Golisano Children’s Hospital marks the 5th year of scholarship awards thanks to donations to cancer fund
May 20, 2025 — Lee Health Foundation has awarded Barbara’s Friends Scholarships to three local high school students, all childhood cancer survivors, who will be pursuing higher education at four-year colleges and universities following graduation this Spring. Endowed in memory of Frank Haskell, founder of Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund, the scholarships are dedicated to supporting students who have received hematology or oncology treatment for cancer or sickle cell disease at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Receiving this year’s Barbara’s Friends Scholarships are:
Cali Trepkowski, 18, from Fort Myers, is graduating from Fort Myers High School after surviving a battle with brain cancer. Cali plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a degree in nursing. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse and advocate for improved care and support for families going through the same challenges she once faced. Cali received the Madisen’s Match Scholarship, fully funded by the 2025 Madisen’s Match events, in honor of the organization’s namesake.
Caliah Russell, 18, from Cape Coral, is graduating from Oasis High School and is a leukemia survivor. She plans to study hospitality management and tourism at the University of Central Florida, with dreams of working in hotel management. Caliah is the recipient of the Lexington Country Club Scholarship, made possible through Lexington’s annual fundraising events supporting Barbara’s Friends.
Luis Machado, 18, from Cape Coral, is graduating from Mariner High School after overcoming Ewing’s sarcoma. He plans to pursue a degree in computer science at Florida Southwestern State College with hopes of developing artificial intelligence tools that can advance healthcare and improve lives. Luis received a Barbara’s Friends Scholarship through the generosity of community donors.
“These recipients of the Barbara’s Friends Scholarship showcase remarkable resilience, determination, and a commitment to academic success, despite the adversities they’ve faced,” said Dr. Emad Salman, vice president of operations and chief physician executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We are proud to support them as they pursue their dreams.”
This celebration marks the fifth year of the scholarships, which are awarded to students who exhibit exceptional strength in their pursuit of higher education. The scholarships are made possible through donations to Barbara’s Friends, the Golisano Children’s Hospital cancer fund.
Each scholarship is a full ride to the university of the student’s choice, ensuring that the cost of education doesn’t limit their future. To continue Frank Haskell’s legacy, supporters are invited to donate at BarbarasFriends.org and note “scholarship” in the description.
About Barbara’s Friends – Helping Kids with Cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across Southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 12,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.
