International Kids Fund Unveils First PSA Campaign to Raise Funds, Awareness for Critically Ill Children; Organization Urges Media to Air PSA to Provide Medical Care for Children from Around World.

MIAMI -- The International Kids Fund (IKF) today launched a public service announcement campaign designed to mobilize local, national and international awareness and fund raising for critically ill children. IKF, founded by Jackson Memorial Foundation in 2001 to help gravely ill children whose medical treatment is not available in their home countries, made a direct appeal to media outlets to print or air the PSAs.

Recently, IKF became known internationally for helping save the life of a 14-year-old Haitian girl. Marlie Casseus was plagued with a 16-pound tumor-like growth on her face that overcame her nose and mouth. The global media attention surrounding Marlie's case led to donations from across the United States and the world, and she received two life-changing surgeries.

"Plain and simple: we need the media's help to help other children like Marlie," said Rosy Cancela, chairperson of the International Kids Fund Board of Directors. "Our hope is that if enough media outlets broadcast and print these PSAs, there will be increased local, national and international recognition of our cause. As a result, IKF will be able to partner with more families, provide more medical treatment and, ultimately, save more lives."

The public service announcements, which were produced pro-bono by advertising agency Conill Advertising Inc., powerfully illustrate a mother's joy when learning that her child will be saved thanks to IKF and urge the public to support the organization so more children will have the same chance. The campaign includes:

--30-second and 45-second television spots in English and Spanish,

--a 30-second radio spot in Spanish and

--a full-page print ad in English and Spanish.

"Imagine having a child in need of medical attention that is simply not affordable or available," said Cynthia McFarlane, vice president and executive director of Conill Advertising and an IKF Board Member. "And then imagine learning that your child will have a second chance. These powerful PSAs urge people to support IKF so that children from around the world will have access to the outstanding medical care that this country provides."

To download the PSA campaign, please visit http://www.internationalkidsfund.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To see the print version of the PSA, visit http://www.hispanicprwire.com/IKF_english.pdf