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Keeping Cancer Care Local

by Nikki Audia,
Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement,
Naples Cancer Advisors
nikki@naplescanceradvisors.org

s a proud Naples stay close to home. In fact, most doctors
native, I’ve appreciate our involvement — we’re an
Awatched this added layer of expert support that allows
community grow from them to focus on direct care, while we
a quiet coastal town help interpret complex reports, coordinate
into one of the most testing, and provide patients with clarity
compassionate and connected regions in and peace of mind.
Southwest Florida. Yet even with world- What makes Naples Cancer Advisors
class medical facilities, too many families still face one of life’s truly unique is that there are only two clinics like ours in the
hardest challenges — cancer. For me, this mission is deeply entire world — one in Cincinnati and one right here in Naples.
personal. I’ve lost six family members to lung cancer, and that loss Both are fueled by the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, founded
continues to inspire everything I do. by Dr. William Barrett, whose vision was simple yet profound: to
At Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA), our mission is simple yet make sure nobody walks the cancer journey alone. Naples Cancer
powerful: to keep cancer care local. We proudly serve patients Advisors represents the “Sunshine” arm of that foundation,
across all of Southwest Florida — from Marco Island to Punta working in tandem with our sister clinic, Cincinnati Cancer
Gorda — offering expert, unbiased oncology guidance right here Advisors, to bring compassion, expertise, and hope from the
at home. What sets us apart is our independence: our physicians Skyline to the Sunshine.
are not affiliated with any hospital, institution, or pharmaceutical Equally unique is our funding model. We are fueled entirely
company. That freedom allows them to focus entirely on what by philanthropy — we don’t bill insurance or patients. Every
matters most — the patient. dollar raised through community giving goes directly toward
Our board-certified oncologists are leaders in their field, helping patients and families across Southwest Florida receive
providing comprehensive consultations and second opinions for expert guidance, advanced testing, and compassionate care — all
individuals facing a new or ongoing cancer diagnosis — and no at no cost.
referral is ever needed. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, Our signature fundraising event, Wine, Women & Shoes,
in treatment, or simply seeking reassurance, we ensure they have perfectly captures the heart of Naples — blending fashion,
the knowledge and clarity to make informed decisions. For those friendship, and philanthropy to make a real impact. And in 2026,
unable to see an oncologist right away, we also serve as a bridge we’re thrilled to debut a brand-new, golf-themed fundraiser
between diagnosis and care, helping patients and families navigate called The Million Dollar Shot, an exciting and innovative way
the next steps so that no one is left waiting without direction or to engage our community while raising critical funds to expand
support. local cancer services.
In addition to medical consultations, Naples Cancer Advisors In my role as Director of Philanthropy & Community
provides free biomarker and genetic testing, helping patients and Engagement, I have the privilege of connecting people who care
their providers identify targeted treatment options tailored to each with programs that change lives. My background as a Registered
individual’s cancer profile. Our team goes beyond the medical — Respiratory Therapist, specializing in lung disease and oncology
offering ongoing navigation, education, and resource connection care, gives me a unique understanding of what patients and
— because we believe that true care extends far beyond the clinic families are facing — both medically and emotionally.
walls. From Marco Island to Punta Gorda and beyond, our goal
What many people don’t realize is that patients don’t have is to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Because at Naples
to travel to a major city for world-class cancer expertise. Our Cancer Advisors, care isn’t just about treatment — it’s about
oncologists often work hand-in-hand with a patient’s existing care hope, connection, and the power of a community standing
team, helping orchestrate treatment locally so families can together.

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