The fundraising campaign runs from June 28 – July 25
June 25, 2021 – At only 8 years-old, Rylee Cappuccilli exemplifies strength and perseverance as she continues to face the challenges of a spinal cord injury she’s had since birth. The always-smiling third grader is one of many children in Southwest Florida to receive life-saving care at Golisano Children’s Hospital, the region’s only children’s hospital. In 2012, she learned to breathe on her own without 24-hour ventilator support, and in 2017, she overcame a surgery to remove a tracheotomy. Her mom, Andrea, calls it a miracle.
“It was the happiest day of our lives,” says Andrea Cappuccilli, Rylee’s mother. “We got our baby back. We shed so many happy tears. Rylee brings such a special kind of joy to the nurses and doctors at the hospital. They have brought us so much peace during our most worrisome times.”
As a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner, Golisano Children’s Hospital receives support from its affiliated fundraising campaigns, like the upcoming Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign, to help kids just like Rylee.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a community that really comes together to support the patients we serve at Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s chief foundation and development officer. “Their generosity allows us to provide specialized, high-quality care to the children in our region. Through the Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign, you can help be a part of this.”
On June 28, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates will kick off their fundraising campaign, now in its 34th year, benefitting Golisano Children’s Hospital and giving customers and members many options to donate at the register or online.
Since 1987, this campaign has raised more than $1 billion for CMN Hospitals across North America. Last year was the first year the campaign benefited Golisano Children’s Hospital as a new CMN partner and more than $200,000 was raised locally in Southwest Florida.
“Sam Walton once told our founders that his associates would amaze us; they certainly have and continue to do so,” said Teri Nestel, president and chief executive officer of CMN Hospitals. “The passion these associates have to positively impact kids’ health in their communities is almost unmatched, and we are grateful for their support.”
There are many ways to donate to Golisano Children’s Hospital through the Walmart and Sam’s Club campaign. Customers and members in Southwest Florida can donate any dollar amount at the register, or simply round-up their purchase to the next dollar and donate the change in-store or while shopping online. You can also donate at www.SunshineAndMiracles.org.
The fundraising campaign runs through July 25.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit www.GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at CMNHospitals.org.
