Harold Dukes, chairman and Melissa Barfield, executive director of the Children’s Cancer Cooperative, presented a check for $250,000 to Wolfson Children’s Hospital representatives at a recent lunch.
The gift is part of Children’s Cancer Cooperative’s $1.5 million pledge to name the new oncology unit currently under construction in the 11-story patient care tower being build on the Baptist Medical Center campus in Jacksonville, Fla. Four floors in the new tower are designated for Wolfson Children’s Hospital, including a dedicated oncology/hematology floor.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital President Michael Aubin stated, “Mr. and Mrs. Duke’s philanthropy will have far-reaching impact, beyond Jacksonville and our region. Their generosity will support patients and families, as well as the medical staff who care for them.”
The new oncology unit will address the growing demand for oncology beds in the region. The proposed design identifies the three most-needed improvements for patients’ quality of life:
- Enlarged room size: from 230 square feet to 330 feet
- Full-sized day bed for family members
Acuity-adaptable room for children with varying degrees of illness that includes a new Hepa-filtering system that will provide a safer, more sterile environment
When asked about the motivation behind his gift, Harold Dukes shared, “It’s all for the children. They are our future.”
The Children’ Cancer Cooperative is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1999 to support the medical and associated costs for treatment of indigent children with cancer. Based in South Carolina, the organization has recently expanded its charitable efforts to Florida and Texas.
