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Helping Kids with Cancer Radiothon set for Jan. 11 at Mel’s Diner, Fort Myers

The 17th annual Helping Kids with Cancer Radiothon will be held Jan. 11 and feature on-air appeals by pediatric cancer patients, medical professionals and celebrity guests.

The Radiothon benefits Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. Barbara’s Friends is named in honor of Barbara Haskell, who marveled at the bravery of children battling cancer as she was undergoing breast cancer treatment. Haskell died in 1995 at the age of 32.

“While the primary goal of our Radiothon is to generate donations for Barbara’s Friends, we also use this opportunity to educate community members about the exceptional pediatric health care programs and specialized services offered at Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Al Kinkle, Chairman of Barbara’s Friends. “Current and former patients will share their compelling stories of hope and healing, and hospital leadership will explain how donations literally are saving children’s lives in Southwest Florida.”

The Radiothon airs live from Mel’s Diner, 4820 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers, on Cat Country 107.1 FM, as well as CatCountry1071.iheart.com and on the iHeart Radio app, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 11. Periodic updates and announcements from the Radiothon will also be shared on 95.3 FM OLZ.

During the 12-hour Radiothon, guests at all five Mel’s Diner locations in Southwest Florida – Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Golden Gate and Naples – can enjoy a special Radiothon breakfast for a $5 donation. Additionally, Mel’s Diner guests who become an “Angel” by pledging a $300 donation ($25 per month) will receive a $100 Mel’s gift card.

Mel’s Diner has raised more than $2.5 million through the Radiothon.

To participate in the Radiothon, residents, businesses and organizations can phone in their pledge by calling 866-609-KIDS or by visiting LeeHealthFoundation.org/Radiothon.

Young patients and families battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders face many challenges physically, emotionally and financially. Donations made to Barbara’s Friends to support lifesaving cancer care for Southwest Florida children provide equipment, medical services, therapeutic activities and financial assistance through the Kimmie’s Angels Family Assistance Program so families can focus on helping their kids get well. Golisano Children’s Hospital does not deny treatment for any child as a result of their family’s inability to pay.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 128-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 64 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.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 Port Charlotte and Naples. Over the past two years, the Foundation has distributed more than $53 million to Lee Health to support its lifesaving mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call (239) 343-6950 for more information.

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