Grateful Patient & Family Philanthropy Program
Founded on the philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, Nemours Children’s is inextricably entwined with the giving of donors and organizations that believe in our mission. We exist to provide leadership, institutions and services to restore and improve children's health through care and programs not readily available, with one high standard of quality and distinction regardless of the recipient’s financial status.
We have established a Grateful Patient and Family Philanthropy Program to provide opportunities for appreciative families to express their thanks for the extraordinary care their loved ones received at Nemours. For many, philanthropy is an integral part of the healing process — particularly as they consider future families who will need care.
If you would like more information about the Grateful Patient and Family Philanthropy Program, please email Maggie Hightower or call (904) 233-8365.
Grateful Family Spotlight — Josh Nichols
Josh Nichols, now 25, remembers a two-year struggle to find a diagnosis for the fevers, sweats and body aches he experienced as a young teen. During the search for answers, Josh continued to follow his passion and play football. When Josh and his family ultimately turned to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville and Michael J. Joyce, MD, PhD., they discovered he had stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Eight months of chemotherapy followed, and Josh responded well. His father, Chuck, relates, “Josh never missed a football season, despite everything he was going through. That next season, Josh helped lead his team to victory in their state championship. And he won a scholarship to play football for Jacksonville University.”
In Josh’s experience, the worst things about having cancer were the limitations it put on his body and the way people looked at him when they learned he was sick. “I just wanted to be a regular high school student and didn’t want people to feel sorry for me,” recalls Josh.
The Nichols family was so appreciative of Josh’s care that they decided to generously invest in the Hand in Hand Campaign to support the Nemours Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders). The ongoing campaign is raising funds to help improve the outcomes and experiences of other kids with cancer.
"On behalf of the dedicated physicians, advanced practice providers and the entire team at Nemours Children's Health, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the families who have chosen us to care for their children and families. It is a privilege to be part of your child's health journey, and we genuinely appreciate your confidence and trust. Support from grateful families like you in our communities is invaluable. As you consider your charitable giving, I invite you to honor a nurse, medical assistant, doctor, therapist, technician or any Nemours team member as an Infinite Advocate whose positive influence made a significant difference in the life of your child. Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing exceptional medical care to all children and their families. Thank you for being part of our family and thank you for helping Nemours continue to make a difference in the lives of countless children. I am grateful."
— Dr. Heather Fagan.