Inspired by supporting pediatric cancer patients and families through his work as a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, Matthew Allen, and his wife, Beth, wanted to do more.

Story by: Norton Children’s on November 2, 2021

Matthew and Beth Allen believe in a future without childhood cancer. This belief was inspired by a family tradition of supporting others, both in their community and — for Matthew — through his career as a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual.

Since 2012, advisers and employees of Northwestern Mutual have been committed to accelerating the search for a cure for childhood cancer while providing support to families facing the disease and survivors experiencing late effects of treatment. Matthew and Beth felt called to do something more in support of families in their local community facing pediatric cancer, leading them to donate $1 million to Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“As parents to two young daughters, all Beth and I want is to help make sure that all children’s lives are full of health, happiness and hope,” Matthew said.

In celebration of this gift, the concourse at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital will be named in honor of the Allen family, including Matthew and Beth’s daughters, Lucy and Annelise.

Through his work with Northwestern Mutual, Matthew has experienced firsthand the need for pediatric cancer support services for children and families. Whether it was hearing families of childhood cancer patients share their stories at company meetings, participating in fundraising and volunteer efforts, or watching his own clients’ children battle the disease, it became clear to Matthew and his family that they wanted to do more.

“As cases of childhood cancer continue to rise, so too do the health care needs of our patients,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D., R.N., CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare.

To meet this growing demand, Norton Children’s has a vision to build upon its proud tradition of delivering outstanding pediatric cancer care outcomes and to establish new areas of excellence in through innovative research, facility enhancements and workforce elevation, she said.

Norton Children’s Cancer Institute is one of the oldest oncology programs in the U.S. that has been continuously accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Backed by nearly 60 years of pediatric expertise, today Norton Children’s Cancer Institute combines the resources of the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center at Norton Children’s Hospital, the outpatient clinic at the Novak Center for Children’s Health, the Norton Children’s Infusion Center and the UofL School of Medicine to provide the region with the latest advancements in pediatric cancer care and programs.

“It takes the support of everyone in our community to make this type of advanced care possible for these children and their families and to have it right here at home,” Lynnie said. “We are so grateful for the vision and generosity of Matthew and Beth to help us provide this unparalleled care for children and their families from throughout our region when they need it the most.”