Funds from Madisen’s Match have supported Barbara’s Friends since 2011
May 29, 2025 — The 14th Annual Madisen’s Match Gala & Auction raised $120,933 for Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital’s cancer fund. Hosted on March 15 at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club, 110 guests supported a local pediatric cancer survivor through the Barbara’s Friends Scholarship program.
“The success of this year is a grand slam for the kids. The gift of an education opens doors and will help dreams be fulfilled,” said Justin Brand, director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “Madisen’s Match has always been a champion for our kids, and this incredible gift will change lives, not just this year, but for many years to come.”
The Barbara’s Friends Scholarship was created to honor the courage and perseverance of children who have faced cancer and blood disorders at Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year’s event funded a full-ride scholarship to Florida State University for Cali Trepkowski, a long-time supporter and former Most Valuable Patient of Madisen’s Match who helped raise awareness for the event and its mission.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Southwest Florida community for their continued support of Madisen’s Match,” said Duane Chaney, founder of Madisen’s Match. “We’re honored to support young survivors through the Barbara’s Friends Scholarship and proud to help them take the next step toward a brighter future.”
Since 2011, Madisen’s Match has supported pediatric cancer care through Barbara’s Friends, raising more than $1.8 million to date.
Barbara’s Friends has helped more than 12,000 local children with cancer and blood disorders since its inception 30 years ago. The scholarship fund ensures that survivors can look forward to life beyond treatment with the tools and education they need to thrive.
To learn more about Barbara’s Friends or to support the scholarship fund, visit 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 more than 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.
