What/why: NET Credit Union has set its sights on Peggy’s Pathway for Women’s Cancer Care.

The Scranton-based financial institution selected the nonprofit as its local charity recipient for this year, continuing an annual tradition for the company. Peggy Pettinato’s loved ones founded the organization after her death from uterine cancer in January 2015, and today it raises money “for research into innovative treatments and early detections of uterine (endometrial) cancer,” said Lauren Beppler, marketing and training supervisor at the credit union.

Peggy’s Pathway already has made an impact on uterine cancer research. It previously committed $50,000 to a research project led by an associate professor in the cancer biology research program at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where Pettinato received treatment. The findings appeared in the December issue of a peer-reviewed scientific journal, Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 66,570 new cases of uterine cancer in the United States this year and 12,940 deaths. Uterine cancers comes in two types, endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma, which is rarer. Roughly 3.1% of women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point, according to the institute.

How: NET Credit Union hopes to raise $20,000 for Peggy’s Pathway through two fundraisers it holds annually to benefit its charitable recipients. On Sunday, Aug. 22, it will host the NET-a-Palooza Cornhole Tournament & Family Event at Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave. Then, on Friday, Oct. 8, the eighth annual NEToberfest Golf Tournament will take place at Pine Hills Country Club, Taylor.

Anyone interested in sponsoring, donating to or participating in these events can contact Beppler at marketing@netcreditunion.com. Additionally, the public can donate to Peggy’s Pathway through the “NET Credit Union Fundraiser” GoFundMe page, https://gofund.me/f5937834, or mail checks to NET Credit Union, 119 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18509.

In her own words: “The credit union motto is ‘people helping people.’ NET Credit Union strives to benefit our community in various ways, so we appreciate the support in return when it comes to helping such a deserving organization like Peggy’s Pathway. Your support could help save a woman’s life.” — Lauren Beppler, marketing and training supervisor