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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2019) – The 18th annual “Helping Kids with Cancer” Radiothon will be held Jan. 24 and feature on-air appeals by pediatric cancer patients, medical professionals and celebrity guests. The Radiothon airs live from Mel’s Diner, 1331 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, 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, Jan. 24. Periodic updates and announcements from the Radiothon will also be shared on 95.3 FM OLZ.

The Radiothon benefits Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund. Young patients and families battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders face many challenges physically, emotionally and financially. Donations made to Barbara’s Friends support lifesaving cancer care for Southwest Florida children provide equipment, medical services, emergency assistance, 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.

Kadin Williams was undergoing treatment for cancer when he participated in last year’s radiothon. Despite months of treatment for kidney cancer, he smiled brightly. This year, with spiked hair and signature blue glasses, Kadin will celebrate the end of his treatment and return home to his family by joining other pediatric cancer patients to raise money for other kids.

“The hospital itself is like a second home because we’ve been there so much,” said Amanda Williams, Kadin’s mother. “We couldn’t have been in a better place to go through what we went through. There are no words to express the gratitude for what they’ve done. Golisano (Children’s Hospital) made it possible for us to stay here and not to have to travel somewhere else. And I have him.”

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 making a $300 donation will receive a $100 Mel’s gift card.

Mel’s Diner has raised more than $2.7 million through the Helping Kids with Cancer Radiothon. “With the generosity of Mel’s customers, staff, businesses and community involvement, we will continue helping Kids with Cancer one penny at a time,” Bill Malstrom, catering manager, Mel’s Diner.

“Every dollar we raised at Radiothon will stay right here in this community to help children being treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Al Kinkle, chairman of Barbara’s Friends. “It’s heartwarming to see this community rally together for a cause. Supporters recognize that every donation, large or small, can potentially save a child’s life.”

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.

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 134-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 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2019 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

About Barbara’s Friends – Helping Kids With Cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Established in 1995, Barbara’s Friends provides equipment, staffing and services to support lifesaving cancer care for children from across southwest Florida at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program is the only program of its kind in Southwest Florida and has served over 8,000 patients since opening. No child is denied treatment or turned away as a result of their family’s inability to pay for care. For more information about the Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.

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Media Contacts:

Tiffany Whitaker, APR, CPRC, Lee Health Foundation, [email protected], (239) 343-6105 or 239-671-0724 (cell)

Kathy Becker, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-470-2681 (cell)

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