Madisen’s Match raises more than $156,000 for Barbara’s Friends
The 15th Annual Madisen’s Match Gala & Auction raised $156,465 for Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital cancer fund. Hosted at The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club, guests supported programs and services including providing funding for patients to attend Camp Boggy Creek summer camp as well as funding a local pediatric cancer survivor to pursue higher education through the Barbara’s Friends Scholarship.
“Madisen’s Match is a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with purpose and compassion,” said Amy Helgeson, director of development for Lee Health Foundation. “Because of our generous donors and dedicated supporters, we’re able to continue to invest in a survivor’s future and celebrate the incredible resilience of the children and families we serve. This event has become a tradition for Barbara’s Friends and brought together hundreds for a weekend of tennis and purpose. We are grateful to the Madisen’s Match founder, committee, and our hosts at The Landings.”
The Barbara’s Friends Scholarship was created to honor the courage and perseverance of children who have faced cancer and blood disorders while receiving treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Since 2011 Madisen’s Match has raised more than $1.9 million.
“The impact of Madisen’s Match has truly come full circle. Being able to support children currently undergoing treatment, while also providing scholarships to those who have overcome a cancer diagnosis, is incredibly meaningful,” said Duane Chaney, founder of Madisen’s Match. “We’ve transformed the devastating news of my niece’s brain tumor diagnosis into something powerful and positive. The support for Madisen’s Match continues to grow throughout the state and the country, with participants traveling from as far as New Jersey to be part of this event.”
Barbara’s Friends has helped more than 12,000 local children with cancer and blood disorders since its inception more than 30 years ago. The scholarship fund ensures that survivors can look forward to life beyond treatment with the tools and education they need to thrive.
To learn more about the impact of Barbara’s Friends, visit BarbarasFriends.org.
About Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund
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 more than 12,000 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 Barbara’s Friends fund and supporting child patients in your community, please call Lee Health Foundation at (239) 343-6950 or visit BarbarasFriends.org.