Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. announced it is coordinating a major initiative with a nationwide network of churches and its ongoing partnership with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and their work to eradicate cancer in children to concentrate attention, resources and volunteerism efforts on combating illness and disease inflicting children.

Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray, announcing the plan said, "When we look at cancer, obesity, asthma, malnutrition, and health issues like high blood pressure, a disproportionate number of children in communities across the country are suffering and we need to do something to change that unfortunate fact."

The partnership initially focuses on the efforts of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and is expected to raise nearly $300,000 this year to assist with St. Jude's enormous efforts to treat children suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases.

The fraternity's 650 Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters have coordinated with more than 500 churches to help raise much needed financial resources and establish a network of community organizations to help raise awareness in underserved communities.

"Along with churches," Murray said, "we can extend our energy and reach far beyond our traditional base of campuses and communities where our chapters are anchored."