Donation Aids Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

The Shoot Down Kids Cancer Foundation has donated $45,000 each to the American Cancer Society and the Golisano Children’s Health Center on Pine Ridge Road. 

ACS has dedicated the funds to pediatric cancer research, while the Golisano contribution will be used for pediatric patient support. 

The funds are generated by the foundation’s annual Shoot Down Kids Cancer fundraiser held at Gulf Coast Clays in Port of the Islands. Held in March, the event blends a sporting clays contest involving Marco businesses, groups and institutions, and residents with a raffle, games, silent and live auctions, and door prizes.

Don Henderson, the foundation’s outgoing president, has said previously that since its 2006 inception, the fundraiser has raised about $1 million for pediatric cancer causes.

The donation plays a vital role, according to Sue Olszak, senior development manager for the ACS’ Marco office. 

“Cancer is deeply personal to me,” she said. “I do this because no child should have to fight cancer, and no family should face it alone. The money raised supports the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving research and support programs, giving kids a real chance at growing up healthy. We’re also incredibly fortunate to have partnered with Golisano, helping us reach even more children and families across Southwest Florida. Together, we’re fighting for better treatments, stronger support, and a future where no one will hear the words, ‘you have cancer.’”

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic funds to support Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, which is located in Fort Myers, and the Pine Ridge Road facility, which is in Collier County. 

Like Olszak, Jason Grill, a Lee Health Foundation director of development, said such contributions fuel the hospital’s work. 

“The donations from Shoot Down Kids Cancer, they're directly going to allow us to provide cancer treatment and do experimental programs and research within Collier County, helping kids get treatment at home, not having to send them far away for treatment, destabilizing their lives further, but allowing them to get the best possible treatment right here at home,” he said. “We're so thankful for the support, over many years, that makes that possible.” 

At the recent check presentation, Jim Richards, the Shoot Down Kids Cancer Foundation’s incoming president, described himself by the work Henderson’s team had done. 

“Hopefully, we'll maintain and or improve on it going forward,” he added. “I'm very cancer aware. My wife, Allyson and I both lost our first spouses to cancer, and so we've spent a lot of time raising money and searching for the cure for cancer, and the constant support of that.”