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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.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation do for me and my puppy girls! I got them when I was going through the second bout of breast cancer and the chemo and radiation were so intense and I really needed some type of therapy animal. I refer to them as my ANGELS! Thank you from all three of us, Terry, Cavie and Esme!!!
Terry Mastandrea
Grant Recipient
Thank you so much for awarding me the funds. "We're Created Limitless, There is Nothing We Can't Achieve"
Noah Davis
Grant Recipient
Thanks – appreciate you all at Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation. Left to right: My daughter, Tyra; grand-daughter, Skylar; And myself, Carla.
Carla Russ
Grant Recipient
I want to thank the FL Cancer Foundation for the grant, it really helped out . Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Cherie Summerall
Grant Recipient
I used the funds to help pay my Duke Energy bill and my auto insurance... I just can’t thank the people who are willing to donate enough.
Sam Hartong
Grant Recipient
This opportunity has allowed me to build connections and make an impact on patients going through treatment. Whether it be a warm blanket or just an ear to listen, in every interaction you can see the difference it makes and that’s what I love the most!
Jeremiah Mendez
Volunteer
The support, kindness and generosity of the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation has made a tremendous difference in my life since being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2017. I thank each and everyone on this team for getting me through the many challenges I have faced since my diagnosis. Your care and compassion mean so much to me and my family.
Eula Fulcher-Pressley
Grant Recipient
Our experience at FCSF has been very satisfying and inspirational. We have witnessed the dedication of the staff and been privileged to help guide applicants toward resources. Overall, volunteering at FCSF is a heartwarming opportunity to help others.
David & Motria Deluca
Volunteers
My wonderful grant from the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation will make it possible to travel to my daughter's wedding this summer. Thank you all so very much for your help and caring!
David Barnett
Grant Recipient
I am always excited to volunteer because of the amazing efforts of the Foundation to help as many patients as possible. Being able to make a difference and help people from behind my computer screen has been a very humbling experience, and I hope to continue to grow with FCS Foundation in the future.
Vivianette Ortiz
Volunteer
Thank you so much this great news along with our home was destroyed by hurricane Irma and we have been accepted to receive a replacement home ... you guys prove not all Angels have wings. Bless you for all you've done for us.
Gabriela Jauregui
Grant Recipient
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation allowed me to focus more on my healing and resting rather than finances and medical bills. The Foundation assisted with my car payments and cell phone bill, which were extremely important. I needed a vehicle to drive to the hospital for appointments and my phone to access lab results and prescriptions, as well as to receive doctor calls regarding appointments and tests. To my care team, thank you and I love you. I would not be here today without you.
Marissa Young
Grant Recipient

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    Relationship with FCS Foundation

    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

    ¿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