Clips for Cancer 2024

Barbara's Friends has helped raise more than $25 million dollars in 28 years, serving more than 12,000 children in SWFL with cancer and blood disorders - children like Ryker who goes by the name “Rykersaurus” on the 5^th 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!

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.

Ryker is eagerly anticipating his participation in the upcoming Clips for Cancer event on Saturday, September 21, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Your contributions will directly benefit local families like Ryker's. Join us in standing with children like Ryker by supporting Clips for Cancer 2024. Visit BarbarasFriends.org/ClipsForCancer to make a difference. #ClipsForCancer2024

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%

4. Our pediatric oncology clinic sees over 500 visits a month

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 last July 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, without his tenacious and dedicated support raising millions for kids with cancer in SWFL, Barbara’s Friends would not exist, and we would not have cancer care for kids locally.

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, and Frank never stopped working to improve the lives of children.