Contact: Erich Spivey, Director of Public Relations, espivey@friendsforlife.com

Friends for Life of America celebrates five years of helping patients

GAINESVILLE, February 15, 2002 — Friends for Life of America started as the dream of a high school student in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who wanted to help pediatric patients living with leukemia. Now, more than fifteen schools nationwide have participated in signature programs that benefit all pediatric cancer patients.

Friends for Life of America kicks off its Fifth Anniversary Celebration on April 18, 2002, at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Gainesville, Florida. Further details about the schedule of events will be released in early April.

"Over the past five years, we have received overwhelming support from students all across the country who recognize the importance of our mission," said Friends for Life of America National Chairman Steven D. Cohen. "With a long list of beneficiaries and a strong record of helping children in need, we are very proud of our past. However, we are moving forward in an effort to touch the lives of patients all over the world."

Cohen formed Friends for Life of America in February 1997 after six-year-old Daniel Heideberg lost his life to leukemia. With the help of students across the country, the organization has raised more than $50,000 to help pediatric patients and their families.

Additional information about the Friends for Life of America Fifth Anniversary Celebration is available at http://www.friendsforlife.com/fifth/index.html.


About Friends for Life of America
Friends for Life of America is a national student organization that provides educational, emotional, and financial support for pediatric patients living with cancer.