Jacksonville, Fl — “It means hope.”. That lasting quote came from the mother of a cancer survivor late in the 20th hour of the Care-a-Thon presented by Duval Asphalt.
I asked Priscilla Rishavvy what a donation to the Child Cancer Fund means to families that are in the fight. She didn’t hesitate. Every dollar donated means that someone cares enough to help a family in our community while their child battles cancer.
Having completed the 12th Care-a-Thon, which raised at least $309,000, I’m reflecting on all of feelings that came from the children and families; spirit, courage, resilience, joy.
They are the reason why the Cox Media Group Jacksonville team spends months preparing for the annual event that has now exceeded $3 million since its inaugural event.
In some ways, the 2026 Care-a-Thon felt like year one, as we moved the event to the Farah and Farah Performance Studio at CMG Jacksonville. We outgrew our space at Nemours Children’s Health, and didn’t want to continue to disrupt the tremendous care that happens inside.
We were able to reimagine the event using more space and new partners like PRI Productions, which wowed everyone from the entrance to the stage and hospitality suite.
Two members of the CMG team collaborated to execute an idea that blossomed throughout the event. Leeann Riley envisioned a mural of children and sponsors that could live on the walls inside our building as a daily reminder of how the community comes together to support each other. Gabriela Blasco created a beautiful tree canvas, and every attendee put handprints around it, signifying how support grows from the roots and branches.
Community sponsors donated money and volunteers to the effort. Paul Davis Restoration supported our family spotlight interviews. Madden Advisory Services was our social media sponsor. Seaside Claims Services sponsored our call center. Equipment Services was our Gold Ribbon Sponsor. And once again our presenting sponsor, Duval Asphalt, poured tens of thousands of dollars into the event.
Then there were the volunteers from VyStar Credit Union, Chad and Sandy Real Estate, Paul Davis Restoration, THE PLAYERS, and individuals who dedicated hours to answering calls, data entry, hospitality, and all of the little things that made for an unforgettable experience.
I want to recognize the Child Cancer Fund staff, a small but mighty team that works relentlessly for the benefit of hundreds of families during their cancer journey, and for years after it has ended.
Becky Kuykendall, Kathleen Patti, and Lindsey Pessia pour their heart and soul into their work. Their leader, executive director Carla Montgomery, sets the course and pace for caring. Without these four women and the Child Cancer Fund Board, countless families risk the reality of financial disaster during the most challenging experiences of their lives. Our community is lucky to have the Child Cancer Fund operating for these past 32 years.
Finally, I want to thank you for supporting Care-a-Thon by donating, listening, watching, and sharing. You continue to show me that Northeast Florida is one of the most generous communities around. As we say during the broadcast, every dollar matters, and no amount is too small for the families going through cancer.
You can continue to support future cancer warriors by donating to the Child Cancer Fund.
Thank you,
Rich Jones
