Baptist Health Foundation Hosts Annual Pink Pineapple Luncheon Celebrating the Vision of the Future Al & Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center
MIAMI, FL – October 20, 2025 – Baptist Health Foundation held its annual Pink Pineapple Luncheon on October 8 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The luncheon, presented by Azamara Cruises, was attended by over 200 foundation donors and community members and raised $217,000 to benefit the upcoming Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center.
The program included remarks from Baptist Health Foundation CEO Alex Villoch; Azamara Cruises CEO, Miami Cancer Institute Foundation Board member and Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center Committee member Dondra Ritzenthaler; Chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Director of Robotic Surgery and Director of Clinical Research in Gynecologic Oncology at Baptist Health and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine John Diaz, M.D. The event featured a keynote address by Baptist Health Cancer Care Deputy Director and Chief of Breast Surgery, Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center Medical Director and Memorial Sloan Kettering Alliance Chief Medical Liaison Anastasia Tousimis, M.D.
The event program also featured remarks by Miami Cancer Institute patient Courtney De Stefano. Ms. De Stefano, who was diagnosed with stage 1 gynecologic cancer in 2023, turned to Miami Cancer Insitute and Dr. John Diaz to treat her rare cancer and explore options for fertility preservation. Under Dr. Diaz’s care, she became one of the first patients in the region to undergo a successful uterine transposition—a complex, fertility sparing procedure performed before radiation treatment. Now cancer free, Ms. De Stefano’s story highlights the life-changing impact of innovation, expertise and philanthropically supported care.
“The Women’s Cancer Center mission is clear: to deliver world-class cancer care tailored to women, to advance research and to create an exceptional patient experience,” said Dr. Tousimis “It is a response to a pressing need — cancer is not just a statistic, it’s a story that touches every family.”
Currently under construction and set to open in early 2027, the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center will be a hub for women’s cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship and research. Philanthropic support has ensured it will become both a lifeline for women in South Florida and a destination for women everywhere in need of world-class cancer care.
“Our donors support vital programs at Miami Cancer Institute and fuel expansion like the new Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center, while advancing research and clinical trials that lead to new ways of treating cancer,” said Alex Villoch, who is a breast cancer survivor. “We’re creating something extraordinary and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”
Pink Pineapple Luncheon sponsors included Presenting sponsor Azamara Cruises; Philanthropic chairs Joyce & Tony Esernia; and Rose Gold sponsors iSquared Capital, Media Counselors, the Miami HEAT and NV2A Group.
The Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is poised to revolutionize women’s cancer care in South Florida and beyond. Designed as a premier international destination for breast cancer, gynecologic cancer, reconstructive surgery and skin cancer treatment, this state-of-the-art facility represents a new era in comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care for women. For more information, visit https://baptisthealth.net/services/cancer-care/miami-cancer-institute/about-us/womens-cancer-center.
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
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