Jessica Schwarzkopf Honors CAR T Patient during Veterans Day Celebration at Moffitt Cancer Center
Floyd Cook spent 20 years traveling the world working reconnaissance missions in the United States Air Force. But the biggest battle of his life was fought at Moffitt Cancer Center. Five years ago, Cook started feeling extremely exhausted. When the fatigue forced him to stop playing basketball, he went to the doctor and was eventually diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
He spent years undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but it was CAR T therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor therapy, that sent him into remission in the summer of 2018. Yet, something still didn’t feel quite right and shortly thereafter, doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer.
Just weeks after undergoing surgery, Cook is Moffitt’s guest of honor at the cancer center’s third annual Veterans Day celebration. “It’s an honor to be given this opportunity to celebrate my military career and my journey with cancer,” Cook says.
Jessica Schwarzkopf, breast cancer survivor and daughter of the late Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, will present Cook with a plaque recognizing him for his service to our country. Like his daughter, Gen. Schwarzkopf beat cancer and was an advocate for early screening.
Cook says receiving the honor from Schwarzkopf means a lot because he served under the general at U.S. Central Command and admired him.
As for Cook, he is now in remission for the lung cancer. He will return to Moffitt every six months for the next two years for follow up visits and routine screenings.
In addition to honoring Cook, the tribute includes a special patriotic performance by the Moffitt chorale. Gaither High School’s Junior ROTC Color Guard will also present the colors and raise the flag.
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WHAT: Moffitt’s Veterans Day Celebration
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 9, 8:30 – 9 a.m.
WHERE: Moffitt Cancer Center, Red Valet, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
INTERVIEWS: Jessica Schwarzkopf, Floyd Cook, veterans, Moffitt team members
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is a Top 10 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 6,000 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.1 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.