The calls started early at 5am with generous donations from Interlachen, Ocala, St. Augustine, Bryceville, and as far away as Arizona. By the time the 2019 Careathon to benefit the Child Cancer Fund ended well past 6pm, at least $230,000 had been raised for local pediatric patients and their families.
The Child Cancer Fund is a partner to the approximately 130 families who receive a pediatric cancer diagnosis every year in our community. They provide financial support to ‘fill the void’ as families balance the costs and rigors of treatment. From bill payment assistance to tutoring to family weekends at Camp Boggy Creek, Child Cancer Fund donors envelop local families with support during treatment and even after treatment ends.
GALLERY: 2019 Careathon memorable moments
100% of the proceeds from Careathon directly fund these CCF programs. $750 pays for a family weekend at Camp Boggy Creek. $500 pays for tutoring one child. $200 pays for gift cards for food. $25 pays for a notebook detailing the treatment that the child will have. $10 buys snacks for the kids while they are going through hours of chemotherapy and scans.
INDEPTH: History of Careathon, Child Cancer Fund
Since its founding 25 years ago, the Child Cancer fund has paid for a Child Life Specialist at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care. Joli (pronounced Jolly) Craver helps to distract kids during some of the more painful procedures and keeps their spirits up during the darkest moments. She is an ally to the kids and their families throughout their cancer journey. Joli’s salary and benefits are funded through a restricted fund that the Child Cancer Fund manages. In 2019 a major milestone was reached when the restricted fund target was achieved.
Throughout five years of Careathon, the northeast Florida community has donated more than $900,000 to the Child Cancer Fund. From all of us at WOKV and the Cox Media Group Jacksonville Team, thank you for your generosity.
The difference you made today in the lives of the people who receive help from the Child Cancer Fund will impact all of...
Posted by News 104.5 WOKV on Friday, July 12, 2019
We've hit the homestretch with room to grow on the tote board! Please dig deep and help us raise money on behalf of the...
Posted by News 104.5 WOKV on Friday, July 12, 2019
WOW! 120 employees at Mobile Mini Mall of Ocala pooled their money to donate $10,500 to #CareAThon! The look on @RichJonesJax’s face says t all. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews @TenikkaANjax @BachmanANjax @DawnANjax @wxgarrett pic.twitter.com/X9XlhNdU3f
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 12, 2019
What a fun day. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, shared their stories, and a special thanks to all who donated. #careathon @CCFJacksonville @WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax @ClarkHoward pic.twitter.com/mIBSj4JaiV
— Rich Jones (@RichJonesJax) July 13, 2019
.@MikeFirstAlert & @BachmanANjax joining @RichJonesJax for #CareAThon, listening to stories from families still in the fight. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/DR7TLLa1lO
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 12, 2019
We've got the latest pictures from Care-A-Thon up at our site right now! We'll be updating throughout the broadcast, BUT WE STILL NEED YOUR DONATIONS at **1045!
Posted by News 104.5 WOKV on Friday, July 12, 2019
“...just keep fighting. You’re a warrior.”
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 12, 2019
The message from a 12-year-old battling Leukemia, LIVE on @ActionNewsJax at noon. #CareAThon @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/L2AEFuhlgp
Live from News 104.5 WOKV Child Cancer Fund - Nemours d’town Jax - fundraiser to battle children’s cancer AN Jax
Posted by Mike Buresh on Friday, July 12, 2019