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August 18, 2026

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation to Honor Five Cancer Survivors at 2026 Crystal Connection Luncheon

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Bradenton, Fla., July 22, 2026 — The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS)  Foundation is proud to announce the five cancer survivors who will courageously share their cancer journeys through a powerful survivor video premiering at its annual Crystal Connection Luncheon, a signature fundraising event supporting cancer patients and their families in Lee and Collier County.

The Crystal Connection Luncheon presented by Bristol Myers Squibb and BioNTech will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples, Florida, bringing together community leaders, donors, sponsors, and advocates for “A Circle of Hope, Healing and Humanity.” This year’s program will feature keynote speaker Giuliana Rancic, a celebrated television personality and cancer survivor, with Judy Pearson, biographer and cancer survivor, serving as emcee.

This year’s program will recognize five survivors whose stories reflect courage, resilience, hope, and the power of community support: Dee Jones of Tampa, Amy Joob of Naples, Jody Mayo of Naples, Puja Romero of Fort Myers, and Melissa Severance of Naples.

Dee Jones, a Tampa native, attorney, public servant, and chronic myeloid leukemia survivor, will share her story of faith, persistence, medical care, and the lifesaving impact of cancer research. Diagnosed in 2010, she has lived well beyond the initial prognosis she received and now uses her experience to advocate for healthcare access, research, and hope for patients and families.

Amy Joob, an award-winning author, certified life coach, empowerment speaker, and Naples resident, will share her experience following a routine mammogram that led to a Stage 0 DCIS diagnosis. Her story emphasizes early detection, faith, community support, and the importance of sharing personal experiences to help others find hope through difficult seasons.

Jody Mayo, a Naples survivor, speaker, and patient advocate, will share her journey following a 2024 brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent diagnosis of Stage 4 glioblastoma/high-grade glioma. Her story highlights determination, hope, and the importance of living with purpose while advocating for cancer research and patient-centered care.

Puja Romero of Fort Myers will share her journey after doctors discovered an 18-centimeter mass on her ovary in 2024, which led to a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to her ovary. Through surgery, chemotherapy, and the support of family and friends, she remained focused on healing and now encourages others to trust their instincts, advocate for their health, and prioritize early detection.

Melissa Severance, an executive coach, leadership strategist, and founder of Inspire Big Dreams LLC, will share her experience as a breast cancer survivor and the lessons her journey taught her about vulnerability, resilience, and allowing others to provide support. Her treatment included two lumpectomies followed by 20 rounds of radiation, and her story reflects the importance of emotional, mental, and community support throughout healing.

“Crystal Connection is about uniting our community around a shared purpose to ensure that no cancer patient has to face financial hardship alone,” said Lynn Rasys, Executive Director of the Foundation. “These five survivors embody the hope, strength, and humanity at the heart of this event. Their stories remind us why this work matters and why community support can make such a meaningful difference for patients and families.” 

The event will feature a vendor fair, luncheon, and program designed to raise critical funds that enable the Foundation to provide non-medical financial assistance to adult cancer patients and their families in Florida, helping cover essential living expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments, utilities, and food so they can focus on treatment and recovery.

The Crystal Connection Luncheon is one of the Foundation’s key fundraising events, whose impact is amplified by the unique model of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute physicians covering all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to patient financial aid.

For more information about the Crystal Connection Luncheon or to become a sponsor or attendee, visit FCSF.org/Crystal-Connection

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About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients and their families in the state of Florida, no matter where they are treated, for non-medical living expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, car payments, and utility bills. By easing the financial burden of everyday expenses, the Foundation helps patients focus on what matters most — their treatment and recovery. Thanks to the generosity of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute physicians, 100% of donations received go directly toward helping patients in need.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton, Florida 34211. Learn more 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

Beginning March 2026, Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is launching “Nourish Hope,” a new food program designed to address the growing crisis of food insecurity among adult cancer patients and their families in Florida. Nourish Hope will provide grocery gift cards to recipients of the FCS Foundation financial assistance program, helping them access nutritious food during their cancer treatment journey.

Learn More

Beginning March 2026, Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is launching “Nourish Hope,” a new food program designed to address the growing crisis of food insecurity among adult cancer patients and their families in Florida. Nourish Hope will provide grocery gift cards to recipients of the FCS Foundation financial assistance program, helping them access nutritious food during their cancer treatment journey.

 

Patients will receive their $100 gift card once they have been approved for assistance.

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

Meet Antonio Azzato, the visionary behind the Las Meninas Sculpture Project. To continue the successful and positive spirit of the Las Meninas project in Madrid, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and Healing Arts in Medicine are bringing Antonio Azzato’s vision to the United States for the first time.

Azzato was born and raised in Venezuela and has Italian and Spanish roots. He has raised more than 550K euros for different charitable foundations. His experience in the engineering, business, marketing, and interior design fields has given him the technical and artistic training to develop his Meninas Gallery project, which has positioned the silhouette of the Menina as the new icon of the city of Madrid, where he currently resides. Learn more about Antonio here.

The History of "Las Meninas"

Painted by Diego Velázquez in 1656,“Las Meninas” translates to Ladies in Waiting.  Considered a masterpiece depicting life in the court of King Philip IV of Spain, the painting represents a turning point in art history for the way in which Velázquez broke from the stiff formal portraits that typically defined royal subjects.

What is the Las Meninas Sculpture Project?

Inspired by the iconic painting “Las Meninas,” which translates to “Ladies in Waiting,” Spanish artist and sculptor Antonio Azzato created larger than life-size statues, fashioned in the shape of the Ladies in Waiting in the famous painting, that have been displayed in the streets of Madrid every fall since 2018.  The statues are painted by various Spanish artists and celebrities and used to raise money for different charities.  For the project with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), smaller statues that are white, like a blank canvas, will be distributed to 12 designated FCS clinics. Together with local artists, patients will bring their Las Meninas vision to life, giving each statue its own unique theme and color palette.

One World to Heal

Once complete, the Las Meninas sculptures will be on display in local communities, raising awareness of the extreme healing power of art in medicine. After a months-long tour of the state, each will be placed on auction. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. The Foundation assists cancer patients in need in Florida with essential everyday living expenses.

Contacte a FCSF

"(Requerido)" indicates required fields

Dirección de correo electrónico(Requerido)
¿Qué tipo de tratamiento contra el cáncer está recibiendo?(Requerido)
¿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