Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

09/04/2026

Celebrating 15 Years of Compassionate Support 💙

For 15 years, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation has been helping Florida cancer patients and their families focus on what matters most: healing. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, we have awarded $20 million in patient financial aid, providing critical support for everyday living expenses during treatment.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we remain committed to ensuring no patient has to face cancer alone. Thank you for helping us bring hope, relief, and compassionate support to thousands of families across Florida.

Learn more and make an impact at FCSF.org

09/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our Crystal Gala Presenting Sponsors, Bristol Myers Squibb and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, for their generous support of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.

Your partnership helps make this special evening possible. Thank you for standing with us, supporting our mission, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer.

💎 We are grateful for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to our community.

09/02/2026

15 Years of Hope. One Mission. One Family. 💙

When Shelly was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in 2022, cancer brought more than surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. It also brought the financial challenges that so many patients face during treatment.

Living alone and working part-time, Shelly worried about how she would keep up with everyday expenses while focusing on her health. Through a referral from her Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute care team, she received support from the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.

"I am grateful for the help. I probably would have lost my vehicle if not for them."

For Shelly, that assistance meant being able to get to work, treatment, and medical appointments. For our Foundation, it's a reminder that no one should have to face cancer alone.

As we celebrate 15 Years of Hope, Shelly's story reflects the strength of our mission family and the impact of compassionate support. Together, we have stood beside more than 12,000 cancer patients and their families across Florida, providing hope, relief, and a reminder that help is available when it is needed most.

Learn more and support patients like Shelly at FCSF.org

08/31/2026

Celebrating Our First Annual Volunteer Award Winners!

Please join us in congratulating the recipients of our inaugural Volunteer of the Year Awards and Heart of Service Award!

Nominated by clinics and staff across the organization, these remarkable individuals were selected not only for their excellence in their volunteer roles, but also for the meaningful and lasting impact they have on patients, families, staff, and fellow volunteers every day.

Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

💙 Ruth McRae | Patient Support Volunteer, Medical Park Cancer Center (11 Years of Service)
A longtime patient and volunteer, Ruth was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, encouragement, and dedication. By sharing her own experience, she brings comfort and hope to patients while creating meaningful connections throughout the clinic.

💙 Rick Gass | Patient Support Volunteer, Palm Beach Gardens Cancer Center (7 Years of Service)
Rick's unwavering commitment to helping others, dependable support, and genuine kindness have made him an invaluable member of the team. His selfless spirit and willingness to go above and beyond leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

💙 Nick O'Connor | Client Services Volunteer (11 Years of Service)
For nearly 12 years, Nick has played a vital role in reviewing financial assistance applications with care, consistency, and compassion. His dedication helps ensure patients are served fairly and thoughtfully, making a lasting impact on our mission.

❤️ Heart of Service Award

❤️ Bruce Colby | Volunteer Application Specialist (11 Years of Service)
Bruce was recognized for his exceptional commitment to the Foundation and the volunteer program. Through his careful review of volunteer applications and steadfast support of staff and volunteers, Bruce helps ensure our clinics are strengthened by compassionate, dedicated individuals.

To Ruth, Rick, Nick, and Bruce: thank you for your incredible service, unwavering commitment, and the countless lives you have touched. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication embody the heart of our mission and inspire us all.

08/31/2026

Please join us in wishing Lynn Rasys, Executive Director, a very special birthday! 🎊 Have a great day, Lynn, and thank you for your leadership and dedication to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. 💙

08/27/2026

✨ Survivor Spotlight: Melissa Severance

At this year's Crystal Connection Luncheon: A Circle of Hope, Healing, and Humanity, we are honored to recognize Melissa Severance as one of our 2026 cancer survivor honorees.

Diagnosed with breast cancer while building a business focused on helping others grow and lead, Melissa's world suddenly shifted. Her journey included two lumpectomies and 20 rounds of radiation, but the greatest challenges were often emotional and mental: navigating uncertainty, fear, and learning to surrender control. Through the unwavering support of family, friends, and community, Melissa discovered the power of resilience, presence, and allowing herself to receive help.

Today, Melissa is a respected executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of Inspire Big Dreams LLC. Her experience as a survivor has deepened her commitment to helping others lead with authenticity, strength, and purpose. Melissa's story is a powerful reminder that healing happens not only physically, but emotionally and mentally, and that no one has to walk the journey alone.

🎥 Melissa's inspiring story will be shared in a special survivor video premiering at the Crystal Connection Luncheon, where she and four other remarkable survivors will be honored for their strength, resilience, and courage.

Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary individuals and raise critical funds to support Florida cancer patients and their families facing financial hardship.

💎 Reserve your seat today and be part of an unforgettable afternoon of hope, healing, and humanity FCSF.org/Crystal-Connection

08/26/2026

✨ Ready to help create an unforgettable evening?

Join the Party in the Stars Event Committee and be part of planning one of our signature fundraising events, taking place February 27 at The Ora in Sarasota, Florida. We already have some exciting ideas in the works, and we're looking for passionate community members to help bring them to life.

Our first committee meeting is September 15. We'd love to have you join us in making a difference for Florida cancer patients and their families.

To learn more or get involved, visit https://ideali.st/rVd7cV or email us at [email protected]

08/24/2026

Win a Timeless Tuscan Dream

Escape to the heart of Italy with a chance to win seven unforgettable nights in one of five picturesque Tuscan villas nestled in the rolling hillsides of Cortona. The dream getaway includes:

- Seven-night stay in a curated historic villa with a private pool and courtyard
- A private w**ery tour, w**e tasting, and hands-on cooking class
- A bespoke travel itinerary
- Days trips to Cortona, Montepulciano, and Arezzo

Your Tuscan Escape Awaits. Enter at https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E163958&id=360

08/24/2026

08/22/2026

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Event Manager Brian Garnant and Program Manager Ally Olson, spent a day in DeLand visiting with several of our incredible ME STRONG sponsors and catching up with Barbara McCallan, Kim Martin, and Karen Weiss

We chatted all things race day, community impact, and supporting cancer patients and families.

We're grateful for the partnerships that make ME STRONG such a meaningful event year after year!

Me Strong