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With your support, we can help cancer

TOGETHER WE CAN patients in need with their living expenses
so they can concentrate on fighting cancer.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
by Jackie Bearse
Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation Board Member to individuals in Florida battling cancer by attending
its biennial signature fundraising event – “Time to
TFounding Chair of Time to Remember Remember” on April 16, 2016 at The Ritz-Carlton,
he Thompsons imagined retirement as long walks along a sandy beach, Naples. (For more information please read the side
with picturesque sunsets. But instead they were both diagnosed with story here.)
cancer – two months apart. He with lung cancer and she had a malignant
tumor in her breast. Now instead of their leisurely walks – they are going Together we have and will continue to
through cancer treatment together – on a fixed income. Behind in their car payment significantly impact and directly touch the lives of
and with overdue utility bills, the Thompsons applied for and were given immediate cancer patients in Florida.
assistance from the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
JOIN US
As two-time cancer survivor and a patient myself, I spent many hours sitting
in waiting rooms listening to fellow cancer patients – just like the Thompsons –
discuss very real and frightening problems about how to pay their bills and keep a
roof over their heads while undergoing treatment. When you are fighting cancer,
you don’t need the extra stress of worrying about finances too.

A VISION OF HELPING ALL OF THOSE FIGHTING CANCER Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
Invites You to a Time to Remember
Fortunately Dr. Bill Harwin, president and founder of Florida Cancer Specialists
(FCS), had a vision. As an Oncologist, who treats cancer patients, he was acutely When: Saturday, April 16, 2016
aware of the financial burden cancer typically imposes on a family budget. His Time: 6 – 11 p.m.
vision was to complete the circle of care – from providing clinical care to providing
financial assistance to patients in need so they could focus on what really matters – Where: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Naples
fighting their cancer. What: Cocktails, conversation, dinner and

A group of FCS physicians joined Dr. Harwin in making his dream a reality, dancing
and together established and funded the FCS Foundation, which transitioned to a Entertainment: Live performance by Martha
501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a mission to fund the real and everyday needs of families
with mortgage, rent, phone, electricity and water bills through its AVAIL fund. The Reeves & The Vandellas
Foundation helps non-FCS patients as well. Live Auction: Fund-A-Family live bidding
experience to directly support families of
What’s important to know is that the Foundation staff and overhead are paid cancer patients. Live auction of unique items
for by FCS, which means that every dollar raised by the Foundation goes directly
to helping cancer patients. and experiences.
Benefiting: The FCS Foundation providing
FUTURE FUNDING COMES FROM
COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT non-medical living expense assistance to
qualified cancer patients.
Within the first years, patient financial assistance requests increased by 85% and
it became necessary to engage the help and generosity of the community for the Patty Baker, Chair • Jackie Bearse, Founding
less fortunate. Chair • Kirsten Ferrara & Jean Hertzog:
Co-chairs
In 2014, I had the privilege of chairing the first major fundraising event “Rio
Carnival” where FCS physicians, partner physicians, patients, survivors, corporate Tickets are $600 per person and
business partners and supportive guests came together at the sold-out event. With sponsorship/underwriting are available.
this major effort and other donations to the FCS Foundation grants given to
patients in need have exceeded $1 million. For More Information: please call
941.677.7181 or visit
However, there is more work to do and we need everyone’s help.
Please join the Foundation in its ongoing effort to provide meaningful support Foundation.FLCancer.com/Time

84 Life in Naples | December 2015