2024 Perfect Game 14U Select Baseball Festival HELP SWFL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER AT GOLISANO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL!
2024 Perfect Game 14U Select Baseball Festival HELP SWFL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES FIGHTING CANCER AT GOLISANO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL!
Why Participate?
Barbara's Friends has helped raise more than $25 million dollars in 29 years, serving more than 12,000 children in SWFL with cancer and blood disorders - children like Libbi (right) who battled cancer twice before age three and Ryker (video below), who goes by the name “Rykersaurus” on the 5th floor pediatric cancer unit at Golisano for his love of all things dinosaurs. He also wants to be a shark. At age 5 he’s still fiercely battling cancer and hopes to get to ring his bell this December.
The only program of its kind serving children between Tampa and Miami, the recovery rates at Golisano Children's Hospital surpass the national average. However, more than 75% of the children treated are underinsured, on Medicaid or have no form of payment.
Your generosity will ensure that families can focus on their child getting better and not have to worry about how they can afford to cover the cost of treatment. Whether it's providing gas cards to get to chemo, Uber rides for young adults that can’t drive and have no one to help them get to treatment, family meals during hospital stays or assistance with tough bills, Barbara's Friends will be there to provide support. For children who need intensive, prolonged treatment, this access to exceptional oncology and pediatric services helps parents who might have to quit their jobs to care for their children. The ability to stay close to home, near loved ones and friends, is a key advantage that allows parents to balance the needs of the entire family while staying close to home. Barbara’s Friends also helps fund mental health counseling, making sure all our families have access to talk to a psychologist, regardless of ability to pay.
Share hope and strength and empower a child while making a lifesaving gift with a local impact. Your donation today stays in Southwest Florida to help a family and their child fight cancer at Golisano Children's Hospital.
Be a friend to a child battling cancer today!
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Meet Ryker, affectionately known as "Rykersaurus," a vibrant and spirited young boy who has been courageously battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) since the age of 3. What initially appeared as harmless bruises from his energetic adventures turned into a daunting fight against cancer.
Now at 5 years old, Ryker continues his treatment journey with the goal of completing it by December of this year. His recent month-long hospital stay serves as a heartfelt reminder of the challenges he faces, spending significant time at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Despite the hurdles, Ryker's love for dinosaurs and his infectious smile fuel his determination to overcome this obstacle. He and his family find strength in the unwavering support they receive from Barbara’s Friends — Golisano Children's Hospitals cancer fund.
Thank you for your support!
***Donation pages for players will end on August 31, 2024 at 5:00pm***
The top 14U baseball players in the country are joining forces in a unique fundraising competition with proceeds to benefit children bravely battling cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital!
Who wins is up to you!
Established as the premier game at the 14U age level, the 2024 Perfect Game 14U Select Baseball Festival returns to JetBlue Ballpark, the Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, FL. The four-day event will take place Thursday, August 29 through Sunday, September 1, with the game itself being played on September 1 at 11am. The game will be streamed on PerefctGame.tv as well as the Perfect Game YouTube channel. The game consists of the 50 best 14U players in North America, split between two 25-man rosters in an East/West matchup. Players that attend Perfect Game showcase and tournament events during the 2024 event season are eligible to qualify for the PG 14U Select Baseball Festival. Proceeds of the event will once again go to Golisano Children's Hospital and the event includes a visit to the hospital where the players have the opportunity to interact with the young patients.
The Barbara’s Friends Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital has treated more than 12,000 children with cancer and blood disorders. These young patients and their families face many challenges physically, emotionally and financially. More than half of the children treated for cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital are uninsured, on Medicaid or have no form of payment. Through Barbara’s Friends and the more than $25 million given by supporters, families are able to focus on helping their kids and no child is denied treatment because of their family’s inability to pay for services.