Keeping Cancer Care Local by Nikki Audia,

As a proud Naples native, I’ve watched this community grow from a quiet coastal town into one of the most compassionate and connected regions in Southwest Florida. Yet even with worldclass medical facilities, too many families still face one of life’s hardest challenges — cancer. For me, this mission is deeply personal. I’ve lost six family members to lung cancer, and that loss continues to inspire everything I do.

At Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA), our mission is simple yet powerful: to keep cancer care local. We proudly serve patients across all of Southwest Florida — from Marco Island to Punta Gorda — offering expert, unbiased oncology guidance right here at home. What sets us apart is our independence: our physicians are not affiliated with any hospital, institution, or pharmaceutical company. That freedom allows them to focus entirely on what matters most — the patient.

Our board-certified oncologists are leaders in their field, providing comprehensive consultations and second opinions for individuals facing a new or ongoing cancer diagnosis — and no referral is ever needed. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, in treatment, or simply seeking reassurance, we ensure they have the knowledge and clarity to make informed decisions. For those unable to see an oncologist right away, we also serve as a bridge between diagnosis and care, helping patients and families navigate the next steps so that no one is left waiting without direction or support.

In addition to medical consultations, Naples Cancer Advisors provides free biomarker and genetic testing, helping patients and their providers identify targeted treatment options tailored to each individual’s cancer profile. Our team goes beyond the medical offering ongoing navigation, education, and resource connection — because we believe that true care extends far beyond the clinic walls.

What many people don’t realize is that patients don’t have to travel to a major city for world-class cancer expertise. Our oncologists often work hand-in-hand with a patient’s existing care team, helping orchestrate treatment locally so families can stay close to home. In fact, most doctors appreciate our involvement — we’re an added layer of expert support that allows them to focus on direct care, while we help interpret complex reports, coordinate testing, and provide patients with clarity and peace of mind.

What makes Naples Cancer Advisors truly unique is that there are only two clinics like ours in the entire world — one in Cincinnati and one right here in Naples. Both are fueled by the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, founded by Dr. William Barrett, whose vision was simple yet profound: to make sure nobody walks the cancer journey alone.

Naples Cancer Advisors represents the “Sunshine” arm of that foundation, working in tandem with our sister clinic, Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, to bring compassion, expertise, and hope from the Skyline to the Sunshine.

Equally unique is our funding model. We are fueled entirely by philanthropy — we don’t bill insurance or patients. Every dollar raised through community giving goes directly toward helping patients and families across Southwest Florida receive expert guidance, advanced testing, and compassionate care — all at no cost.

Our signature fundraising event, Wine, Women & Shoes, perfectly captures the heart of Naples — blending fashion, friendship, and philanthropy to make a real impact. And in 2026, we’re thrilled to debut a brand-new, golf-themed fundraiser called The Million Dollar Shot, an exciting and innovative way to engage our community while raising critical funds to expand local cancer services.

In my role as Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, I have the privilege of connecting people who care with programs that change lives. My background as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, specializing in lung disease and oncology care, gives me a unique understanding of what patients and families are facing — both medically and emotionally.

From Marco Island to Punta Gorda and beyond, our goal is to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Because at Naples Cancer Advisors, care isn’t just about treatment — it’s about hope, connection, and the power of a community standing together.