Life Ring Foundation Doubles Pledge to Support Pediatric Cancer Care at Carilion Children’s

Roanoke, Va. (Dec. 2, 2025) — The Life Ring Foundation today presented a $1.25 million gift to Carilion Children’s, Southwest Virginia’s local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital, in support of pediatric cancer care and blood disorders – which doubled the Foundation’s pledge from $2 million to $4 million.  

This latest contribution represents fundraising from the Fighting Kids Cancer campaign, including the annual Charlotte’s Play Yellow Celebrity Invitational, held in July at Ballyhack Golf Club. It is part of the Foundation’s Fighting Kids Cancer campaign mission, which launched in early 2023 with the goal of transforming and enhancing the resources for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and blood disorders in Southwest Virginia.  

“Supporting children and families facing cancer isn’t just our mission, it’s our life,” said Kelly Woolwine, founder of the Life Ring Foundation whose daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, at age 3 in 2018. Their experience with traveling out of state for enhanced treatment to save Charlotte’s life, inspired Woolwine and his wife and Co-Founder, Jessica, to expand their foundation’s mission to help families facing similar journeys in this region.

“Nothing is coincidence in life… and we were chosen for this journey for a reason. Charlotte’s experience showed us that it’s critical for every child in our region to not only be able to receive the best possible care, but to be able to stay close to home, and we’re honored to help expand this vital program.” – Jessica Woolwine, Co-Founder.

Life Ring’s funding strengthens both Carilion’s current services and long-term vision for pediatric cancer care with the opening of the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center in 2028. It specifically will support the development of a comprehensive pediatric hematology and oncology program that provides treatment as well as services that promote a child’s overall well-being, family support, and long-term health. 

“These resources mean more children can receive the specialized, compassionate care they need without leaving their community,” said Dr. Andrew Herman, chair of pediatrics at Carilion Clinic. “Life Ring’s commitment is helping us meet families where they are and support them throughout their care journey.” 

The gift from the Life Ring Foundation will enable Carilion to accelerate improvements in pediatric care coordination, patient support and clinical capacity, and fund seven new clinical and support positions urgently, while the new Carilion Taubman Cancer Center construction is underway. These additional, enhanced resources provide critical, immediate care and treatment for children and their families.

For more information, please visit LifeRingFoundation.org or CarilionChildrens.ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitals.org