Go bananas for pediatric cancer research

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has teamed up with the I Back Jack Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting pediatric oncology research, will attempt to break a world record by hosting the largest game of Bananagrams at the organization’s Family Fair on Saturday, Nov. 12 in Hartland. The event will take place at Arrowhead High School in Hartland beginning at 9 a.m. 
“Bananagrams” is a game where players use lettered tiles to build words in a crossword-like arrangement.  The first person to use all of their tiles by creating different words wins. The tiles are stored in a yellow cloth pouch shaped like a banana.
“The goal of the event is to secure a world record while raising money to fund new, innovative treatments that aim to help kids with pediatric cancer keep winning at the game of life,” said Sarah Bartosz, founder of the I Back Jack Foundation. 
Hundreds of people will gather to play the game, Bartosz said.
The foundation exists to help Jack Bartosz, a nine year-old 3rd grader from Hartland, and other children fighting cancer. In 2005, Jack was diagnosed with Stage IV, high-risk neuroblastoma after a tumor, found on his adrenal gland, was discovered to have metastasized to his bones and bone marrow. He is still receiving treatment today. He also has a twin sister, Annie.
The Foundation will use proceeds from the event to fund a new trial at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in partnership with the MACC Fund.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has signed on to sponsor the Family Fair which will provide food, entertainment and activities for attendees.  Organizations scheduled to be at the Family Fair include: the Milwaukee Wave, StoneFire Pizza, Delafield Arts Center, JK Lee and Mid-City Sports. 
“We’re proud to continue our support of the I Back Jack Foundation and the outstanding work they are doing to advance childhood cancer research,” said Larry Schreiber, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin.  “I encourage everyone who can to attend this great event, not only because you can be part of a world record, but also – and more importantly – because you can make a meaningful contribution to improving the cancer care in our community.”
Individuals and families can register for the event by visiting the I Back Jack Foundation’s website at www.ibackjack.org.