Service & Support Healing & Hope FCSF.org
IMPACT
2020
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
Margaret J. Wheatley
2020
A year we will never forget.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every facet of our lives, forcing us to pause and pivot, and figure out how to do much of what we do in different ways. Despite the many twists and turns and challenges, the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation continued to assist cancer patients across Florida without disruption. A cancer patient’s journey is intense. To go the distance, cancer demands tenacity. And often requires asking for help. As we reflect upon this unanticipated global event, it’s clear that the pandemic has brought to light many positive things – that we are united by a passion to assist those in need and that there is immense power in our shared connections. Our passion and our connections fueled us to forge ahead and not give up. Since our inception, the FCS Foundation has never turned away a qualified applicant. And while the pandemic greatly impacted our fundraising success, with revenue down $700,000 due to the cancellation of signature fundraising events, we were still able to assist every qualified applicant and provided over $1.7 million in patient assistance grants by year-end. Since the start of the pandemic, our connections sustained us in the following ways: • STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS worked from home and continued to respond to patient phone calls and process grant applications within one week.
• PATIENT SERVICE VOLUNTEERS furloughed from in-clinic service organized efforts to make and donate homemade masks for patients and their family members. They shared notes and cards and words of support with patients continuing their cancer journey amidst new obstacles, and to express gratitude to our dedicated and tireless health care heroes.
• WITH THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR GENEROUS DONORS FCS physicians and employees, community partners and corporate sponsors, the Foundation remains available for those diagnosed with cancer who continue to need our help, now more than ever.
In this Impact Report, we are proud to spotlight our community connections. We’re quite sure you will be deeply touched, as we have been, by the collective impact of generosity, thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness – that together have made such a meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families. Thank you for your ongoing support of FCS Foundation.
Michael Diaz, MD Chairman, FCS Foundation Board
Lynn Rasys Executive Director
IMPACT 2020
Not only are you worried about your sickness, you’re worried financially — ‘Am I going to lose my house? Am I going to lose my car?’ The FCS Foundation helped us to keep our car and much needed transportation.
Tony & Lynn Morton
The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides financial support to qualified adult cancer patients in the state of Florida for expenses such as rent or mortgage, car payments and utility bills. By giving patients peace of mind in knowing that their bills are being paid while they are undergoing treatment, the FCS Foundation allows them to concentrate on what really matters – fighting cancer. Due to the generosity of the Florida Cancer Specialists physicians in covering all overhead expenses for the Foundation, 100% of donations received go directly towards paying the essential non-medical living expenses of an adult battling cancer.
Mission
IMPACT 2020
No qualified cancer patient was turned away. Since inception, grants of over $7.7M were awarded to cancer patients • Patient grants are $2,000 per calendar year for non-medical everyday living expenses. • Provided $1.7 million in patient assistance grants in 2020, an 18% increase over prior year
20%
Utilities
22%
Auto Expenses
58%
Mortgage/Rent
Financial Aid
The Foundation’s help allowed me to continue with my care and live my life a little bit more stress free.
Celia Wright
The Foundation definitely has the patient’s best interest at heart. They were there when I needed them.
Glen Reed
IMPACT 2020
The pandemic greatly impacted our fundraising. We were forced to cancel or postpone almost all signature events. The FCS Foundation has raised over $13 million since inception. And although we shifted some of our fundraisers to virtual platforms, overall contributions were down substantially.
Typical Revenue Sources
45%
Events/ Sponsors
8%
Business
2%
Grants
5%
Memorials
40%
Individuals
Income
Maen Hussein, MD | FCS Physician (pictured above with wife, Michelle Viveiros, DNP, APRN, NP-C) “A cancer diagnosis is a life changer for patients and their families. When we can relieve burdens such as rent, electric bills or other expenses, we help patients achieve the goal of conquering cancer. It is also part of my faith that helping others during times of stress is one of the most favorable deeds we can do.”
IMPACT 2020
Tom Kidd | Founder & CEO Joan L. Kidd Memorial Foundation “The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The two most important days in our lives are the day we are born and the day we find out why. Over the years, I have supported many efforts engaged in making a difference in the lives of others. My heartfelt support of the Foundation’s efforts to ease the financial burden of cancer patients and their families is best described by the words of a famous poet If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin, Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. – Emily Dickenson”
Donor Testimonials
IMPACT 2020
Merger with Gulf Coast Oncology Group of Pinellas County
Official re-launch in Sarasota, FL
JULY 2014 JAN. 2011
2015 MAY 2012
Patient Support Volunteer Program launched Moved to FCS corporate headquarters in Fort Myers, FL
MILESTONE Awarded over $1M in financial aid
Moved to Lakewood Ranch, FL
NOV. 2019 2017
2020 2018 Grant award increased to $2,000 Merger with Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation
Our History
PATIENT SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
387 Clinic Volunteers
60 FCS Clinics
FOUNDATION OFFICE SUPPORT
32 Virtual Volunteers
• FCS Foundation supports cancer patients in other ways as well, through our Patient Support Volunteer Program. Volunteers provide comfort to patients undergoing infusion treatments at FCS clinics by bringing a warm blanket, snacks and beverages, or by lending a listening ear. • Virtual volunteers assist with responding to patient inquiries and processing applications.
