In-branch and online initiative supports nonprofit’s goal of specialized facilities and targeted programs for young people with cancer
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Starting today (Giving Tuesday) and through Dec. 31, 2018, First Citizens Bank is launching its holiday giving effort to open the door for teens with cancer — to bring about better care and brighter futures.
Funds collected at a special online site and at all of First Citizens’ branches will benefit Teen Cancer America. The national nonprofit works to increase the number of cancer care facilities and specialized treatment programs for teens and young adults. The money raised by First Citizens for TCA goes directly to local partner hospitals.
“During the holidays, we often stop to reflect on how we can make our world a better place and help people live better lives,” said Jeff Ward, chief strategy officer of First Citizens Bank and a Teen Cancer America board member. “That’s why we’ve launched our 2018 holiday giving initiative. By supporting TCA this season, we can open the door to help give teen cancer patients the additional support they need and deserve.”
Individuals, businesses, school groups and civic organizations are encouraged to make a contribution through the end of December 2018. There are three ways to participate:
- Visit a First Citizens branch to make a contribution to TCA. Receive a paper ornament that says “I Helped Open a Door for TCA.” Put your name on the ornament and place it on a tree or at another area in the branch, where it will be displayed along with the names of other donors. (Go to firsticitzens.com/locations to find a local branch.)
- Make a contribution online. Visit LetMyLoveOpenTheDoor.com. Select from one of six online ornaments at the special holiday webpage and share meaningful reasons for making a donation. Place the online ornament on the interactive digital tree; then, click to make a contribution to Teen Cancer America.
- Redeem First Citizens Rewards® as a donation. Use rewards dollars or points accumulated with a First Citizens Rewards Visa® Card and gift them to the 2018 TCA holiday giving initiative via firstcitizensrewards.com (1,000 points/$10 rewards dollars equals a $10.00 donation). First Citizens Digital Banking customers can also access the First Citizens Rewards site from their Digital Banking accounts.
In addition, First Citizens associates across the bank will participate in the holiday giving campaign.
First Citizens has helped launch TCA partnerships with several medical centers, including UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.; Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, S.C.; and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
In cooperation with First Citizens, Teen Cancer America is talking with other major medical centers throughout the bank’s markets about establishing teen-focused cancer units and programs.
Once every hour a young person in the United States between the ages of 13 and 25 is diagnosed with cancer, according to TCA. In many hospitals, this age group is treated either in wards for much younger children or much older adults. TCA bridges this gap.
The 2018 holiday giving initiative is a continuation of First Citizens’ largest-ever philanthropic sponsorship for TCA that began in 2015. It’s one of many efforts that First Citizens participates in and sponsors to raise funds, build awareness and partner with medical centers for the nonprofit.
The centerpiece of the bank’s overall TCA campaign is a special version of the song, “Let My Love Open the Door,” by rock legend Roger Daltrey of The Who. Daltrey recorded the song especially for First Citizens to support the work of TCA. The bank’s advertisements highlighting the work of TCA feature the song. Daltrey and bandmate Pete Townshend are co-founders of Teen Cancer America.
For more information, visit LetMyLoveOpenTheDoor.com, use #LetMyLoveOpenTheDoor or stop by a local First Citizens branch.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank is the principal Southeastern corporate sponsor of Teen Cancer America. Founded in 1898, First Citizens is the largest family-controlled bank in the U.S., with offices in 19 states. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Citizens BancShares Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA), which has $35 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank. Forever First®. For more information, visit firstcitizens.com.
About Teen Cancer America
Following in the footsteps of Teenage Cancer Trust, the successful Teen and Young Adult cancer program in the U.K., Teen Cancer America is designed specifically to help U.S. hospitals and healthcare professionals bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care in America. TCA aims to educate and support hospitals and outpatient facilities in the development of specialized units for the age group from 13 to 25. These units provide sanctuaries where the cancer experience is understood and the importance of living life through the cancer journey is nourished. TCA also brings together physicians and allied healthcare professionals from pediatric and adult oncology so adolescent and young adult cancer patients can receive the specialized treatments and support that they need. TCA has established partnerships with 20 medical centers across the U.S. Founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, Teen Cancer America is supported by ambassadors, including Duke Basketball Director of Operations Nolan Smith, golfer Daniel Berger, musicians Eddie Vedder, Joan Jett and The Band Perry. Visit teencanceramerica.org.
Contact:
Barbara Thompson
First Citizens Bank
(919) 716-2716
