Granara-Skerry Trust Competes for $250,000 Grant

Kathy-Granara Skerry raised thousands of dollars for pancreatic cancer research before succumbing to the disease in 2009. Courtesy photo.

Pepsi Co. Seeks Projects to Fund; Public Votes Online for Best Ideas

– Allison Goldsberry

The Granara-Skerry Trust has been selected to participate in the Pepsi Co. Refresh Grant Project and has a shot at winning $250,000 for pancreatic cancer research, according to an email from a Granara family member.

Pepsi is seeking to provide over a million dollars in funding each month for worthy projects. The public is invited to submit ideas and vote for the best ones through a website.

The Granara-Skerry Trust is competing in the health category and could win $250,000 if it is one of the top two “vote getters.”

Voting is taking place now through August 31. Supporters can vote once per day by clicking here or by texting 101844 to Pepsi (73774).

“This is a national contest so we expect there will be a lot of competition…We truly appreciate the support we have received from everyone throughout the years and we would like to thank you in advance for helping us win $250,000!!” Said an email from the Granara-Skerry Trust team.

The Granara-Skerry Trust is in honor of Kathy Granara-Skerry, a Medford resident who lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer last year. The trust serves three purposes- to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of death among cancer victims, to raise money for research, and to provide support and comfort for those suffering from the disease.

Granara-Skerry raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for pancreatic cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she received treatment. This year, the fourth annual Granara-Skerry 5K Walk will once again raise money to help battle this pernicious disease. The walk is taking place on Saturday, September 25.