Florida Cancer Luncheon Raises $60K, Honors 5 Heroes

When hundreds gathered at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club on March 24, they weren't just attending a fashion show. They were investing in hope for cancer patients across Southwest Florida, raising $60,000 for the Lee Health Cancer Institute while honoring five people whose compassion is changing lives.

The annual event combined style with purpose, featuring a silent auction and runway show with local models wearing pieces from Dillard's, Mainstream Boutique, and other area retailers. But the afternoon's true spotlight shone on five award recipients whose stories reveal the many faces of cancer advocacy.

Stella Halpin, a recurrent breast cancer survivor, received the Angel Award for her relentless support of women navigating diagnosis. She hosts support gatherings in her own home, offering empathy and encouragement to fellow survivors facing their toughest days.

Nineteen-year-old Javier De Jesus earned the Guardian Award after pausing his education and job to care for his mother through stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. While grieving his father's recent death from cancer, he became his mother's constant source of strength and faith.

Dr. Nadine Singh's Phoenix Award recognized her work founding Premier Mobile Health Services, a nonprofit delivering preventive screenings to uninsured communities across Lee County. Her mobile healthcare model removes barriers that keep people from early cancer detection.

Five-year breast cancer survivor Molly Grubbs turned her personal battle into a mission, earning the Big Heart Award for her mentorship, public speaking, and partnerships with local businesses to raise awareness and funds.

Amber Grinder's story shows how one person's determination can create massive impact. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004, she founded Amber's Antibodies, which has donated over $1.7 million to Southwest Florida families affected by cancer and contributed more than $220,000 to research. Her Dee Congress Super Star Volunteer Award recognizes this extraordinary commitment.

The Ripple Effect

The $60,000 raised supports expanding services at Lee Health Cancer Institute, including the donor-funded Cancer Support Community. "This event is a celebration of everyone who stands alongside our patients," said Deb Wilson, vice president of operations. "Their commitment strengthens our ability to expand advanced treatments and supportive services right here in our community."

Every dollar keeps exceptional care close to home, meaning Southwest Florida patients can access cutting-edge treatment without traveling far from their support networks.

When cancer touches a community, that community has a choice about how to respond, and Southwest Florida is choosing compassion, one fashion show and countless acts of kindness at a time.