2020 Careathon helps pediatric cancer patients

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Every bead on Joshua Ribeiro’s 3 necklaces represents one of his chemotherapy treatments.

The 13-year-old told Action News Jax, “I remember spending most of my days groggy, in a hospital bed, throwing up, not feeling good at all.”

Ribiero answered phones during the 2019 Careathon.

It raised $225,000 for the Child Cancer Fund to help cancer-fighting families cover costs.

Organizers said families face more financial and emotional strain in 2020 because of coronavirus.

Carla Montgomery, Executive Director of Child Cancer Fund said, “It’s quite possible that this is it as a major fundraiser for these families, so, this is critical for these families.

In 2015 Action News Jax radio partner 104.5 WOVK joined forces with the Child Cancer Fund and launched the WOKV Careathon.

In just 6 years, they’ve raised more than $1 million for local families fighting cancer.

Monday 6 a.m. through noon families could call in to contribute.

Through Friday at 6 p.m. community members could go online or text to donate.

“Awareness is a huge piece so if we can let people know that these families are out there and need help,” said Montgomery

Ribiero said the Careathon means there one less thing for families to worry about.

“It means the world, not just to me, but to all the kids who are going through this,” he said.

Cox Media Group