New program supports hospitals nationwide, with Children’s Wisconsin MACC Fund Center as the first recipient
More than half a million dollars fundraised in partnership with the Milwaukee Brewers TM to support childhood cancer research
Financial plans created during September will deliver impact with donation made to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 22, 2026 — Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, today announced a new commitment to support families affected by childhood cancer and strengthen the financial resilience of
healthcare professionals who care for them. A $100,000 investment will be awarded to Children’s
Wisconsin MACC Fund Center in the company’s hometown of Milwaukee, with additional hospitals to be announced in 2027.
The funding will support families facing financial challenges, expand professional development opportunities for hospital staff and recognize a healthcare professional who provides exceptional patient care through the inaugural Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Healthcare Hero Award. The recognition, which includes a significant financial award for the recipient’s selfless career dedicated to serving patients and families, is presented to Katy Tomlinson, RN, BSN.
“Behind every childhood cancer journey is a dedicated hospital team going above and beyond, every single day caring for patients,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
“The Healthcare Hero Award is our way of shining a light on their perseverance and honoring the people who help families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.”
“Northwestern Mutual’s steadfast support of the MACC Fund Center at Children’s Wisconsin is making a profound and lasting difference for children and families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders,” said Kimberly Stapelfeldt, executive director of the MACC Fund Center. “This generous gift helps ensure that families have access to the innovative, top-tier care and support they need throughout their cancer journey, while also investing in the healthcare professionals who provide that care. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to recognize Katy Tomlinson, whose compassion, leadership, and commitment to patients and families reflect the very best of our mission.”
Rallying community support during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Beyond the inaugural award, Northwestern Mutual continues to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month throughout September:
- In partnership with the Milwaukee BrewersTM, every RBI hit by the team triggers a donation to fund five hours of childhood cancer research through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The Research Batted In initiative has generated nearly 11,000 hours of research funding since its inception. Earlier this month, the partnership was highlighted during the Brewers’ Childhood Cancer Awareness Weekend at American Family FieldTM, offering fans unique in-game experiences and fundraising opportunities. To date, with the support of the Brewers, more than half a million dollars have been raised for the childhood cancer community.
- Nationwide, for every new financial plan delivered to a prospective client in September, Northwestern Mutual is donating $1001 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, up to $2 million, which will fund 40,000 hours of research.
- Consumers can also tune in to Northwestern Mutual’s A Better Way to Money podcast and for every new follower the podcast gains during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Northwestern Mutual will donate $10 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, up to $5,000.
A long-standing commitment to childhood cancer
Since 2012, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has contributed more than $75 million to advance
care and treatment for children with cancer, funded more than 860,000 hours of research and enabled
more than 370 students to pursue higher education through the Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program. These efforts are made possible through partnerships with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Children’s Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers, and dozens of nonprofit organizations across the country working to improve outcomes for children with cancer.
To learn more about Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to the childhood cancer cause, including the
new Childhood Cancer Healthcare Hero Award, family support initiatives and research investments, visit northwesternmutual-foundation.com. You can also read the latest Life & Money story, spotlighting how these programs are helping children, families and healthcare professionals.
