Baptist Health Foundation Hosts Annual Pink Pineapple Luncheon in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
MIAMI, FL – October 30, 2024 – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Baptist Health Foundation held its Annual Pink Pineapple Luncheon on October 24 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The luncheon, which was also hosted by philanthropic chairs Joyce and Tony Esernia, was attended by more than 160 foundation donors and community members who enjoyed an afternoon of empowerment, education, celebration and connection. Sponsored by the Miami HEAT, the event raised more than $70,000 to benefit Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
The program included remarks from Miami Cancer Institute CEO and Executive Medical Director Michael Zinner, M.D. and Baptist Health Foundation CEO Alex Villoch. Keynote speaker featured Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Director of Research, Breast Service and Department of Surgery George Plitas, M.D. Breast cancer survivor and Miami Cancer Institute patient Monica Ortiz also shared remarks about her cancer experience.
Since opening its doors in 2017, Miami Cancer Institute has grown to be one of the largest cancer centers in Florida, and is ranked as the #1 cancer program in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report, with a team of leading experts and top researchers from across the country. It is a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which assists in expanding access to clinical trials for cancer patients.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this annual event recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our patients,” said Dr. Zinner. “Breast cancer patients make up about a quarter of the total patients we see at Miami Cancer Institute, which is why it’s important that we spotlight the progress we’re making in treatment, as well as the need for further research and trials.”
Keynote speaker Dr. George Plitas spoke to the attendees about the clinical trial collaboration between Miami Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as immunotherapy research and its potential in the treatment of breast cancer. The program concluded with an informative Q & A session. Guests were were given gift bags featuring fresh PinkGlow® pineapples donated by Fresh Del Monte, as well as gifts from New Beauty and Tarte Cosmetics.
The Institute recently broke ground on the new Baptist Health Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer, a state-of-the-art 155,000 square foot facility on the main campus of Baptist Health in Miami. The Center will provide personalized cancer care and support services for women, pioneering research and an exceptional patient experience, all in one location. It is part of the organization’s efforts to expand cancer care throughout the South Florida region.
“We’re so grateful to those who came together for this important event, and showed their support for our patients and physicians,” said Alex Villoch, who is a breast cancer survivor. “With more patients being diagnosed with breast cancer, often at younger ages, the need for world-class care and advanced treatment is critical. Philanthropy is helping Baptist Health fulfill these needs.”
For more information about Miami Cancer Institute, visit baptisthealth.net/services/cancer-care/miami-cancer-institute.
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. 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 Instagram and Facebook.
About Miami Cancer Institute
Miami Cancer Institute brings to South Florida access to personalized clinical treatments and comprehensive support services delivered with unparalleled compassion. No other cancer program in the region has the combination of cancer-fighting expertise and advanced technology—including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and one of the only radiation oncology programs in the world with each of the newest radiation therapies in one place—to diagnose and deliver precise cancer treatments that achieve the best outcomes and improve the lives of cancer patients. The Institute offers an impressive roster of established community oncologists and renowned experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. Selected as Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer (MSK) Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a meaningful clinical collaboration that affords patients in South Florida access to innovative treatments and ensures that the standards of care developed by their multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. For more information, please visit https://cancer.baptisthealth.net/miami-cancer-institute.
Miami Cancer Institute is part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, the largest cancer program in South Florida, with locations from the Florida Keys to the Palm Beaches.
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