Celebrating Cancer Survivors During Daytona Tortugas Baseball Game

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 12, 2018 In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day, more than 400 community members joined Florida Hospital and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) to recognize and celebrate cancer survivors during a minor league baseball game between the Daytona Tortugas and the Clearwater Threshers.

Those in attendance at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach on June 5 had battled various types of cancer. Some were still undergoing treatment, while others were celebrating more than 20 years of being cancer-free. 

Nine cancer survivors Margie Alabise, Linda Comyn, Kent Fogelson, Paul Gutierrez, Jody Noble, Ernie Rossi, Olivia Rossi, Maria Vargas, and Bill Wiggins stood on the field with the Daytona Tortugas team during the national anthem. One survivor, Penny Malinofsky of Palm Coast, threw out the first pitch alongside Dr. Christopher Alexander, FCS medical oncologist. 

Before the game began, Florida Hospital and FCS hosted a barbecue dinner for guests for fellowship with survivors, staff and physicians. 

This event was hosted in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day which is observed each year on the first Sunday in June. This annual observation provides an opportunity for all those living with a history of cancer including Americas more than 15.5 million cancer survivors to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors quality of life.

About Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region

A member of Adventist Health System, Florida Hospitals mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ. Encompassing seven Florida Hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region is the largest hospital system in the area, with 1,226 beds and more than 7,800 employees. The Florida Hospital Central Florida Division - North Region includes Florida Hospital DeLand in DeLand, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City, Florida Hospital Flagler in Palm Coast, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida Hospital Oceanside in Ormond Beach, Florida Hospital New Smyrna in New Smyrna Beach, and Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares.

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: (FLCancer.com)

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) is the largest independent medical oncology/hematology practice in the United States. With more than 220 physicians, 180 nurse practitioners and physician assistants and nearly 100 locations in our network, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care in community-based settings close to home.  FCS offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past 3 years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.*

* Prior to approval