Apple a Day: Surprise iPad for boy fighting Leukemia

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Between the physical energy it takes their little bodies to get better, and the mental strength it takes to stay positive during their fight- sometimes children with cancer just need an escape.

And that’s exactly what the Apple a Day program aims to do.

Former Tampa Bay area radio personality Jayde Donovan started the program years ago- surprising children with Apple products to give them something to turn to when the going gets tough.

And though she’s moved to New York- and started a new chapter up there- the initiative remains strong in the south!

FOX 13’s own Charley Belcher is now the one stopping by the hospital with a big surprise that makes all the difference in the young patients’ lives.

Most recently he surprised Zildjian, an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with leukemia last December.

He now faces three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. 

Zildjian loves music and plays many different instruments, so he plans on using his brand new iPad Air to download some music apps.

He also hopes to play games, watch videos and keep in touch with friends. 

We gave him the iPad, a new case, and a $25 iTunes gift card to get him started.

Apple a Day has a fundraiser planned for later this month. Click here to learn more.