Life Ring Foundation Doubles Pledge to Support Pediatric Cancer Care at Carilion Children’s
The Life Ring Foundation today presented a $1.25 million gift to Carilion Children’s, Southwest Virginia’s local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital, in support of pediatric cancer care and blood disorders. With this gift, they have surpassed their original $2 million pledge and now commit to an expanded pledge totaling $4 million.
This latest contribution represents fundraising from Life Ring’s Fighting Kids Cancer campaign, including the annual Charlotte’s Play Yellow Celebrity Invitational, held in July. The Fighting Kids Cancer campaign is a five-year initiative which launched in 2023 with the aim of enhancing resources for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and blood disorders in Southwest Virginia.
This gift will enable Carilion to accelerate improvements in pediatric care coordination, patient support and clinical capacity, and fund seven new clinical and support positions now, while the new Carilion Taubman Cancer Center construction is underway in Roanoke. These additional resources provide critical, immediate care, and treatment for children and their families.
“Supporting children and families facing cancer isn’t just our mission, it’s our life,” said Kelly Woolwine, founder of Life Ring. His daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, at age 3 in 2018. Their experience with traveling out of state for enhanced treatment to save Charlotte’s life inspired Woolwine and his wife and co-founder, Jessica, to expand their foundation’s mission to help families facing similar journeys.
“Nothing is a coincidence in life, and we were chosen for this journey for a reason. Charlotte’s experience showed us how important it is for every child to receive the best care close to home. We’re honored to help expand this vital program,” said Jessica Woolwine, co-founder of the Life Ring Foundation.
Life Ring’s funding strengthens both Carilion’s current services and long-term vision for pediatric cancer care with the opening of the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center in 2028. It specifically will support the development of a comprehensive pediatric hematology and oncology program that provides treatment and services that promote a child’s overall well-being, family support, and long-term health.
“These resources mean more children can receive the specialized, compassionate care they need without leaving their community,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of pediatrics at Carilion Clinic. “Life Ring’s commitment is helping us meet families where they are and support them throughout their care journey.”
For more information, please visit CarilionChildrens.ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitals.org.