Florida Gators Football punter Johnny Townsend has founded The Johnny Townsend Fund benefiting the greatest needs in the pediatric oncology infusion clinic. He shared the inspiration behind his generosity:

Throughout my career as a student-athlete at UF, I have had many opportunities to interact and form bonds with pediatric cancer patients at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. I have always looked for ways to use my platform as a student-athlete to benefit and brighten to the day of patients, their friends and their families.

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Having the opportunity to give back to UF Health to benefit the patients means a lot to me personally. My grandfather Carl was a cancer survivor and spent time at UF Health during his treatment. Knowing firsthand the impact cancer can have on the patients, friends and families dealing with it, I had no trouble finding motivation to give back. — Johnny Townsend