CU Kids at Heart Inc.

Overview

CU Kids at Heart Inc. is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization that plays a significant role in collaborative fundraising efforts within the credit union community. Founded in 1996 by Eastern Corporate Federal Credit Union, the nonprofit has grown to include multiple participating credit unions and corporate sponsors across the United States.

Mission

The mission of CU Kids at Heart is to support children in leading healthy and happy lives by funding research aimed at the prevention, treatment, and cure of pediatric neurological diseases. These diseases include Moyamoya disease, Cerebral Palsy, pediatric epilepsy, other seizure disorders, and pediatric brain cancer. The organization works closely with medical investigators at renowned institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to provide financial support to underfunded research areas.

Impact

Since its inception, CU Kids at Heart has raised over $9 million to support various research projects and initiatives. These contributions have been instrumental in facilitating clinical trials, developing new diagnostic tools, achieving treatment breakthroughs, and advancing promising drug therapies. The organization's impact is not only significant in advancing medical research but also in raising awareness about these diseases.

Annual Events and Awareness Campaigns

One of the notable activities organized by CU Kids at Heart is the participation in the Boston Marathon. For over two decades, credit union runners have participated in the marathon, often with patient partners from Boston Children's Hospital, to raise funds and awareness for the supported causes. Additionally, the organization supports Moyamoya Disease Awareness Day, observed on May 6, which involves community events and advocacy initiatives to educate both the public and medical professionals about this rare and progressive neurological disease.

CJ Buckley Memorial Fund

In 2019, CU Kids at Heart established the CJ Buckley Memorial Fund for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research in honor of Carter J. Buckley, a young man who passed away from brain cancer. This fund supports groundbreaking research at the Panigrahy Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, focusing on the effects of inflammation on cancer growth.

Governance and Supporters

CU Kids at Heart is supported by dozens of credit unions from across the Northeast and beyond, along with corporate sponsors, demonstrating a strong coalition of financial institutions dedicated to philanthropic causes. The organization's efforts are a testament to the credit union ethos of collaboration for the greater good.