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July 14, 2025

2026 ME STRONG 5K Race Marks 15 Years of Hope & Healing

Join Us on January 31, 2026, in DeLand, Florida to Support Local Cancer Patients in Need

Bradenton, Fla., July 14, 2025 — The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is honored to serve once again as the charitable recipient of the 2026 ME STRONG 5K, celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary as Central Florida’s largest fundraising run supporting local cancer patients. What began in 2011 as a small act of love for cervical cancer patient Linda Ryan (now Emery) has grown into a resounding celebration of more than 6,000 annual participants whose generosity has provided nearly $2.5 million in financial assistance to Floridians battling cancer. Guided by founders Barbara McCallan, Kim Winters, Kathy Guyer, Kim Martin, and Linda Emery, ME STRONG remains rooted in the simple belief that friendship knows no limits.

CONTINUING A TRADITION OF COMPASSION

Long‑time presenting sponsor Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and community partner The Rotary Clubs of West Volusia will continue to fuel the race’s impact. All event sponsorship dollars are directed entirely to non‑medical financial assistance for cancer patients in Volusia County and Central Florida. Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is honored to be the recipient of the funds raised through sponsorships and donations.

LUXURIOUS 7‑DAY CRUISE CHANCE DRAWING

To mark the anniversary year, every registered participant is invited to make a $15 donation per entry for a chance to win an unforgettable 7‑day Holland America Line cruise for two to Alaska, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, or Mexico. 100% of chance‑drawing proceeds will support the FCS Foundation’s mission. Go to mestrong.net  for details.

MAXIMIZING IMPACT FOR LOCAL CANCER PATIENTS

“Reaching the 15‑year mark is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the ME STRONG community,” said FCS Foundation Board Co‑Chairs Michael Diaz, MD, and Raul Storey, MD. “As this race continues to grow, it will expand our ability to relieve patients’ financial stress so they can focus on healing.”

Victor Melgen, MD, of FCS in DeLand, added, “Year after year, I witness the tangible difference ME STRONG makes in my patients’ lives. This anniversary race will be our biggest yet, and I encourage everyone to register early and participate in team building and anniversary fundraising to expand the impact we can make.”

Lynn Rasys, Executive Director of the FCS Foundation, noted, “Registration opens on July 15, 2025 – andIn celebration of the 15th Anniversary year, registration fees will be ONLY $15 from 6:00AM until Noon on July 15th! The 2025 race generated more than $200,000 for local cancer patients. With the momentum of our 15th year, we aim to surpass that figure and extend hope to even more families.”

There are also a number of additional benefits for sponsors who sign up before October 15, 2025, including special recognition on social media and enhanced signage, as well as bonus race entries.

Together, we run toward a future where no Floridian faces cancer alone.

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE in ME STRONG 2026

  • Race Day: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Downtown DeLand, FL
  • Registration: Opens July 15, 2025 at mestrong.net
  • In celebration of the 15th Anniversary year, registration fees will be ONLY $15 from 6:00AM until Noon on July 15th!
  • Cruise Chance Drawing: Add entries during online registration or in‑person packet pick‑up ($15 per chance; unlimited entries for registrants)
  • Sponsorships Opportunities: Contact: Events@flcancer.com
  • Volunteer Opportunities Contact: VolunteerProgram@FLCancer.com

About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in the state of Florida for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, the FCS Foundation allows them to concentrate on what really matters – fighting cancer.

Due to the generosity of the Florida Cancer Specialists physicians in covering all overhead expenses for the Foundation, 100% of donations received go directly toward paying the essential non-medical living expenses of an adult battling cancer.

The Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization located at 5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton, Florida 34211. Learn more about the FCS Foundation at: FCSF.org or call (941) 677.7181.

For More Information, Contact:

Lynn Rasys, Executive Director
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
LRasys@FLCancer.com
(941) 677.7184

Michelle Robey, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Michelle.Robey@FLCancer.com
(813) 767.9398

SPECIAL FUNDS

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as designated by the IRS. The Foundation’s EIN number is 20-4616813. The Foundation is also registered in the State of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official State registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.
Escape to Bali’s Breathtaking Beauty

Enter to win a luxury getaway for six in the heart of Indonesia!

