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TESTIMONIALS

By giving financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in the state of Florida, The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides peace of mind. Grant recipients can concentrate on what really matters – fighting cancer – while knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment. 

Here’s what some recipients and volunteers have to say about the difference the FCS Foundation has made in their lives.

I am 45 years old and a survivor of triple positive IDC of the right breast. Thanks to the support of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, I’ve been able to manage the financial stress of treatment and focus on my health, which is especially meaningful to me as a mom. Your generosity makes a real difference for people like me, and I am grateful for every year I get to count as cancer-free. Please continue supporting this foundation and our fight for a cure.
Erin Parkinson
Financial Assistance Recipient
At a time when finances were extremely limited, FCSF stepped up to assist with my mortgage and other bills. It helped to take the burden off me while continuing to get healthier.
Paul Hollingsworth
Financial Assistance Recipient
My husband’s cancer diagnosis was such frightening news. I can’t imagine going through the treatment process with financial pressure compounding that stress. Bill fought cancer with much dignity for twelve years. That fight now continue for others. Our family supports FCSF to assist those battling the disease and in tribute to Bill.
Chris Wells Shisler
Donor
Learning of the breast cancer diagnosis was devastating in itself. When appointments and treatment procedures became more frequent, my ability to continue to work full-time soon became impossible. Subsequently, the financial burden of typical household expenses along with new medical costs became overwhelming – and the cycle repeats every month. The FCSF's support provided a tremendous help toward monthly expenses, and a great relief for us this year.
Shamerra Brown
Financial Assistance Recipient
The time that I spend each Thursday volunteering for FCSF for 3 to 4 hours is probably my favorite 3 to 4 hours of my week. You get to see many of the same patients when you work the same day and time of the week. Not only are we as volunteers able to hand out warm blankets, liquids, and snacks to the patients, but we also become part of each other’s lives. Volunteering with FCSF is a wonderful job.
John Nesbitt
Patient Support Volunteer at Bradenton Cancer Clinic
My life stopped when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had just started a new job, so my insurance had not started yet, and I went for six weeks receiving no help with my bills. The Foundation stepped in and paid my rent. As a single mother, I don’t know what I would have done without their assistance.
Jessica Menendez
Financial Assistance Recipient
Due to my cancer diagnosis, I am unable to work. Having limited income every penny helps. This gift from Florida Cancer has allowed me to pay my home owners insurance. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to have insurance coverage on my home, living in Florida we all know how important that is.
George Weise
Financial Assistance Recipient
The help the FCS Foundation has given in this horrible time for me has been wonderful. Helped me with bills I had no idea how I would be able to pay. I thank you’ll very much.
Chris Bass
Financial Assistance Recipient
After volunteering with the Florida Cancer Foundation for over a year as a patient support volunteer, I had to take a break due to an injury. When I heard about the Waiting Room Greeter Program, I thought that would be the perfect compromise. In this role, I am able to manage my injury while still being able to help the patients and their guests. I am happy that I can continue volunteering but in a new light.
Jeanne Munn
Brownwood Waiting Room Greeter Volunteer
What compelled me to start volunteering at the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation was my own experience with family members who were diagnosed with cancer. I never got the chance to accompany them to their treatments and volunteering felt like a way to give back and support others who are going through their own treatments. I love the interactions I have with the patients and the learning experiences I’ve acquired from the lovely staff of nurses and the rest of the healthcare team. It’s affirmed my love of medicine and has aided me into my future endeavors.
Lauren Llerena
Patient Support Volunteer at Winter Park Village Clinic

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    Relationship with FCS Foundation

    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.

    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

    "(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