A Thoughtful Gift from Wawa Brings Relief to Families Facing Blood Cancer
Fueling Hope, One Family at a Time
WASHINGTON, APRIL 24, 2025 — As Wawa celebrates its 61st anniversary and the 11th anniversary of The Wawa Foundation, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud to spotlight the powerful partnership that has helped bring critical support to blood cancer patients and their families.
Since 2013, Wawa has stood beside LLS through generous sponsorships, employee team participation in Light The Night, and customer-driven point-of-sale campaigns. Together, this effort has resulted in more than $9 million raised—an investment that’s fueled research, patient support, and hope for thousands.
But the real impact is measured in moments.
A Tank of Gas. A Few Essentials. A Glimpse of Relief. A Legacy of Volunteerism.
In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21–27), Wawa has taken its generosity even further—distributing Wawa gift cards to LLS and other National Partners to assist families facing the burden of a blood cancer diagnosis. Whether it’s a tank of gas to get to treatment or a warm meal during an overwhelming day, these small gestures make a big difference.
On Friday, April 25, Wawa will shine a light on its partnership with LLS as part of its weeklong tribute to National Partners. It’s a day to reflect, to recognize, and to celebrate the volunteers and donors who make mission delivery possible—day after day, year after year.
Together, Wawa and LLS are delivering more than food and fuel—they’re delivering compassion, connection, and a pathway to longer, better lives.
“I’ll never forget the day I barely had enough gas to get to my appointment and didn’t know how I’d make it home. My social worker gave me a Wawa gift card, and I was able to get back. I truly appreciate the support you give to cancer patients—those gift cards help with food, gas, and take real stress off our shoulders. Thank you.” - Sherkina, Wawa Gift Card Recipient
During my cancer journey, money is tight. The cost of medication, treatment, and transportation can leave many with little money to buy food. The gift card was a welcome gift.” – Stephen, Wawa Gift Card Recipient
The gift cards, distributed through LLS’s Patient Financial Assistance programs, have already reached families in need across several states.
“Wawa's generosity has given me a great sense of normalizing my life. I often look forward to receiving my gift card as it permits me to purchase my favorite hoagie. Also, it affords me the opportunity to enjoy special moments with people I've never met before. I am a people person and love sharing my journey with other people to give them hope. Thank you ,Wawa!” - Paulette, Gift Card Recipient
“I have Multiple Myeloma and have been getting chemo for a year and a half. The Wawa gift card has allowed me to get special treats on my way home from a 5-hour chemo session. So very much appreciated. Thank you.” – Roxanne, Gift Card Recipient.
Lighting the Night—Together
Wawa’s commitment extends beyond financial giving. Their teams have shown up year after year to participate in Light The Night, walking in honor of loved ones, co-workers, and customers impacted by blood cancer. Their presence has become a beacon in communities from Pennsylvania to Florida, and now, Ohio—as Wawa opened its first store in the state on April 16, with all National Partners, including LLS, represented.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader and innovator in creating a world without blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS is focused on accelerating research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure access to quality, affordable care. For more than 75 years, LLS has been helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.
To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients can contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
About Wawa
Wawa, Inc., a family and associate owned, privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and “certified” process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio and Washington, D.C., with more than 1,100 locations to date. The stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshlybrewed coffee, Sizzli hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks. Forbes.com Ranks Wawa as #24 of America’s Largest Private Companies.