A Story of Community, Generosity and Impact
Together, we can continue honoring Sam’s legacy
and bring comfort, connection, and creativity to children and families right here in Southwest Florida.
Mandy McGlone
Southwest Florida Supporter
Southwest Florida was a very special place for Sam.
Pine Island, in particular, is where we first got our feet wet (no pun intended) in fundraising. The very first Rock & Roasts were held on that small island and raised nearly $150,000 for what was then the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund.
It’s where we first experienced just how powerful and generous a community can be.
Years later, when we returned and shared the work we now do in Sam’s memory to support Music and Art Therapy, you showed up again. Together, our Southwest Florida community has helped build a Music Therapy Program that is making a meaningful difference for families at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
It is important to us to keep this work going and growing.
Impact Stories
from, Golisano
I have loved every moment of being able to provide Music Therapy to kiddos that have been through a lot. My favorite is seeing the children who have it really tough yet light up when we play their favorite song and how for just a session I'm able to create a moment in time where they can forget their pain, fears and anxieties. We see so many kids with some really hard diagnosis, family situations, and traumas who are constantly being poked and prodded, it's nice to be one of the few staff members that comes in with the purpose of allowing these kids to be kids in a setting that can usually be scary. I am excited to continue to learn and grow as an individual, professional and Music therapist.
Paula Matta
Future MT-BC | Future Music Therapist
Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL
Ashley
Ashley completed her internship at Golisano in August and began working with us in September. During her internship and the beginning of her employment, she had the opportunity to work very closely with a young patient diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. The patient and family loved their time with Ashley. She provided music therapy services during procedures to aid with relaxation and distraction in addition to the session to help promote normalization of the hospital environment. Ashley was able to provide the family with a heartbeat recording as a
keepsake item.
MM MT-BC | Board Certified Music Therapist
Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL
Tracey Failla
MM MT-BC | Board Certified Music Therapist
Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL
I worked with a young girl admitted to the
pediatric medical/surgical unit for a
perforated appendix who was hospitalized
for several weeks. She was consulted to
music therapy services early during her
admission to help with pain management
and coping. She immediately expressed an
interest in learning the ukulele and quickly
learned a few songs. The ukulele became
her favorite way to distract herself when
she was having pain or a hard time being in
the hospital.
November, 2021
Sam’s Fans hosts the second Dinner and Drinks with Sam’s Fans and raises over $30K to support Music and Art Therapy
September, 2022
Sam’s Fans commits $75K to Golisano Children’s of SWFL
to fund a part time Music Therapist over three years
January, 2026
Sam's Fans continues to successfully fund a part-time Music Therapist at Golisano Children’s of SWFL
January, 2020
Sam's Fans continues to successfully fund a part-time Music Therapist at Golisano Children’s of SWFL
November, 2019
Sam’s Fans hosts the first Dinner and Drinks with Sam’s Fans and raises more than $10K to support Music and Art Therapy
I give to Sam’s Fans because I’ve seen the impact firsthand - Music and Art Therapy helped my granddaughter, Sam, through the hardest time of her life.
Joe Feidner
Southwest Florida Supporter, and Sam’s Grandpa
Music and Art have always been an essential part of my life. And when I was introduced to Sam‘s fans, and witnessed for myself the happiness it brings a child that’s suffering in a hospital. It gives a child something to look forward to in a difficult day. Sam’s Fans has given me the opportunity to feel like I’m helping children. And doing a monthly automatic withdrawal donation is so convenient for me in my crazy life!
Sandy Peculis
Southwest Florida Supporter