Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Supports Fight Against Children's Cancer

Jacksonville, Fla., August 1, 2005- Baptist Health Foundation announced today that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida contributed a $400,000 grant in support of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Wolfson Children's Hospital.

The program is a collaborative effort between the Wolfson Children's Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Nemours Children's Clinic and has treated more than 125 children with a variety of illnesses including childhood leukemia, Ewing Sarcoma, neuroblastoma, multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Stem cell sources include the patient, matched family members and unrelated donors of marrow or umbilical cord blood stem cells.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's contribution will support accessible care for acutely ill children from across the state," said A. Hugh Greene , president and CEO of Baptist Health. "We are grateful for their continued support of programs that will improve the health of all Floridians."

"This unique program has already become an important treatment center for patients across the state and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's gift allows for its expansion to meet the growing health care needs of the communities it serves," said Larry Freeman , Senior Vice President, Baptist Health and Administrator, Wolfson Children's Hospital.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is proud to be a health partner that supports the Children's Blood and Marrow Transplant Program," said William Kerr, MD, Vice President, Quality and Care Management, BCBSF. "We know our gift will make a positive difference in the lives of children who have cancer as well as their families and friends."