Northwestern Mutual Launches Childhood Cancer Initiatives To Ease Financial And Emotional Burden For Children And Their Families

Online, November 30, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation and partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation, is donating two Starlight Fun Centers™ and two Starlight iPads to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital as part of its Childhood Cancer Program, a multi-year commitment to support families fighting childhood cancer.

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital was chosen to receive the donations for kids undergoing treatment in the Pediatric Oncology Unit.

Fun Centers are mobile entertainment units that easily roll up to a hospital bed so children can play video games and watch movies. Whether nervously awaiting surgery, enduring treatment, or sitting in their hospital room, Fun Centers help children cope by providing endless hours of fun and distraction.

"We have a legacy of helping families in South Florida and I am excited to deliver these entertaining Fun Centers and iPads today to families fighting childhood cancer," said Kevin Lawhon, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual - The South Florida Group. "We know this disease takes an enormous financial, physical and emotional toll on children and families," he continued. "Our goal is to strengthen families who are fighting cancer by alleviating some of the stress accompanying their experience."

"Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has one of the largest pediatric oncology programs in Florida. We are extremely grateful for the donation by Northwestern Mutual. The children we treat will benefit from this unique gift," said Memorial Healthcare System, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Kevin Janser.

For more information about Northwestern Mutual and its Foundation, visit www.northwesternmutual.com.

About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation - the largest corporate foundation in the state of Wisconsin - is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation's giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2013, the Foundation will contribute $16.9 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.

About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company - Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) - among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2012 according to FORTUNE® magazine - has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 155 years. As a mutual company with $1.3 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.

About Starlight Children's Foundation
When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, the day-to-day joys of childhood take a back seat to the rigors of treatment and hospitalization. Starlight Children's Foundation™ is a leading global health and education charity working to embrace, empower and enrich the lives of children from illness to wellness. Since 1983, Starlight has been improving the quality of life for children with serious medical conditions through programming that helps kids cope with the experiences of prolonged illness. Starlight's innovative programs have been proven to distract children from their pain and lessen the need for pain medication, help young people better understand and manage their illness, and connect families with others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Each year Starlight
enriches the lives of more than 4.5 million children globally by providing ongoing support to children, parents and siblings through a network of partner hospitals, staff and volunteers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. To learn more visit www.starlight.org.

About Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation
Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation Established in 1994, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation (www.jdchfoundation.org) raises funds to assist patients and their families and to underwrite the cost of programs, facilities, and equipment at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, the leading children's hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties. The new Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital opened its doors to patients on July 21, 2011. The four-story, 180,000-square-foot facility has six operating rooms, imaging services, and an entire floor dedicated to pediatric oncology care. The new hospital's 48 additional private rooms bring the total licensed beds at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital to 204. To learn more or make a donation, please call 954-265-3454.

For further information, contact:

Jill Nolden, Northwestern Mutual - The South Florida Group
C 305 775 7221

Diana Hanford, Ambit Advertising and Public Relations for
Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital Foundation
C 561 309 4136

Robert Peters, Starlight Children's Foundation, Southern Regional Director
P 954 318 2178
C 954 599 4420

Shawn Rolland, Northwestern Mutual
P 800-323-7033;
mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com