Clips for Cancer started in 2018 after Golisano Children's Hospital CAO, Armando Llechu, met a very special girl named Mackenzie who inspired this event. She went to occupational therapy for a month to be able to hold the clippers to shave Armando's head and others that day. Mackenzie endured 20 surgeries, 30 radiation treatments, 10 months of chemotherapy and numerous hospital stays to beat her cancer. She is now 22 and continues getting care at Golisano and every year shaves Armando's head.

"Mackenzie has been an inspiration to me. From the moment I met Mackenzie, I knew she possessed more strength and courage in her little body than I could ever hope to. I was simultaneously encouraged by her strength and saddened by the struggle that is so real in the lives of those we serve", said Llechu. "I knew that day that in order to really care for our patients and families, we needed to connect with them and show our support and solidarity in a fun, yet meaningful way."

Barbara's Friends has a 25 plus year history of helping kids with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. To date we've helped more than 10,000 children - all local. Today, we are also treating young adults, up to age 30, diagnosed with a childhood cancer. Research has shown these teens and young adults have a 30% higher success rate when treated under a pediatric protocol. Overall the survival rate at Golisano is 84%, that's higher than the national average at 80%.

Our generous donors have ensured that no child is denied treatment for an inability to pay. Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL is also part of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) the national organization that provides all the top research ad clinical trials. This means we have the same protocols as other centers of excellence and children can get the lifesaving care they need, close to home. We help keep families together. Donor dollars are critical to providing this state of the art care.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?...Make a donation directly or donate to one of our amazing Shavee's (Fundraisers) each with a personal goal to raise over $2,500 before the big event.

Click here every Friday in September to watch our Fundraisers get shaved by our Pediatric Cancer Survivors.

SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! Share this campaign and encourage friends and family to be a best friend to a child battling cancer. Every donation - no matter the amount - will help a child in our community.

To learn more about the cause please visit BarbarasFriends.org