Sponsors needed for annual 'Clips for Cancer' event to help children with cancer

FORT MYERS, Fla. - July 16, 2021 - PRLog -- Sponsors are needed for Clips for Cancer, a month-long event in September that raises the funds necessary to ensure that programs and services are available for the increasing number of local children diagnosed with cancer at Golisano Children's Hospital. During childhood cancer awareness month, local community leaders will shave their heads to empower cancer patients like Owen Hart.

When Owen's mother, Amy Burge, noticed bruises on her 2-year-old son that wouldn't heal, she took him to the doctor and received devastating news. Owen was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and admitted to Golisano Children's Hospital.

"I was devastated and lost," said Burge. "I had no family here. I was alone. I had no idea how we were going to get through it."

Owen will remain in treatment for another year, but thanks to events like Clips for Cancer and the generous Southwest Florida community, Barbara's Friends has a 26-year history of helping kids with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. To date, Barbara's Friends has cared for more than 10,000 local children. The program provides access to resources for families including transportation, gas cards for families to get to and from treatment, meals for parents when a child is staying overnight, and more.

To raise awareness about the challenges of childhood cancer and treatment side effects, Barbara's Friends – Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida's cancer program  established Clips for Cancer in 2018. In 2020, 35 adult leaders stepped up to shave and raise money at Clips for Cancer, which has grown from a one-day event with a few participants to a month-long celebration of childhood cancer patients and survivors by the community. Clips for Cancer has raised close to $300,000 in the past three years to assist families during their child's cancer journey.

Clips for Cancer sponsorship opportunities include: $25,000 presenting sponsor, $10,000 best friend sponsor and $5,000 clips sponsor. In addition, members of the community are invited to show their support by volunteering to be a Shavee and raising $2,500 or more to support kids with cancer and the pediatric hematology and oncology program.

For information on becoming a sponsor, a Shavee or supporting Clips for Cancer, visit BarbarasFriends.org/ClipsForCancer or email Amy.Frith@LeeHealth.org.