STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ACE Group announced today that the ACE Foundation – International is launching a special fund for the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation (Barncancer Fonden) with a USD85,000 (approximately SEK560,000 or €62,000) grant. The partnership was officially announced during the FERMA (Federation of European Risk Management Associations) Forum in Stockholm, Sweden.
The grant supports families of children with cancer with a focus on expanding sibling support programmes at the Swedish Cancer Centres in Stockholm during Fall 2011 and Spring 2012.
In presenting the grant, Andrew Kendrick, Chairman, ACE European Group, said: “We are pleased to support the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation’s initiative, which is making another step towards easing the burden of families with children suffering from cancer. This programme serves a critical function for families who are affected by such an ordeal, and we are proud to provide our support to it.”
"Time throughout the disease is very difficult not only for the affected child but for the whole family. The attention and parental care for the needs of siblings are often not enough to answer their questions and deal with their issues. ACE’s donation will allow us to extend the work of the children cancer centres in Sweden and the idea is to keep the siblings support permanently ", said Dr. Olle Björk, The Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation's Secretary General.
Every year approximately 300 children in Sweden fall victim to childhood cancer. The treatment of children with cancer, while highly successful, is very stressful for the family, especially siblings, who often feel neglected. Sibling supporters coordinate play therapy and other activities for healthy siblings to help families manage through this challenging time.
About Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation (Barncancer Fonden)
Almost every day a child in Sweden is diagnosed with cancer. Three out of four survive. Our vision is a world where childhood cancer is no longer life threatening. A world where all children who are affected by cancer become healthy. With donations from private people and companies The Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation supports almost 90 percent of all childhood cancer research in Sweden. The Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation is approved by the Swedish Fundraising control, which ensures that the money always goes to the right purpose.
About Philanthropy at ACE
ACE strives to make a lasting, positive impact on communities where its employees live and work through grants, matching gifts, employee donation campaigns and volunteer activities. Through its Foundations, ACE provides significant financial support each year to organizations around the world, focusing on the areas of education, poverty and health, and the environment.
About ACE
The ACE Group is a global leader in insurance and reinsurance serving a diverse group of clients. Headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), a component of the S&P 500 stock index, the ACE Group conducts its business on a worldwide basis with operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries. Additional information can be found at:www.acegroup.com. ACE European Group, headquartered in London, UK, has operations in 27 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and employs over 2 000 people. Additional information can be found atwww.acegroup.com/eu.
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Contact:
ACE Group
Stephen Wasdick
+1 646-306-6302
stephen.wasdick@acegroup.com