Volunteer
IMPACT 2020
Volunteering provides me with the privilege to know amazing patients and nurses who inspire me. I’m happy to help them in any way possible. I am very grateful that I can have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life even for a moment.
Patricia Shapiro, Volunteer | FCS Naples West Clinic
Vivianette Ortiz, Volunteer | FCS Brooksville/Virtual “Once I chose to continue my educational journey in Puerto Rico, my decision to stay with the FCS Foundation as a virtual volunteer was a simple one to make. The time I have spent over the last year both at the FCS Brooksville Cancer Center and then as a virtual volunteer has been so enlightening. I am always excited to volunteer on my days because of the amazing efforts of the Foundation to help as many patients as possible. The virtual volunteer program has taught me many valuable lessons that I will always keep in mind. 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.”
Jim Summers,Volunteer Lead & former FCS patient | Tampa “Diagnosed and treated at FCS Medical Park for large B-cell lymphoma, I returned to work and a “normal” life with a new title—Cancer Survivor. To this day I am eternally thankful to Dr. Rafael Blanco and the wonderful, dedicated nurses at FCS. They helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. Upon my retirement in the fall of 2015, I traveled, rested, played some golf and spoke with my wife about how I could “give back.” I knew where I needed to be. My volunteer commitment at the Medical Park office of FCS began in February 2017. My experience has been nothing short of amazing. I have enjoyed working with the nurses, some of whom ministered to me when I was a patient. I have gained so much satisfaction and gratification engaging with the patients, those going through their own personal journeys. I hope that my being there has helped. I certainly get more out of it than I put in, that is for sure! It has been, and continues to be, a fantastic way to serve others.”
IMPACT 2020 Erica Schivinski & her mother Claudia Berg | Cape Coral In 2020, Claudia Berg endured hardship following her surgery and radiation treatments for endometrial cancer. She had been displaced from her home since Hurricane Irma and, at age 74, continued to work fulltime to make ends meet. FCS Foundation provided financial support with her rent and car insurance. “Those few months of financial assistance enabled my mom to take care of other bills and breathe for a moment. We will be forever indebted to you for the helping hand and getting my mother through this crisis.”
Ella Hunter, Grant Recipient | Tampa “I was diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago and lost my job and then my car because I could not work. It was so stressful because I had a hard time paying my bills. FCSF took a big burden off me ensuring I had a safe place to live, and I am so forever grateful.”
Our Stories
IMPACT 2020
2021 - A milestone year celebrating our 10th anniversary. It is with a celebratory spirit we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation in 2021. We can take great pride in knowing that the FCS Foundation provides hope so patients can focus on healing and achieving the best possible outcomes. At a time when it is needed most, we lift the burden of worry. With your continued support, we can make an even greater impact for cancer patients and their families by providing immediate financial aid for essential everyday living expenses. We look forward to a bright future as the Foundation rolls out new initiatives and programs including our focus on planned giving and the Legacy of Hope Society and the launch of the Five-Year Pledge Diamond Club.
What’s Ahead
I would stay up at night feeding our son and rocking him to sleep, thinking, ‘How will we pay next month’s bills?’ FCS Foundation helped our family through that time.
Katelyn Corbett
WEDU Be More Humble Award The FCS Foundation was awarded the WEDU Be More Humble Award. This award is driven by an online poll with votes from the general public in the WEDU PBS viewing area.
SRQ Magazine Best Charity Event Party Under the Stars, 2020 Winner of the 2020 Best of SRQ Magazine for Best Charity Event.
IMPACT 2020 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency Awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the organization’s newest and highest level of recognition.
President’s Volunteer Service Award The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) honors those whose service positively impacts their communities and inspires those around them to take action. Fourteen FCS Foundation honorees volunteered a total of 5,149 hours at Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) clinics and/or for the Foundation in 2019, earning each individual either a Gold or Silver award.
Awards
IMPACT 2020
FCS Foundation Board of Directors Michael Diaz, MD Board Chair Saint Petersburg, FL
Shelly H. Glenn Secretary Lakewood Ranch, FL
J. Thomas Uhler Treasurer Sanibel, FL
Cherylle Hayes, MD, Gainesville, FL | Maen Hussein, MD, Leesburg, FL Tom Kidd, Daytona Beach, FL | Crystal O’Donohue, Ocala, FL Tim O’Donohue, Ocala, FL | Cory J. Person, Esq., Tampa, FL John Shwiner, Wellington, FL | Raul E. Storey, MD, Vero Beach, FL
Leadership
Make An Impact Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation appreciates the generosity of the corporations, foundations, and individuals who make a difference in our communities. Their generous support makes a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients in the state of Florida. Thank you.
DONATE • In memory of or in honor of • Monthly recurring gifts
VOLUNTEER • Patient Support volunteer • Virtual Foundation office volunteers
SHOP • FCSF face masks • Greeting cards created by FCS cancer patients • Amazon Smile
Please consider leaving your Legacy of Hope to assist cancer patients in need through a will, trust agreement, prepaid life insurance policy or other estate-plan vehicle.
5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 Phone: (941) 677-7181 Fax: (813) 623-4703
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides non-medical, financial and emotional support to cancer patients in the state of Florida. The Foundation’s EIN number is 204616813. The Foundation is also registered in the state of Florida, Registration No. CH24320. A copy of the official state registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the state of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
FCSF.org