Fort Myers Cancer Fundraiser Pulls in $130,000 for Kids’ Hospital Care

At Fort Myers' Bell Tower Shops, community members participated in Clips for Cancer, raising $130,000 for Golisano Children's Hospital. Staff members, families, and community members sat in chairs and had their heads shaved.

"It's giving our patients the healing and the opportunity to know that just because their hair may have been taken from them, they now have the power to take someone else's and it truly is a healing experience for them," said Justin Brand, Director of Development for Golisano Children's Hospital, according to WINK News.

The funds support programs like Barbara's Friends, which cover medical costs so parents can stay by their child's side. No family needs to pick up extra shifts or worry about bills while their child fights cancer.

Now in its sixth year, this community effort has gathered over $1.4 million to support young patients. 

Each person paid $25 to participate. Between buzzes and clips, the crowd cheered for survivors, supported current fighters, and fell silent to honor those lost.

Scott Stryker and his mother, Debbie, stepped up to the chairs, thinking of Logan — their son and grandson who died last summer after a two-year battle.

"He was really kind," Griffin Stryker said about his brother Logan. "I miss staying home to hang out with him during school."

Rachel Stryker, Logan's mom, shared her gratitude. "As a mother, having watched her son go through treatment and having the support of Golisano and Barbara's Friends has been amazing," she said.

Logan's grandmother praised the medical team's dedication. "They were there for us every step of the way, emotionally, physically. I just can't say enough," she said.

Lines stretched around both Bell Tower Shops and Dave & Buster's in Fort Myers.