Clips for Cancer 2023

Barbara's Friends has helped raise more than $20 million dollars in 28 years, serving more than 10,000 children in SWFL with cancer and blood disorders - children like Libbi who wants to be a princess when she grows up. 

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, 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 in order 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.

Share joy 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!

Right after Hurricane Ian, a book fell on Logan's shoulder and it started to swell. He was sent to get an x-ray and the doctor saw something concerning. Logan was sent to Golisano for an MRI and that's when they saw it - there was a tumor on Logan's scapula.

"We are very fortunate that we have a hospital here locally to help treat kids in the community who are battling cancer," said Logan's mom Rachel.  As a parent, having those resources available for him and other patients is really special. These kids are going through a lot. The support that they receive from donors in the community to get these things that help keep their mind busy while they're receiving treatment when they're not feeling well, to see that available as a parent is so wonderful."

Your support ensures all families have access to lifesaving care, close to home.

Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida is part of the Children's Oncology Group (COG), the international organization that provides all the top research and clinical trials. With the same access as other top centers of excellence, Golisano's patients can get the care they need, close to home. This keeps families together.

1. Right now more than 90 children are on active cancer treatment at Golisano

2. Teens and young adults have a 30% higher success rate under a pediatric protocol

3. The survival rate at Golisano is 84%, even though the national average is 80%

Your participation is critical to providing this state-of-the-art care.

Frank Haskell, the co-founder of Barbara’s Friends with his late wife, Betty, passed away on July 19 at 93. A local hero and dear friend, Mr. Haskell was well-known for his passionate support of Southwest Florida children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

In 1995, Frank's daughter Barbara passed away at the age of 36 after four years of battling breast cancer. While receiving treatment, Barbara was moved by the bravery of children also fighting cancer, and before she died, she asked her parents to do more to help children, and Barbara’s Friends was founded.

Mr. Haskell never stopped working to improve the lives of children. Three years ago, his dream of a scholarship was realized with the Barbara’s Friends scholarship program, which annually awards local high school students who are survivors a four-year scholarship to the school of their choice. 

To continue Mr. Haskell’s legacy of giving back to others, the Frank Haskell Endowment Fund was established. Your generous support of this fund will honor Mr. Haskell and his family while helping childhood cancer and blood disorder survivors follow their dreams into adulthood.