The National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Washington, DC area IHOP restaurants and their February 28 celebration of National Pancake Day.

As part of the celebration, all participating, local IHOP restaurants will give away a free short stack of pancakes in the hopes that patrons will make a donation to support the fight against blood cancers. Last year, National Pancake Day raised $200,000 for the National Capital Area Chapter of LLS and this year the hope is to raise $275,000.

This goal is made possible with hard work by staff and general managers at area IHOP restaurants. Last year several IHOP’s earned top honors for their incredible fundraising through Icons sales and donations on National Pancake Day. The Rockville location was named 2011’s top store, raising $32,450 for the mission of LLS: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the lives of patients and their families. Alexandria area IHOP earned top honors in 2011, earning $24,098. Springfield and Fairfax area IHOP’s join the ranks of top locations as well raising $25,491 and $12,160 respectively. These stores amazing accomplishments helped LLS exceed its 2011 goal.

This year, stores are raising funds in honor of Avery, a six-year-old leukemia survivor and National Pancake Day Honored Hero. Avery was diagnosed in March of 2009, just two weeks before her fourth birthday. After two years of chemotherapy, Avery celebrated her completion of treatment in June 11, 2011. Avery is a sweet young girl who loves swimming, vanilla ice cream and playing with her brother Max and sister Taylor.

In addition to receiving free hot cakes, paper Icons will also be on sale at select locations allowing patrons to continue their support of LLS through monetary donations. Suggested donations for each paper icon begin at $1.00. Icons are on sale from now through National Pancake Day. Local LLS volunteers will be on site at the local IHOP restaurants to help on National Pancake Day to collect donations and distribute organization information.

To find an IHOP near you, visit www.ihop.com.