Allyson Whitney Foundation gifts $25,000 for oncofertility services at Golisano Children’s Hospital
Allyson Whitney Foundation has gifted $25,000 to Barbara’s Friends, the Golisano Children’s Hospital cancer fund, to provide fertility preservation services for young adults undergoing cancer treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Through the Oncofertility Young Adult Patient Grant, Allyson Whitney Foundation impacts the lives of young adults with cancer by ensuring those at risk of losing their fertility due to treatment can preserve their ability to start a family in the future. This initiative’s message is, “Save a Life, Give a Life”.
With treatment through IVFMD, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg retrieval is offered to female patients, including five years of egg storage. Male patients receive support for sperm retrieval and five years of sperm storage. These oncofertility services are crucial for young patients who hope to maintain fertility options while receiving treatment for their cancer diagnosis.
This partnership with Allyson Whitney Foundation enables Golisano Children’s Hospital to continue assisting current and future patients. In 2022 and 2023, Barbara’s Friends supported eight patients with fertility preservation services. In 2024, that number nearly doubled, with seven patients receiving assistance and more to come.
“We are proud to be able to give this gift to Golisano. We understand the urgency for young adult patients receiving treatment to preserve their ability to form a family and look forward to their future after treatment,” said Barbara Strong, founder and COO of Allyson Whitney Foundation. “Lee Health Foundation and Barbara’s Friends are natural partners and recipients of our work. We hope this grant will make an impact in their ongoing efforts to treat patients.”
As most insurance providers do not cover fertility preservation, the financial burden of these services is significant. The generosity from donors, such as Allyson Whitney Foundation, is crucial in ensuring patients have access to fertility preservation.
“We are deeply grateful to the Allyson Whitney Foundation for recognizing the significant challenge our young cancer patients face with fertility preservation,” said Dr. Emad Salman, chief physician and operations executive at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “This generous gift enhances our care and gives our patients hope for a future where they can build a family.”
Lee Health Foundation’s Barbara’s Friends has a long history of supporting pediatric cancer care at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and this partnership with Allyson Whitney Foundation marks another significant milestone.
For more information about supporting Barbara’s Friends and young cancer patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital, visit GiveGolisano.org or call 239-343-6950.
ABOUT LEE HEALTH FOUNDATION
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
ABOUT ALLYSON WHITNEY FOUNDATION
Allyson Whitney Foundation primarily provides young adult cancer patients (16-36) with ‘Life Interrupted Grants’ to ease their financial burden and allow them to concentrate their energy on healing. Named for Allyson Whitney Strong, who lost her life at 25 years young, and since its inception almost 13 years ago, AWF has given nearly a million dollars in grants for research at the MD Anderson Center in Texas, direct funds to patients, and other initiatives, including Hope comfort bags delivered directly to oncology suites around the country. AWF raises essential funds through 5k races, charity galas, and worldwide runs, including the NYC Marathon. Allyson Whitney Foundation is an all-volunteer 501C3 organization run by Barbara Strong, Allyson’s mom, a Board of Directors, and a team of volunteers. www.allysonwhitney.org
