Frank Haskell

Nine years ago, in memory of their daughter Barbara, who died of breast cancer at 36, Frank Haskell, 75, with his wife, Betty, founded Barbara's Friends Cancer Fund, which has since raised $4 million for facilities and services at Lee Memorial's Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. Recently the hospital and fund received a $1 million grant from the Yawkey Foundation to build a counseling center. The retired marketing executive is now embarked on a five-year, $10 million campaign to expand care even further.

Birthplace: Boston.

Most notable characteristic: Persistence-I don't take a no easily.

Heroes: Red Sox player Ted Williams, and the late Tom and Jean Yawkey and John Harrington, all former owners of the Red Sox, who raised millions for children's cancer treatment and research.

Trading places for a day: My daughter Barbara coming back to life to witness the many accomplishments and gifts that benefit Southwest Florida children stricken with cancer.

Favorite song: "Over the Rainbow." Barbara watched the Wizard of Oz faithfully every year. On the day the Barbara's Friends Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Center opened, there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

People would be surprised to learn: I am a cancer survivor, of two level-four melanomas. My positive attitude and dedication to helping others has helped me survive for the past 11 years.

What the Gulfshore needs: A tremendous amount of talent and financial resources are being spent solely on the pleasures of retired life rather than giving back to the community.