Soak up the Essence of Bali, Indonesia for eight days and seven nights at the Bali Double V Villa for up to six people, including round trip airport transfers, unrestricted access to Atlas Beach Club, a private chef and an on-call driver with private luxury vehicle. (land only).

1 Chance for $25, 3 Chances for $50, and Lucky 7 Chances for $100.*

Enter Drawing

*Suggested donation

Terms and Conditions: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Cost of food prepared is the responsibility of the traveler. Travel is valid for 18 months from date of issue. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation prior to arrival may be subject to forfeiture of reservations and funds.

Dine + Dive Event

Dine + Dive is a fine art, food and wine event igniting all of the senses to benefit the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art! Guests will view several of the 2025 UMA sculptures before they head to their permanent underwater home, mingle with the artists, and sample delish food and more than 50 wines from around the world. Taking place April 30, 2025, at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, FL.

Meet Antonio Azzato

Inspired by the iconic Las Meninas painting by Diego Velázquez, Spanish-based artist and sculptor Antonio Azzato has brought dozens of largen-than-life sculptures to the streets of Madrid since 2018, using them to raise money for various charities. Now, for the first time, he is partnering with the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation to submerge a special, one-of-a-kind Menina statue in the Underwater Museum of Art, located off the coast of Florida. This unique sculpture will foster new coral growth and marine life as part of a man-made reef. Just as the ocean symbolizes the resilience and renewal found in the cancer journey – turning pain into hope and struggle into new beginnings.

Learn More

About the Underwater Museum of Art

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first presentation of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA)’s Art In Public Spaces Program and was produced in collaboration with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). The purpose of the UMA is to create art that becomes marine habitat, expanding fishery populations and providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors in South Walton.

Learn More

Celebrate With a Donation

There are many special events in life that give us reason to celebrate: birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, a team win…or even reaching a long sought-after milestone. Instead of sending flowers or a gift, consider celebrating something or someone by making a donation to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation! Your gift will help a cancer patient with household bills so they can concentrate on something really worth celebrating – getting better. What a powerful way to celebrate something, or someone, very important to you!

Celebrate Today!

Double Your Donation

You could double or triple your annual gift to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation if you or your spouse works for or has retired from a company with a matching gift program. Complete a matching gift form from your human resources office and send it in with your gift.

Find Out if Your Company Matches Donations

In Memory/Honor Of

One touching way to show support is through giving in honor or memory of a loved one. If you’ve lost someone to cancer or want to honor someone currently engaged in their brave fight, a contribution in their name can be a powerful way to recognize their journey in a meaningful way. Your donations can represent personal messages of love, support, and resilience, and will directly help those currently navigating the ups and downs of their own cancer journeys.

Donate in Memory or Honor of a Loved One

Monthly Recurring Donations

Your generous donations make a real difference, and we’ve made it even easier to support our cause with our monthly recurring giving program. Consistent financial support allows us to plan better and provide uninterrupted assistance to those we serve. Your sustained commitment can help a vulnerable individual in the most crucial time of their life. Remember, even small donations can make a massive impact!

Make a Monthy Recurring Donation

Contacte a FCSF

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¿Cuál es el ingreso MENSUAL combinado de su hogar?(Requerido)

After Your Event

Don’t Forget to Thank Everyone for Their Support

 

  • Thank your sponsors, committee members and other special supporters immediately after the event. A hand-written note, phone call or personal email will be greatly appreciated and will encourage supporters to come back next time!

  • Post ‘Thank You’ messages and photos on social media.

  • Mail a check to:
    Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
    5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210
    Bradenton, FL 34211

  • Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.

 

Thank you for hosting a successful event that helps cancer patients in need!

Use Various Media to Maximize Publicity for Your Event

These publicity tips and tools will help increase exposure for your event through various media, at very little cost. (Media outlets could include local radio, TV and newspapers, community calendars, social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

Create a Timeline to Maximize Publicity

A realistic timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Keep this timeline in mind as you put together a publicity plan:

3-4 months before the event:
Identify your target audience based on demographics, interests, and location; develop a targeted media list.

4-6 weeks before the event:
Distribute media materials (i.e., media alert, listing on a community calendar, Facebook posts, Instagram, etc.). Be creative in developing the media materials – what makes your fundraiser different? Media outlets receive hundreds of requests to publicize non-profit events; they can’t publicize everyone – so make sure that YOUR EVENT is so special, different and appealing that it will be hard for the media outlet to resist!

