In a society where childhood obesity is on the rise, Florida Hospital and Wholesome Tummies, an all-natural, organic school lunch delivery service, are joining forces to make lunches healthier for children across Central Florida. Wholesome Tummies offers alternative options so local students can consume healthy meals rather than cafeteria or fast food, which aligns with Florida Hospital's initiatives on creating a healthier future for the community.

"We have seen how obesity is robbing our children and can lead to long-term health problems, and it is our goal to help children live longer, healthier lives," said Marla Silliman, administrator of Florida Hospital for Children. "Wholesome Tummies definitely aligns with our platform to prevent childhood obesity. Creating awareness about health and wellness is the first step, and that's why this partnership is important."

Florida Hospital nutritionist, Sherri Flynt, reviews all the Wholesome Tummies menus to ensure they will provide a good balance of food groups to growing children. This school year, students who order the lunches will even see a special "Florida Hospital Wants You Healthy" sticker adorning each of the Wholesome Tummies lunchboxes. The two organizations are continuing to collaborate to develop and implement other meaningful ways to promote healthy eating in schools.

Wholesome Tummies offers a variety of customizable lunch choices - all mouthwatering meals are perfectly portioned for a child's developmental state and packaged with kid appeal. Well-balanced, fun foods are prepared daily and delivered directly to 30 partner schools throughout Central Florida. Wholesome Tummies strives to use only the purest ingredients in their products, and each lunch includes a choice of one entrée, two sides and a napkin/utensils. Lunches can be ordered directly on the Wholesome Tummies Web site.

"With kids and a passion for healthy and organic eating, Debbie Blacher and I were inspired to launch Wholesome Tummies," said co-founder Samantha Gotlib. "We are discouraged by the lack of non-processed, convenient food options available for kids today, and believe that the foods our children eat should nourish their growing minds and bodies. We are thrilled to partner with Florida Hospital, as they can offer an expert perspective on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, even at a young age."

For more information on Wholesome Tummies, visit www.wholesometummies.com

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 30, 2009 - This morning, outside Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, arm-in-arm with people in pink, put their heels in the air and stopped traffic along Orange Avenue to "kick off" National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a community kick line! Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI), University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Rockettes collaborated to support this important cause. The event culminated with a finale kick line led by the Rockettes, featuring FHCI caregivers, UCF students, Miss Florida USA 2010, elected officials, members of the media, community members and breast cancer survivors.

"My story is a story of hope," said Pam Oldham, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute patient and breast cancer survivor. "It's great to have a day like today where we can kick off awareness for a month, to remind women to go get mammograms and see their doctors if they have anything suspicious. It's just making people aware - they may think they're too young, I thought that, but it can happen to anyone."

The event included booths where attendees could get pink hair extensions from Eden Spa; learn about prevention, screening and treatment from FHCI experts; snack on delicious pink refreshments; meet Miss Florida USA 2010, Megan Clementi; mingle with the Rockettes and enter for a chance to win tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular performance in late December.

"I have personally been affected by this disease because I watched a close relative lose her battle with breast cancer about 10 years ago," said Rockette, Karilyn Surratt. "Therefore, I strongly support the need for research and developments so more people can beat this form of cancer in years to come."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States and is the second most common form of cancer found in women. Though death rates have decreased significantly over the past 20 years, breast cancer still accounts for more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. But thanks to new medical advancements, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. October was designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 25 years ago and is used to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease and provide greater access to screening services.

"This is why we are here - breast cancer awareness is about getting the word out to everyone about prevention, screening and treatment," said Dr. David Molthrop, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute hematologist & oncologist. "We are dedicated to ensuring that women know they should be screened and providing the best screening equipment and technology available."