Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida

25/07/2025

At Golisano Children’s Hospital, every child who walks through our doors receives a stuffed animal to bring them comfort, courage, and a smile during a tough time.

Right now, our supply is incredibly low, and we’re turning to our community for support. We’re in urgent need of brand new stuffed animals for our patients.

Here’s how you can help:
✅ All stuffed animals must be brand new (for infection control and safety)
📍 Drop off donations with Guest Services at the front entrance of Golisano
📧 Questions? Email: ChildLifeEventsAndDonations@LeeHealth.org

Whether it's a bear, bunny, or fuzzy dinosaur, your donation can bring a world of comfort to a child in need. 💕

Please share this post to help us spread the word!

23/07/2025

5 is a Vibe! Happy Birthday, Lemon!

We had a groovy time celebrating one of our favorite team members, Lemon the Facility Dog, as she turned 5 years old today! 🍋✨

Lemon joined the Golisano Children’s Hospital team in 2022 and has been spreading comfort, love, and healing ever since. As a specially trained facility dog, Lemon works alongside her incredible Child Life Specialist handlers, Sarah and Kaylee, to provide emotional, physical, and social support to our pediatric patients every single day. 💙

Unlike therapy dogs, Lemon is a full-time employee of Lee Health, trained to help kids through medical procedures, provide motivation during physical therapy, and bring a whole lot of smiles wherever she goes.

💛 Fun fact: Lemon was made possible through generous donations to the Lee Health Foundation , and her ongoing care is fully funded by philanthropy.

Thank you to our community for supporting Lemon and the Child Life Facility Dog Program. She truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients every day. 🐶💕

21/07/2025

Warning for Parents in SWFL 🚗❗

Golisano Children’s Hospital is sounding the alarm on a dangerous rise in counterfeit and non U.S. approved car seats across Southwest Florida.

These car seats may look real, but in a crash, they can fail to protect your child or even disintegrate on impact.

⚠️ What to watch for:
-No chest clip (required by U.S. safety standards)
-No manufacturer labels or clear instructions
-Pictograms only, with no words
-3-point harness instead of a 5-point harness

💡 Quick safety tips:
✅ Always look for a chest clip and a proper 5-point harness
✅ Check for U.S. labels with installation instructions and limits
✅ Buy only from trusted retailers—avoid secondhand seats
✅ Register your car seat with the manufacturer
✅ Avoid international or off-brand seats not certified in the U.S.

Need help? Our certified techs can assist with installation.
🔍 Search “Child Passenger Safety” at leehealth.org to learn more and schedule support.

Let’s keep every child safe, only trust approved seats. 💙

09/07/2025

When should you take your child to the eye doctor?

Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert Rhee is here to answer that important question, and his advice is simple:

If you notice something concerning, don’t wait. Whether your child is 2 days old or 3 years old, trust your instincts and get it checked.

While routine visits are typically recommended between ages 3 and 4, earlier evaluations are often necessary if there’s a concern like a missing red reflex, cataracts, or other vision changes.

👶 Early detection = better outcomes
✅ Don’t hesitate to schedule a visit if something doesn’t seem right

At the SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital, we’re here to support healthy vision at every age.

📍 11390 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach
📞 Call 239-343-8880 to schedule

30/06/2025

Step Inside Your Pediatric Eye Care Visit with Dr. Robert Rhee!

Wondering what to expect at your child’s eye appointment? Take a quick tour with us as we walk through a visit with Dr. Robert Rhee, Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Lee Health Pediatric Ophthalmology, located inside the SWFL Children’s Charities Eye Center of Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Our team specializes in:
✅ Pediatric eye exams
✅ Diagnosis and treatment of complex eye conditions
✅ Compassionate, kid-friendly care
✅ High-quality vision services for all ages – from infants to teens

Whether it’s a routine check-up or specialized care, we’re here to make sure your child sees the world as clearly as possible, right here in Southwest Florida.

📍 11390 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
📞 Call us at 239-343-8880 to schedule an appointment today!

Because your child’s vision is our focus!

28/06/2025

We gathered with smiles (and a few happy tears) as 4-year-old Eileen Janely Lopez Lopez rang the bell at Golisano Children’s Hospital, officially marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment for Pre-B Cell ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). 💪💖

After 2½ years of brave treatment, Eileen has shown us all what strength, resilience, and a Moana-sized heart really look like. 🌺🌊

She’s a warrior princess in every sense, and now she’s getting ready to take on her next big adventure: starting VPK!

Eileen, your Golisano family is so proud of you. Keep shining, exploring, and showing the world what’s possible. 🌟

Help us celebrate Eileen and all the incredible children who inspire us every day. 💙

24/06/2025

For Dorian and Lemon, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day! 🐾

From morning tail wags to afternoon snuggles, our facility dogs work hard to bring smiles and support to our patients and staff.

21/06/2025

Happy First Day of Summer from all of us at Golisano Children’s Hospital! 🌻

Whether it’s a sunny afternoon outside or a fun activity indoors, we’re excited to make this summer one to remember for our patients and families. Stay cool and safe, everyone!

20/06/2025

We’re incredibly proud to announce a generous $180,000 gift from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation through the Lee Health Foundation to support pediatric mental health at the Golisano Pediatric Clinic at Franklin Park Elementary School in Fort Myers!

Thanks to this gift, we will fund a full-time pediatric behavioral health professional to serve students and families in the Dunbar community, expanding access to care and strengthening the clinic’s mission to deliver whole-child wellness.

This new team member will join our Pediatric Behavioral Health team, led by Dr. Jason Sabo and Adam VanHara, to provide compassionate, coordinated care directly within the school environment.

“We are grateful to Suncoast Credit Union for this generous gift,” shared Angie Frink-Bristow, APRN, CLC. “This support will help our kids surpass boundaries, exceed expectations, and fulfill their dreams.”

To Suncoast Credit Union, thank you for believing in our mission and partnering with us to build a healthier Southwest Florida, one student and one school at a time.

Learn more about how you can support school-based wellness initiatives at: https://loom.ly/NqhRaJo

18/06/2025

Happy Dunkin' Iced Coffee Day to cold caffeine lovers everywhere!

Today only, $1 from every iced coffee or cold brew sold will benefit the Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation & Golisano Children's Hospital, whose mission is to bring joy to children battling hunger or illness in SWFL.
Sip for a cause today!

18/06/2025

12/06/2025

Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church made a BIG impact for little patients with their 14th Annual Charity Golf Tournament raised an incredible $37,000 through the Lee Health Foundation to support the future Pediatric Surgery Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital!

With this latest gift, the church has now raised $361,900 since 2011!

A powerful example of what long-term community commitment can accomplish. This generosity is helping us expand pediatric surgical care for Southwest Florida families, ensuring more kids get the care they need, closer to home.

We’re so grateful for Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church and their dedication to the health and healing of our region’s children. Thank you for being part of our story. 💛

📍 Learn more about how you can support at leehealthfoundation.org