Oct. 14, 2026 – Throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Southwest Florida community united to support local children facing cancer and blood disorders through the Be a Friend campaign benefiting Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Cancer Fund. The month-long effort generated more than $100,000, helping ensure children throughout the region continue receiving specialized care close to home.
For families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, treatment often means frequent appointments, long days in clinic, and months or even years of care. Through Lee Health Golisano Children’s pediatric hematology and oncology locations in Fort Myers and Naples, children can receive expert care while remaining close to their families, schools, and support systems. The program is one of only nine state-designated pediatric hematology and oncology centers in Florida.
“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.”
Since 1995, Barbara’s Friends has enhanced pediatric cancer care in Southwest Florida by funding critical programs, services and support for children and families. Today, more than 90 children are actively receiving treatment through Golisano Children’s pediatric oncology program, which has cared for more than 12,000 children and young adults since its inception and achieves survival rates above the national average.
The Be a Friend campaign was strengthened by generous support from Florida Radiology Consultants, which served as presenting sponsor, and Cameratta Companies, which made a leadership gift to support local children and families facing cancer. Their commitment helped inspire community participation during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“Every gift represents a family who won’t have to face this journey alone,” Helgeson said. “Whether it’s helping a family get to treatment, supporting a child’s emotional well-being, or providing resources not covered by insurance, community support allows Barbara’s Friends to meet families where they are and walk alongside them throughout treatment and recovery.”
Through the continued generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners, Barbara’s Friends remains committed to ensuring that Southwest Florida children facing cancer and blood disorders have access to the care, support and hope they need, close to home.
To learn more about Barbara’s Friends and make a gift, visit BarbarasFriends.org.
About Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Cancer Fund
Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children at Lee Health Golisano Children’s. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida, has cared for more than 12,000 children since opening. No child is ever denied treatment due to their family’s inability to pay. For more information about Barbara’s Friends or to support children in your community, call Lee Health Foundation at 239-343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.
