program’s holistic approach includes personalized health education through treatment summaries and screenings, mental health and wellness resources, peer-led learning opportunities and scholarships for survivors pursuing higher education. Earlier this year, 72 childhood cancer survivors received scholarships.
To learn more about The Fresno Truck Center Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at Valley Children’s, click here.
