Thank God for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation! When I was going through chemo with stage III Breast Cancer I was saddened by the number of chemo mates who confided they had concerns about buying groceries or getting their medicine, or similar day to day payments that needed solving while trying to beat cancer. I felt so blessed as I had great insurance, caring family, loving church and encouraging neighbors. I made a promise if I still lived to help those not as fortunate as I.
I was thrilled to discover there was the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, founded by doctors themselves who heard similar conversations as I did. Not only did they listen but they started the Foundation so cancer patients could get assistance for their non-medical bills, such as rent, groceries, etc. Many FCS employees donate a portion of their salaries to the Foundation, along with donations from individuals and/or various fundraisers. It is amazing and impressive that 100% of all donations goes to helping the patients.
As a volunteer one fundraiser I achieved ( with so many helping!) was to walk 30 miles in one day to raise awareness of this charity gem. At another gala fundraiser many businesses donated gift cards and in-kind goods because almost everyone knows someone with cancer.
It's a beautiful thing when a non profit can turn around an ugly problem into a blessing that brings relief and peace, so they can focus on getting better. Thank you Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation!
I have been volunteering at Florida Cancer Specialist (FCS) in the infusion room for the last eight months at The Villages. It is such a trill going to work on Tuesday to see the patients and friendly staff. I can not say enough on the hard work and dedication by the staff! I'm proud to be part of their team...
FCS saved my life as a former patient of Leukemia. I went from being on a ventilator to remission in 5 weeks! I had to undergo chemo for 6 months but it saved my life! I was down and depressed after everything my body went through so I decided to volunteer at the same infusion room where I received my chemo. It has been a Godsend to me! Helping others going through cancer has even helped me.
I love FCS!! When I was there having treatments for my ovarian cancer, 2009. I experienced not only excellent professional care from my Dr. & her upstairs staff. More importantly, to me, the nurses in the infusion areas showed a loving human side while still being excellent professionals. That's not an easy task! When I found out that FCS had a volunteer program I JUMPED IN! That was about a year ago and to quote my dad," Tuesday is your favorite day of the week, because you volunteer at FCS and it gives you joy!" He's right, I LOVE FCS and EVERYBODY that works there! Thank you for keeping me alive, the opportunity to help and give back..ox
The Foundation has a wonderful mission and the beneficiaries gain much, knowing that others care about their financial concerns while they are undergoing treatment.
As a volunteer, I've seen/heard firsthand the differences that the grants distributed by the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation can provide to those going through such a hard time throughout their lives. The difference the FCS Foundation is able to provide can only be described as immeasurable and truly valuable to the cancer patients across Florida.
I am not only a patient, I'm also a volunteer at the Bonita Facility. The nurses and staff are really remarkable. They are courteous, helpful and caring.
I volunteer my time with this fabulous organization at the new Gladiolus location in Ft. Myers. I am at awe of the dedication of their team. Their love, support and compassion they share with their clients is beautiful. I feel privilege to be a small part in the care of those in our community who turn to the Florida Cancer Specialist and Research Center for their care. Keep making a difference!
Provides outstanding services with a great deal of compassion and care to many people who need their support.
As a former pre-cancer patient, it is a scary issue, as a caregiver to a cancer patient that survived, this organization is FANTASTIC. I am a volunteer there in the infusion center, one think I can say the nurses and staff are fantastic! Great location, surroundings and loads of care! You will hear laughter with the patients, we do our best to make the tough times people are experiencing more relaxing. Some of the patients when I was on a cane from a fractured knee, then the other knee with a contusion were playing games with my cane and hiding it...they all have a good sense of humor that is because the Florida Cancer Specialists is the ONLY place to be. Everyone is very in tune to the patient and all their needs. It is one on one care, CARE IS THE KEY not only to the patients but their family and their needs. With that in mind, it shows by the way they play little games with me, makes everyone laugh. They are also my SUPPORT as my husband has been in the hospital for 8 weeks fighting a nasty disease BUT if feels so good to walk in and hear clapping of the hands and their concern about myself and my husband. AGAIN, it is the only place to be! Patients are making friends with each other, something you do not see in other locations. If you are looking for super care, Florida Cancer Specialists is the place to be, NO OTHER PLACE! If you are fighting this disease, fight it at FCS! SO be there to RING THAT BELL, (when you finish you treatments, we see many each week and walk out looking GREAT! ) Come RING THAT BELL!!!!
I am a two time breast cancer thrivor, I am also a volunteer at the Tampa Martin Luther King location of Florida Cancer Specialist. I have been a volunteer since I was 18, this is one of the best volunteer situations that I have had the honor to be a part of. As a volunteer in the infusion room, I give our blankets , beverages and cookies, but the biggest part of what I do is sharing my story and seeing the patients light up when they hear my story. I cannot guarantee their success, but I can let them know the different things that helped me get through the process. What do I get out of it? The satifaction of knowing that I have touched patients lives in ways that only a thrivor can, I also love that the doctors pay the overhead. Many of the non profits that i have volunteered for do not have their overhead paid for. I did this because I am still terrified of my yearly checkups, but seeing the courage of the other patients and seeing the breakthroughs that have happened since my diagnosis , has made the checkup a lot easier.
Margaret Weatherby
I continue to be impressed with the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation: Their mission, leadership, client support and care. It is a pleasure to be associated with and continue to volunteer and contribute to the Foundation. There are far too many who are in need of financial assistance in a critical time of their life and it is nice to know there are so many generous physicians and donors who support this wonderful organization.
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation knows firsthand that being diagnosed with cancer is an emotional and distressing experience. The financial costs associated with treatment are often overwhelming. As a volunteer it is so rewarding to work for a caring and compassionate organization that is dedicated to providing financial assistance for patients in a timely manner.
100% of the dollars donated go directly to patient grants! That is so rare in a charity! Incredible integrity, far reaching results, fast processing of need requests and grant awards, relevant, necessary, professional, and timely! I am proud to support this charity financially and with my volunteer time and energy!