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Go Gold Parade Honors Children Battling Cancer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation and Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation rally community during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

This post was contributed by a community member.
The Rizzo family leads the Go Gold parade at JDCH. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)

Children undergoing cancer treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital were celebrated with a parade of gold-decorated vehicles, first responders and community supporters during the hospital's fourth annual Go Gold Parade, held in recognition of National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The gold ribbon is recognized worldwide as a symbol of pediatric cancer awareness and is used throughout September to show support for children and families affected by the disease.

Presented by the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation and the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, the annual event brings joy and encouragement to children and families facing cancer while raising awareness of the challenges that can accompany a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

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Vehicles decorated with gold ribbons, balloons and messages of hope paraded around the hospital as patients and families watched and waved from hospital windows. The celebration continued with lunch, games and activities for patients and their families.

The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation was founded by three-time MLB All-Star and cancer survivor Anthony Rizzo, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 18. His own experience undergoing cancer treatment inspired his mission to support children and families navigating the disease.

"The Go Gold Parade is a heartfelt reminder to our patients and families that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply about them," said Kelley Morris, president of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Foundations. "For children facing treatment, moments of joy and the chance to simply be a kid are so meaningful and an important part of healing. We are incredibly grateful to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation and everyone who helps make this special experience possible each year."

The Go Gold Ribbon Parade is part of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting programs and services that enhance the care and well-being of children and families throughout South Florida.

To support Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital through donations or volunteer opportunities, visit www.jdch.com/give-back/foundation. The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation helps ensure access to high-quality, compassionate care for all children regardless of their ability to pay, while advancing the hospital's mission to improve community health.

Paul Cardone, pediatric cancer survivor Lorenzo and Briana Cardone decorate their car in support of pediatric patients. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
JDCH’s favorite clown, Lotsy Dotsy, with Ariyauna and Valerie Labranche. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
NSU medical students and Oncology Club members show their support for pediatric patients during the JDCH Foundation-sponsored Go Gold Parade. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Ryan, Annie and patient GG Christopherson cheer from the sidelines during the Go Gold Parade. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
John, Laurie, Aria, Vincent, Sarah and Jonny Rizzo (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Zuri and Zoey Gilbert (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Debbie Abrams and Darcie Clinton of Kayla’s Belief (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Bella Depestre and Beatrice Dazouloute (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Barbie Nunez, Mathias Schek, Valeria Doren, Katerina Schek and Alexandra Schek (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
Former Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital patient and cancer survivor Bella Depestre gets ready to bring some extra joy to current patients. (Courtesy of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation)
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