Fifth annual ‘Pie in the Face’ takes place at Monroe Pediatrics Sept. 15

By Nancy Kriz
MONROE — Cases of nitrous oxide-propelled, sweetened whipped cream are ready for Monroe Pediatrics’ fifth annual Pie in the Face Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer, which takes place tomorrow, Sept. 15, beginning at 2 p.m.
The practice’s pediatricians are offering up their faces to anyone wanting to smash a plate full of whipped cream into them to support the need to raise additional money nationwide for pediatric cancer research.
'Our community has come together'“Five years ago, the physicians at Monroe Pediatrics decided to take a ‘pie in the face’ and challenge other local childhood organizations,” said Dr. Jamee Goldstein, who oversees the event on behalf of the practice. “As a town, Monroe raised over $5,000 but more importantly they raised awareness. Since then, our community has come together every September - Childhood Cancer month - to show our children that they deserve more than ‘4 percent.’ We have raised $10,000 at Monroe Peds alone, and will continue to dedicate ourselves to helping find safe medicines for our children and improve survival rates.”
According to The Truth 365/Arms Open Wide Foundation, only four percent of federal cancer research dollars is dedicated to children and only one new medicine has been developed for children in the last 20 years.
The Truth 365’s goal is to educate people about the need for additional pediatric cancer research funding and to mobilize millions of people through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social networking sites.
The Truth 365 is the beneficiary of “Pie in the Face” efforts.
Pies are $5 each.
More than 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer in the next year and more than 2,500 children nationwide will die from it, according to The Truth 365 website.
“These statistics are unacceptable and we are doing our small part to raise awareness and support research,” Goldstein said.
The first whipped cream pies will be thrown by children who are cancer survivors or in treatment.
More than just piesEntertainment will be provided by DJ Baby Sal, Terpsichore the Dancerschool with character visits from Once Upon a Tea Party.
Organizers said there will be giveaways and complimentary popcorn and refreshments. Additionally, Famous Damon's Food Truck and the Ice Mother and Sons Italian Ice Truck will donate a portion of their profits to the fund raiser with a tricky tray, 50/50 raffle and raffles for a boy and a girl's bike courtesy of Wal-Mart, a certificate for discounted tuition to Rosmarins Day Camp and a birthday party at Gate Hill Day Camp.
“Throw a pie in our faces to support pediatric cancer research, honor a childhood cancer survivor or someone currently in treatment or remission, in memory of someone or to give thanks for your child’s good health,” added Goldstein. “Or, throw a pie in our faces to get even with us for all those throat swabs, shots and blood draws. We can take it.”
EssentialsMonroe Pediatrics is located at 70 Gilbert St.
To learn more, call 782-8616.