The 18th annual Mel’s Diner Helping Kids with Cancer Radiothon raised more than $75,000 on Jan. 24 from the Southwest Florida community, money that will fund lifesaving cancer treatments for children at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
The Radiothon, broadcast live by Cat Country 107.1 from Mel’s Diner in Cape Coral, generates support for Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, medical services, therapeutic activities and financial help through the Kimmie’s Angels Family Assistance Program so parents can focus on helping their children get well.
Since last year’s Radiothon, the gracious Southwest Florida community has given more than $860,000 to Barbara’s Friends, which is celebrating its 25th year in 2020. Barbara’s Friends is named in honor of the late Barbara Haskell, a breast cancer patient who was in awe of the bravery displayed by children who were battling cancer.
“Every year for the last 18 years, the Radiothon has not only generated donations for Barbara’s Friends, but it has educated our community through the compelling stories shared by patients and hospital leadership how these donations are saving children’s lives in Southwest Florida,” said Al Kinkle, Chairman of Barbara’s Friends.
“Golisano Children’s Hospital provides exceptional pediatric health care programs and specialized services, and we are so grateful to be celebrating 25 years of Barbara’s Friends and helping so many children and their families in their fight against cancer.”
Golisano Children’s Hospital does not deny treatment for any child as a result of their family’s inability to pay.
Co-hosted by Cat Country 107.1 FM on-air personalities Mike Tyler and Amy Lynn, donors made pledges through the telephone, website and text message, as well as onsite at all five Mel’s Diner locations in Southwest Florida who also offered special $5 donation breakfasts. Valvoline, Tamiami Ford, Hyundai and Genesis of Naples, 21st Century Oncology, Fox 4, Crestwell School of Fort Myers and other corporate partners contributed to Radiothon, making this year’s event a great success.
Throughout the day, Cat Country 107.1 listeners and Mel’s guests heard from doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, celebrity guests, pediatric cancer patients and their families, each of whom shared compelling stories of hope and healing.
“Our mission is to bring world-class care to the children of Southwest Florida,” said Armando Llechu, the hospital’s chief administrative officer.
“We cannot live that mission without the support and partnership of our community’s residents, businesses and philanthropic organizations. Their support helps fund exceptional medical programs and specialized services that otherwise wouldn’t be offered to the children of our community.”
Photo Credit: Caronchi Photography
Kayla Polhemus, Reanna Thompson Golisano Children’s Hospital patients, staff and supporters of Barbara’s Friends celebrate with traditional balloon drop Dr. Emad Salman, Amy Frith, Elizabeth Higgins, Robert Higgins, Frank Haskell Annabelle Phillips and Lisa Hamman share their Golisano story live on-air during the Radiothon. Annabelle Phillips and Lisa Hamman share their Golisano story live on-air during the Radiothon. Erica Pickett, James Pickett, Adyn Pickett, Abby Pickett share their Golisano story live on-air during the Radiothon Cali Trepkowski, Abby Pickett Jackie Langenbach, Kadin Williams, Jordan DeLorenzo Rachel Toa, Tara Hudson Christina Soriero, Brianna Jackson Golisano Children’s Hospital nurses and team members cheer as they volunteer at the Radiothon phone banks and celebrate donations Amy Lynn, Al Kinkle, Susan Mitchell Addisyn Heinz and Moana Toa help collect donations at the 2020 “Helping Kids with Cancer” Radiothon at Mel’s Diner – Cape Coral Kayla Polhemus, Reanna Thompson
