Every year, one in every 650 children aged 16 or younger is diagnosed with cancer, usually leukemia. Corporate donors help improve survival statistics with every passing year. But not often recognized, or even available to a community, is an opportunity to bring joy into these children’s lives. Tampa Bay’s business community has shown it’s big heart for these suffering children. In February 2006, the Children’s Cancer Center located at 4901 West Cypress Street in Tampa, was presented with a white Ford van donation from Payroll Consultants Group of Brandon, Florida. Other corporate participants included Millard Roofing in Riverview, Southeast Personnel of Holiday and SB Recommend, Inc., of Lutz. The van was presented to the non-profit organization’s Executive Director, Mary Ann Massolio and Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, Director of Community Relations. The free ride transports pediatric cancer and chronic blood disorder patients, their family members and support staff to outings and field trips that would otherwise be too expensive to execute due to van rental rates. A very special custom paint job was designed and donated by Tampa-based Madison Taylor Group, led by Pete Larios, President. Kevin Rogers of the firm served as Designer. “Oh it’s adorable – I feel like the ice cream man!” Massolio laughed. Oliviero described the van as a “moving billboard” akin to a radio station van. Across the van’s body, Kevin showcased The Children’s Cancer Center logo, a high-flying kite trailed by a string of colorful ribbon ties, and it’s primary motto, “Because Kids Should Fly Kites…Not Fight Cancer.” The organization’s art therapy motto, “From Our Hands to Your Heart,” and happy red, yellow and blue handprints decorate the van’s grill. Crayon-style sunbursts dress the passenger windows, and a gold ribbon with the words, “Childhood Cancer Awareness” is presented on the rear. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is September. On September 29th and 30th the van will pick up Miami Children’s Hospital’s patients and their siblings at the Tampa International Airport, round them up with Tampa’s children and take them to the Rotary Camp in Brandon for the weekend. Massolio has developed a concept and team of leadership that has enabled the organization to expand into other cities where pediatric cancer support centers are needed for patients and their families. While gearing up to serve South Florida, retired NFL player Jared Tomich is converting his Chicago-based Halo of Hope Foundation to Massolio’s Childhood Cancer Center model. Patients and families access the support centers by obtaining a referral from a hospital social worker. Hospitals supported in Tampa Bay currently include Tampa Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and All Children’s Specialty Care of Tampa. Josh Bidwell, Punter for the Buccaneers is Spokesperson for the center’s new Survivorship Program, started in November 2005. Under the program, a trip in the van to The Keys is planned for August, where children will attend “sea camp” and go snorkeling. They’ve already gone to hockey games, and paid a visit to Orlando. According to Sharin Nelson, Director of Program Development, the teen group christened the new van during their annual summer celebration trip to Universal Studios. The corporate donorship of one “hip” van has made all of this possible by providing greater flexibility and easier planning and financial requirements. 82 cents of every dollar donated to the Children’s Cancer Center is re-invested in the program. Corporate donors represent 35% of all donations received. The center can be reached at (813) 367-5437. Payroll Consultants Group locates better payroll solutions for small to large companies. It provides free counseling and negotiations on clients’ behalf to an expansive network of employee leasing, payroll processing, insurance and employee benefit providers. It founded the highly successful Work Comp Co-Op. For further information, contact their offices at (813) 684-5684.