H-E-B shoppers help #EndCancer at the checkout line

H-E-B shoppers across the state have done it again. The grocery store’s seventh #EndCancer fundraising campaign raised $175,000 for cancer research and patient programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since the campaign launched in 2016, H-E-B has inspired shoppers to raise more than $1.5 million.

"We are proud to once again team up with MD Anderson and provide our customers and Partners with a way to join MD Anderson in fulfilling its mission to end cancer," said Winell Herron, group vice president of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs at H-E-B and a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. “With the support of our generous customers across Texas, we are proud to help underrepresented students explore their dreams of becoming future cancer researchers and oncologists.”

From March 2 through April 12, customers at more than 400 H-E-B and Central Market stores across Texas participated in the checkout register campaign. Customers could simply tear off paper slips with their preferred donation amounts of $1, $3 or $5 to add to their grocery store purchase. Featured at the register displays this year were MD Anderson cancer survivors Raymond Alex Jr., Tralisa Woods and Gretchen Lee Herrera. Customers also had the option to donate at self-checkout registers, online via heb.com and through the H-E-B mobile app.

"H-E-B has long been a leader in this state, particularly when it comes to supporting our community,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to our patients and to our mission to end cancer. Every donation, including those made at the checkout counter, lead to lasting impact in Making Cancer History®.”

Donations will benefit MD Anderson research, education and prevention programs. All funds donated in the San Antonio area will be shared with UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partner member of MD Anderson Cancer Network®.

For nearly two decades, H-E-B’s long-standing dedication to MD Anderson includes ongoing monetary support to benefit the institution’s fundraising efforts, educational programming and medical research. Funds raised in 2022 will support MD Anderson’s Partnership for Careers in Cancer Science and Medicine. This program aims to attract, develop and nurture underrepresented young adults across the entire academic science and medicine pipeline, from high school students to faculty appointments.

“The funds from H-E-B support the next generation of researchers who will help us end cancer,” said Elizabeth Travis, Ph.D., associate vice president of Women and Minority Faculty Inclusion. “These young students gain invaluable knowledge, experience and relationships while studying at MD Anderson. On behalf of these and future students, we thank H-E-B.”