South Brunswick Boy Is Ambassador For Childhood Cancer Fundraiser

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A boy from the Dayton section of South Brunswick is this year’s ambassador for Help Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign – an annual fundraiser to raise money for pediatric treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK).

Arjun Thacker, 10, has his own inspiring story of recovery. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2019 and after a year of treatment, is cancer free.

Arjun’s journey began when he came home from school one day and reported a bump on his wrist. His school nurse asked his parents to consult a doctor.

“We took him to the pediatrician and got all tests done, but nothing was showing up. Then we went to an oncologist and he suspected sarcoma. The biopsy confirmed that,” said Nipa, Arjun’s mother.

In the beginning, the family struggled to come to terms with Arjun’s diagnosis. “We were shocked, we didn’t know what hit us. It was a difficult time for us – to accept that he has cancer just out of the blue,” said Nipa.

Arjun’s treatment at MSK began immediately. The family traveled almost every day for his chemotherapy. They moved to the Ronald McDonald House to cut down on traveling time.

“On days when we would be back home, the whole family would try and make him comfortable. But he set the tone for us. Arjun is strong and positive,” said Nipa, who works as a business analyst at Quest Diagnostic.

At every step of the way, Arjun was kept informed about his diagnosis and treatment. He showed incredible strength and determination which inspired the family, said his mother.

During this treatment, he spent a lot of time with MSK volunteers and participated in different activities. The head of the volunteer department then approached the parents to ask if Arjun would consider being an ambassador.

“We told him it’s for fundraising and he was very excited. He doesn’t know what it means, but he’s excited to see his pictures at Stop & Shop. That’s all he knows,” said Nipa.

“MSK really helped us a lot. We just wanted to give back in whatever way we can. It was Arjun’s decision and we went with it,” she said.

Arjun is currently catching up with his schoolwork. He loves watching SpongeBob SquarePants and drawing cartoon monsters in his free time.

“There were tough days, when Arjun had fever and couldn’t eat. But at the treatment center we found so many children suffering from cancer and it made us realize we are not alone,” said Nipa.

The family hopes that Arjun’s story inspires other families whose children are fighting this disease.

Help Cure Childhood Cancer is Stop & Shop’s largest charitable campaign. This year, shoppers will be able to round-up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of the change going to the hospitals.

In New York, New Jersey and Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut, proceeds will support MSK Kids, the pediatric program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Additionally, customers can find reusable bags with artwork created by patients. These bags will retail for $0.99 with $0.25 from the sale going to the pediatric cancer center. Those shopping online at StopandShop.com can also donate $1, $3 and $5 when they checkout.

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