IMPACT
2021 REPORT
t r o p p u e S p o & e H c i & v g r S e e a li n H
It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Nelson Mandela
Cancer can inspire and unite us. Dear Friends, The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation provides hope and peace of mind to patients during one of the toughest journeys a person can face. The challenges presented to us by the lingering pandemic did not dim the celebratory spirit of our tenth anniversary year. In fact, they inspired us and brought to light the immense power in our shared connections and commitment to assist those in need, resulting in the following: The FCS Foundation provided close to $1.5 million in financial grants during 2021, enabling adult cancer patients to focus on healing. Grants were awarded to adults throughout Florida receiving treatment from FCS and non- FCS providers. No qualified applicant was turned away. Despite the continued cancellation of inperson fundraising events, many of our generous donors renewed or increased their support and others contributed for the first time. We saw an increase in individual giving,
spurred by opportunities such as our Butterfly Tribute to give in memory or in honor of someone special or to establish a planned gift through our Legacy of Hope Society. After a 15-month ‘pause,’ volunteers returned mid-year to FCS clinics and the Foundation office. The virtual volunteer program, created out of necessity to maintain social distancing, has become a successful and permanent initiative that has enhanced our ability to process grant applications as quickly as possible.
In this 2021 Impact Report, we are proud to spotlight the collective impact of the generosity, thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness that have made a meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families. We thank you and express our deepest appreciation for your ongoing support.
Maen Hussein, Board Chairman
Lynn Rasys, Executive Director
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The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation allowed me to focus more on my healing and resting rather than finances and medical bills. The Foundation assisted with my car payments and cell phone bill, which were extremely important. I needed a vehicle to drive to the hospital for appointments and my phone to access lab results and prescriptions, as well as to receive doctor calls regarding appointments and tests. To my care team, thank you and I love you. I would not be here today without you.
Marissa Young, Grant Recipient
Mission 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.
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Financial Aid No qualified cancer patient was turned away. Since inception, the Foundation awarded over $9M in patient grants and assisted 6,500 patients and their families. • Patient grants are $2,000 per calendar year for non-medical everyday living expenses • Provided nearly $1.5M in patient assistance grants in 2021
25%
Auto Expenses
22%
Utilities
53%
Mortgage/Rent
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I used the funds to help pay my Duke Energy bill and my auto insurance... I just can’t thank the people who are willing to donate enough.
Sam Hartong, Grant Recipient 5
Revenue
Revenue Sources in 2021 The pandemic continued to impact our fundraising. The FCS Foundation made the decision to postpone in person events until 2022. Although some fundraising was shifted to online platforms, overall revenue was down substantially. Since its inception, the FCS Foundation has raised close to $15M.
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18% Events
9%
IMO/IHO
10%
Businesses
63%
Individuals
Gary Jones | Donor “My late wife, Candice Steckler Jones (pictured above), was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. The initial treatment was infusion chemotherapy at Florida Cancer Specialists Sarasota Cattlemen clinic, supervised by medical oncologist Richard Buck, MD. The one constant in those challenging times was the care, compassion and unstinting professionalism of Dr. Buck and his team, and the infusion nurses and reception staff at FCS. I saw first-hand the overwhelming needs of those without the resources to fight this cruel and invasive illness. In Candice’s memory, I arranged a charitable bequest to the FCS Foundation to help those in need. I was honored to have the ‘The Candice Steckler Jones Infusion Room’ named for her at FCS Sarasota Cattlemen Road -- a wonderful tribute to a life well lived.”
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Our History
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
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MILESTONE Awarded over $1M in financial aid
Moved to Bradenton, FL
NOV. 2019 2017
2020 2018 Grant award increased to $2,000 Merger with Cancer Care Centers of Brevard Foundation
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Raul Storey, MD | FCS Medical Oncologist, Vero Beach “A cancer diagnosis can change everything for patients and their families. I strongly believe in helping those in need to ensure they have transportation, a roof over their heads and that the electricity is on. By supporting the FCS Foundation, I know that 100% of my donations assist cancer patients with their critical living expenses so they can focus on fighting cancer and recovery.”
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David & Motria Deluca | Volunteers “David and I first became aware of the FCS Foundation after we became patients at Florida Cancer Specialists. We both have a passion for volunteering and decided to investigate available opportunities with the Foundation. What we found were opportunities that are well-suited to both of our talents and interests. I assist patients by phone – helping them initiate and complete online applications. David reviews online applications for critical information and assists with various administrative tasks. Our experience at FCSF has been very satisfying and inspirational. We have witnessed the dedication of the staff and been privileged to help guide applicants toward resources. Overall, volunteering at FCSF is a heartwarming opportunity to help others.”
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Volunteer Support Jeremiah Mendez, Volunteer | FCS New Tampa Cancer Center “My experience has been more than what I could ask for. After just a few weeks of volunteering I was already on a first name basis with the patients and the nurses. This opportunity has allowed me to build connections and make an impact on patients going through treatment. Whether it be a warm blanket or just an ear to listen, in every interaction you can see the difference it makes and that’s what I love the most!”
Vivianette Ortiz, Volunteer 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 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.”
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PATIENT SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS
270 Volunteers
53 FCS Clinics
FOUNDATION OFFICE SUPPORT
20 Volunteers
• FCS Foundation supports cancer patients in many ways. 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. • The virtual volunteer program initiated due to the pandemic has now become a successful ongoing program. Volunteers assist remotely with responding to patient inquiries and processing applications.
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Looking Ahead
MATTER MAKING MUSIC AN EVENING OF
Butterfly Release With your continued involvement and charitable support, we will build on our solid foundation and achieve new levels of success in the years ahead. Join with us through your participation in our signature events and fundraising programs to ensure that the FCS Foundation can continue to deliver on its mission to bring hope and peace of mind to cancer patients in need.
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Awards SRQ Magazine Named by SRQ Magazine as a Gold Winner in the 2021 Best of SRQ Local Annual Readers Competition in two categories: Best Local Nonprofit and Best Nonprofit to Adapt.
Guide Star Platinum Seal 2021 Awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the organization’s 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.
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Board of Directors Officers
Maen Hussein, MD Chariman Leesburg, FL
Cory J. Person, Esq. Secretary Tampa, FL
Thomas Uhler Treasurer Sanibel, FL
Members
Michael Diaz, MD Saint Petersburg, FL
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Cherylle Hayes, MD Gainesville, FL
Crystal O’Donohue Tim O’Donohue Ocala, FL
John Shwiner Wellington, FL
Raul Storey, MD Vero Beach, FL
Make An Impact Florida Cancer Specialists 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!
Volunteer
Donate •
In memory or in honor of someone special
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Patient Support volunteer
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Monthly recurring gifts
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Foundation office volunteers (virtual and in-person)
Special Events •
Committee membership
Shop •
Branded attire
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Greeting cards created by FCS cancer patients
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AmazonSmile
Leaving a Legacy of Hope assists cancer patients in need through a will, trust agreement, prepaid life insurance policy or other estate-plan vehicle.
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5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Bradenton 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 20-4616813. 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 800-4357352 within the state of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
FCSF.org