'Be a Friend' Campaign Raises More Than $100,000 for Golisano Children's Cancer Care

Southwest Florida gave more than $100,000 to its youngest cancer patients this fall. The Be a Friend campaign, a month-long effort through Childhood Cancer Awareness Month benefiting Barbara's Friends - the Golisano Children's Cancer Fund - generated more than $100,000 to support children facing cancer and blood disorders across the region, Lee Health Foundation announced.

The money supports care that stays close to home. Lee Health Golisano Children's pediatric hematology and oncology program treats children in Fort Myers and Naples and is one of only nine state-designated pediatric hematology and oncology centers in Florida. More than 90 children are actively receiving treatment through the program, which has cared for more than 12,000 children and young adults since its inception and reports survival rates above the national average.

"Childhood cancer impacts an entire family," said Amy Helgeson, senior director of development for Lee Health Foundation. "Because of Barbara's Friends and the generosity of our community, children receive exceptional care right here in Southwest Florida while families focus on what matters most: helping their child heal." Florida Radiology Consultants served as the campaign's presenting sponsor and Cameratta Companies made a leadership gift. Barbara's Friends, established in 1995, funds equipment, staffing and services at Golisano Children's, and no child is denied treatment because of a family's inability to pay.