Empire Financial Holdings (Empire Financial) and Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI) have announced that they will be holding the fifth annual ‘Trading for a Cure’ day on December 13th, when 100 per cent of Empire Financial’s trading profits will be donated to the hospital’s pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant units.
FHCI treats more than 300 children with cancer per year. The Florida Centre for Cellular Therapy is home to central Florida's only combined adult and pediatric bone marrow transplant programme.
"The FHCI greatly appreciates the support that the 'Trading for a Cure' event provides. Its efforts enable us to continue our research and expand our treatment," says Dr. John Edwards, co-medical director, Florida Centre for Cellular Therapy.
The event was created by two-time cancer survivor and Empire Financial director of trading, Gerry Mastrianni. In 1999, Mastrianni was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease and received a bone marrow transplant at FHCI. The event has always raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"The care I received at FHCI saved my life, and this is my way of giving back," explains Mastrianni. "I've been so inspired by the fact that my fellow traders have been willing to donate a day's worth of profits to this cause. My goal is to continue to spread the word about 'Trading for a Cure' so that it can continue to grow and in turn increase the support it gives to FHCI," he continues.
"This event is a reminder that despite how hectic our lives can get, there are people out there that are in need of help," says Donald A. Wojnowski Jr., CEO, Empire. "This is one of the ways we are helping those that are suffering from this terrible disease. We hope that many will join us in this very important day," he adds.