The Clark Family Foundation also grants $100,000; community support is still needed
November 25, 2020 – The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has issued a $200,000 challenge grant to build a pediatric hematology and oncology infusion clinic in Naples. The Clark Family Foundation has stepped up to meet the match by donating $100,000. An additional $100,000 is still needed to meet the match, for a total of $400,000 raised for the project.
“We care about the health and wellbeing of children and are drawn to investments that have an immediate and positive impact,” said Mary Beth Geier, Florida Director, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. “By partnering with Golisano Children’s Hospital in issuing this challenge grant, we are inviting additional donors to multiply this gift. This time sensitive call to action encourages the support of others who wish to help pediatric cancer patients receive local treatment through the expertise of Golisano Children’s Hospital.”
Last year, the Golisano Children’s Health Center of Naples saw 317 pediatric cancer patients in its existing oncology clinic. With the current schedule of seeing patients only on Tuesday mornings, the clinic is only able to see 9 to 10 patients each week. The newly renovated space will allow up to 30 children a week to receive chemotherapy treatments in Naples and meet with their Golisano Children’s Hospital pediatric oncologist without needing to drive to Fort Myers or farther.
“A part of the reason my family relocated back to Naples, is that I want Matthew under Golisano Children’s Hospital’s care – even post-treatment,” said Lisa Singleton, mother of Matthew who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. “I trust them implicitly. I have never in my life encountered medical staff like that they have in place at Golisano.” Matthew is seven now and healthy, but will make regular visits for continued care at the expanded clinic. “Having this expanded clinic in Naples will help not only my son but so many children. It means so much to have this resource in our community.”
Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers is one of only nine Hematology/Oncology programs in the state for infants and children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders and the only center between Tampa and Miami. For Naples-area patients that make visits three to five times a week to receive infusions, this clinic close to home will save time, energy, money and reduce the stress on a family.
“We are so grateful to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for their continued generosity and support of Golisano Children’s Services, helping us continue to improve services throughout the region,” said Armando Llechu, Lee Health’s chief officer hospital operations and women and children’s services. “Foundations like the Schulze Family Foundation and the Clark Family Foundation understand the need for families to receive care close to home and are making these programs a reality.”
Help us keep cancer care close to home for families in Naples by donating today at BarbarasFriends.org.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Regional Cancer Center, Lee Health – Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinics in both Charlotte and Naples. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information.
