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Milan pumpkin patch is 'Picking for a Cure' and raising money for pediatric cancer research

This is the second year in a row the Griswold family has donated pumpkin patch proceeds to 'squashing' pediatric cancer. The patch will be open Oct. 5-6 and 12-13.
Credit: Pick For A Cure/WQAD

MILAN, Ill. — A Milan family is welcoming the community out to its farm for year two of 'Pick for a Cure.' 

The Griswold family is opening up its pumpkin patch at 14025 13th St, Milan, to the public on Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 and 12-13. The farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 

A variety of pumpkins, gourds and squashes will be available for families and individuals to chose from. Boots or comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the actual patch is about a quarter mile from the barn and parking area. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with carrying and loading the pumpkins into cars. 

Beyond the pumpkins, there will also be craft activities, a scavenger hunt and plenty of room for kids to run around and explore the farm. 

All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Unravel Pediatric Cancer, which gives unrestricted funding to pediatric cancer researchers. The group's goal is to accelerate the development of effective, safe treatments for children diagnosed with cancer. 

The National Cancer Institute reports childhood cancer is the leading cause of death, by disease, among children in the U.S. In 2024, it's estimated nearly 15,000 children and adolescents under 19 will be diagnosed with cancer. 

Last year's inaugural 'Pick for a Cure' event raised more than $7,000 for cancer research.  

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