Jennifer Aniston's Emotional Cancer PSA Highlights Work with Smartwater

Jennifer Aniston's Emotional Cancer PSA Spotlights Smartwater Partnership

In 2019, Jennifer Aniston starred in an impactful public service announcement highlighting her multi-year partnership with Smartwater and the work they have done together to fight childhood cancer.

The deeply emotional black-and-white ad shows Aniston visiting a pediatric cancer ward and speaking with kids undergoing treatment. Interspersed are statistics about the prevalence of childhood cancer along with information about how Smartwater donations have funded vital research.

Spotlighting Children's Cancer Research

The PSA opens on a somber note with Aniston stating that every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer. It also highlights the shocking statistic that more children die of cancer than any other disease.

As Aniston interacts with young cancer patients in the video, the realities of their struggles are poignantly captured. We see children whose hair has fallen out from chemotherapy and others connected to IV lines receiving treatment.

These moving scenes drive home the importance of supporting pediatric cancer research. The ad notes that 1 in 5 children diagnosed won't survive, emphasizing the need for improved treatment options.

Smartwater's Commitment to Funding Research

The commercial reveals how proceeds from Smartwater sales make a tangible difference for children with cancer. Since partnering with Aniston in 2007, Smartwater has directed millions to Children's Hospital Los Angeles for pediatric cancer research.

Specifically, the funding has advanced immunotherapy treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight cancer. These innovative therapies have the potential to save young lives while reducing side effects.

Aniston shares how inspired she feels to be a part of work that is helping doctors treat childhood cancer more effectively. The ad creates awareness about how consumer choices make an impact.

Jennifer Aniston's Personal Connection to Cancer

While any celebrity endorsement has promotional motivations, Aniston's commitment to this cause stems from a deep personal connection. Both her godfather and beloved father, actor John Aniston, battled cancer.

In the PSA, Aniston chokes up remembering a child patient named Holden who tragically passed away between commercial takes. Her emotion reflects how this cause holds real meaning for her beyond publicity.

Losing Her Godfather to Cancer

When Aniston was just 9 years old, her godfather and close family friend died of cancer. In a 2015 interview, she recalled how devastating his loss was and how it impacted her at a young age.

Aniston said that watching someone she loved struggle with the disease shaped her understanding of the suffering cancer inflicts. His death instilled in her a desire to support cancer research however she could.

Her Father's Battle With Cancer

The pain of losing a loved one to cancer resurfaced when Aniston's father was diagnosed with the disease in 2013. At the time, John Aniston had already been through a successful battle with cancer in the early 1990s.

The second diagnosis was prostate cancer. After undergoing surgery and treatment, he went into remission once more. Aniston stood by her father's side throughout and continues to be vocal about the importance of early screening.

She has emphasized that her father's screenings enabled doctors to catch his cancer both times at very treatable stages. She urges all at-risk men to be proactive about getting tested.

Aniston's History of Philanthropy

While the Smartwater campaign has been Aniston's longest running charitable partnership, it is far from her only one. She has a lengthy history of dedicating her fame and resources to philanthropic causes close to her heart.

St. Jude Children's Hospital

In 2008, Aniston became involved with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and regularly participates in their fundraising events. She also hosts radio and TV spots bringing attention to the hospital's mission of treating pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Aniston has shared that she admires St. Jude's policy of never turning away a sick child due to the family's inability to pay. Her support helps the hospital continue providing care regardless of patients' financial circumstances.

Stand Up to Cancer

Staying true to her passion for fighting cancer, Aniston has been a vocal supporter of Stand Up to Cancer since its launch in 2008. The organization funds collaborative cancer research projects on a large scale.

Aniston has participated in numerous Stand Up to Cancer telethons over the years. She helps secure major donations by leveraging her celebrity to encourage viewers to contribute to this research effort.

Other Causes

In addition to cancer charities, Aniston has also directed her philanthropy toward causes like disaster relief, education, and promoting health and wellness.

After Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas in 2017, Aniston donated $500,000 to Americares and Red Cross relief efforts. She also made sizable contributions following California wildfires and Hurricane Maria's destruction in Puerto Rico.

On the education front, Aniston has supported schools through donations of supplies, student scholarships and renovations. She aims to help underfunded schools provide quality education.

Using Celebrity for Good

While Jennifer Aniston has achieved global fame as an actress, she recognizes the unique platform that celebrity provides. She has thoughtfully chosen philanthropic causes to direct her star power toward helping others.

Aniston shares in interviews that she feels obligated to give back when so many are suffering. Her advocacy makes a bigger impact than she could make through individual actions alone.

Leveraging Her Voice

The massive reach that Aniston has through social media and press coverage allows her to shine a light on issues in a way most can't. With just one Instagram post, she instantly creates visibility for organizations.

Aniston also leverages her recognizable voice by narrating charity PSAs and participating in telethons. Her familiar face helps charities grab the public's attention when asking for support.

Inspiring Others

As a celebrity role model, Aniston sets an example of using fame for good that her millions of fans can't help but notice. She inspires people to give back by highlighting causes she's clearly deeply passionate about.

Even small acts like an Instagram repost of a charity's work can motivate Aniston's followers to get involved. The campaigns she participates in often report spikes in donations as a "Jen effect."

The Lasting Impact of Aniston's Philanthropy

While her career has included smash hit sitcoms, blockbuster movies and glossy magazine covers, Jennifer Aniston aims to make her greatest impact through activism and charity work.

She once said in an interview, "If we all do one small thing, we can make a difference." Aniston certainly leads by example, having contributed and raised millions for cancer research and other vital causes.

Her support has led to new medical breakthroughs and changed lives for the better. Though her giving is low key, Aniston's enormous generosity continues to make the world a little brighter.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.