The conference room at Priority Marketing is always buzzing with bright ideas. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 22, though, the buzz echoing through the firm’s hallways just might resemble a barbershop. Three tribe members are having their heads shaved as part of Clips for Cancer, Golisano Children’s Hospital’s month-long event to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer. 

To Manny, Phil and Kevin, cancer is a deeply personal cause. 

Manny Gonzalez, Director of Web 
When Manny was 6 years old, he lost his father to lung and brain cancer. Then another family member. Then another. 

“A cancer diagnosis comes with a significant emotional and financial toll on families. My family didn’t have access to the world-class cancer treatment that is available here in Southwest Florida. As a community, we need to step up to provide emotional and financial support so none of these children or families feels alone.” 

Phil Barrera, Senior Graphic Designer 
Phil lost his mother to ovarian cancer in 2006. His sister also battled breast cancer, but thanks to an early diagnosis and access to high-quality medical care, she successfully overcame the disease. 

“My mother and sister both became champions and advocates for cancer awareness programs. Participating in Clips for Cancer is my way to honor them as well as the brave children and adults who are still in various stages of their cancer journey.” 

Kevin McDade, Media Buyer 
Kevin’s mother is a breast cancer survivor and his father retired from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That’s where Kevin had opportunities to interact with hospitalized children who were undergoing cancer treatments. 

“A cancer diagnosis is scary for anyone, but imagine being a parent and hearing that your child has cancer, or a child not knowing what your future holds. It’s incredibly important to recognize the progress we’ve made in diagnosing and treating cancer, but also acknowledge there is more we can do as a community to support individuals who are battling cancer.” 

Honorary Youth Barber 
Priority Marketing’s honorary youth barber for the day is 12-year-old Ashton Hoiles, who was diagnosed at age three with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Within hours of his admission to Golisano Children’s Hospital, Ashton received a blood and platelet transfusion. A few days later, staff implanted a chemotherapy port, and he began the first of many extensive treatments to combat cancer. 

For three years, the Hoiles family felt support from the entire team at Golisano Children’s Hospital as Ashton’s health improved. Now, the Hoiles family hopes to help other children and families undergoing cancer treatments to ensure they have access to the same great care Ashton received.

How to Help  

WATCH LIVE: Join us at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 as we broadcast the Clips for Cancer shave event live on the Priority Marketing Facebook page. 

DONATE: Help Manny, Phil and Kevin in their quest to raise awareness and support for childhood cancer by donating to Barbara’s Friends using the GIVE NOW button above.

About Barbara’s Friends 

Throughout September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, local pediatric cancer survivors have been shaving the heads of community leaders to raise money for Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital’s cancer fund. Barbara’s Friends supports programs and services not reimbursed by insurance to ensure that no family is denied access to cancer care. During the past 26 years, Barbara’s Friends has helped more than 10,000 children receive life-saving treatments.