2 weeks before the event:
Make follow-up calls and send e-mails to local media who received the information. Re-send information if they have not received it.

1-2 days before the event:
Email and/or fax a media alert with the basic information about your event (who, what, when, where and why) to the TV news assignment desks and photo desks at the daily or weekly newspapers.

Take Lots of Photos

Photos are a great way to document your event, whether for publicity or simply to share with family and friends. Here are some tips on capturing special moments at your fundraiser:
  • Write out a targeted shot list in advance to make sure you get photos of everything and everyone
  • Take candid and close-up shots that capture the different aspects of your fundraiser
  • Capture images of your sponsors
  • Include three to four people in a photo for the best publicity shot
  • If taking photos on your phone, turn your phone in the horizontal position
  • Send photos to Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation for approved use on social media and website (Please make sure you have permission from the individuals in the photo and include their names)

Ideas for Your Fundraiser Event

The following are just a few ideas for your community fundraiser.  We suggest thinking of something you enjoy doing (e.g., book club, cooking, golf, tennis, bingo, music) and working to add a fundraising component into that. This way, you are not starting from scratch and, in addition to giving back to a great cause, you are doing something you love!

FACEBOOK
You can easily raise money on your Facebook page by clicking on “Raise Money” on your post, including a special message of inspiration or in celebration of your birthday or notable anniversary.

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Do you have an upcoming birthday, anniversary, shower, or bar/bat mitzvah? Consider contributing to FCS Foundation, in lieu of personal gifts – and ask your friends and family to do the same. This is a great way to get the kids involved!

COCKTAIL PARTY
Throw a cocktail party in your home or at a local restaurant or bar. Many venues provide great deals for non-profit events. For example, ask your friends to donate $50 per person to attend — if you spend no more than $20 per person on the food, you will have a good amount left over after expenses to donate. Include a chance drawing or auction to increase revenue.

GARAGE SALE
Ask friends and neighbors to clean out their basement or garage for a good cause. Organize a garage sale, and you’ll clean out your house while supporting cancer patients in need in our community at the same time!

GOLF OUTING OR TOURNAMENT
Whether planning a small golf outing with friends and family or a larger tournament for your business, think about making every stroke really count by partnering with us to give back to the patients at FCS Foundation!

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS GIVES BACK
Are you a local independent business owner, restaurant or retail owner who is looking to align with a great cause? Whether donating a percentage of proceeds for a day, or a week, or simply collecting an ‘extra tip’ for the FCS Foundation, you can make a difference while you work.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Kids love to help!  Have fun with your students teaching them about the meaning of philanthropy, with anything from a read-a-thon to a bake sale. Be creative! We’d love to hear about your school fundraiser ideas and stories.

SELL, SELL, SELL!
Many marketing/promotional item companies offer a lot of discounted items. Create T-shirts, bracelets, key chains, etc., and sell them at a price more than your cost to create revenue.

TRIVIA NIGHT
This is a fun way to raise funds while increasing awareness about pediatric illnesses. Host your trivia night at a restaurant or other local establishment and invite between 10 and 50 of your friends and family.

PURSE BINGO
Hold a bingo night and charge people to play ($20 for 4 cards, $40 for 8 cards, etc.) Instead of cash prizes, the prizes are designer or vintage purses that have been donated. One of the trendiest and easiest events to organize!

Getting Started

Deciding to host a community fundraiser for the FCS Foundation is a huge accomplishment in itself — thank you!


Here are 10 steps to help you get started:

1. Form a planning committee. Bring together a group of enthusiastic, dedicated people, who share a passion and interest in raising money for cancer patients and their families. This will increase the probability of a successful event.

2. Brainstorm. Members of your planning committee can brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Let your imagination guide you — and be sure to consider the special talents of committee members and their contacts in the community! The more people who participate in the planning phase, the more committed they’ll be later.

3. Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals, and time availability of your planning committee.

4. Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected. Will the event appeal to everyone? families? adults only?

5. Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, including people and companies you know that may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (graphic design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.

6. Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event. Work backwards from the event date – publicity should start four to six weeks prior to the event.

7. Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.

8. Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.

9. Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for the FCS Foundation be forwarded to the Foundation within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.

10. Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes, or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Miguel