Moffitt Cancer Center Asks Florida Lawmakers to Continue Investment in Cancer Research
TAMPA, Fla. — Moffitt Cancer Center President and CEO Alan F. List, M.D., joined Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and his wife, Katie, at the state Capitol today to highlight a serious public health issue that millions of Floridians are facing — cancer. Florida ranks No. 2 in the nation for cancer incidence and death. While tremendous progress has been made to develop new discoveries and treatments for cancer, the number of people with the disease has risen.
“More than 130,000 Floridians will receive a cancer diagnosis this year. And many will seek out Moffitt for their treatment. In order to keep up with our increasing patient volumes and our commitment to provide and develop the best cancer therapies for our patients, our clinical and research facilities need to expand,” said List. “We are asking the state Legislature to continue its investment in Moffitt and the fight against cancer. Our patients and their families are depending on it.”
“Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the doctors, nurses and staff at Moffitt Cancer Center for the incredible support and care they provide every patient — including my wife, Katie, during her cancer treatment. Cancer impacts so many families and is prevalent among our firefighters. Thank you to Moffitt for making us feel like a priority, not just a number, and leaving a positive impact on our lives forever,” said CFO Patronis.
Today’s news conference was part of the 14th annual Moffitt Day, which brought more than 80 volunteers, including patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers and cancer center staff, to the state Capitol in support of Moffitt. Advocates met with lawmakers, sharing Moffitt’s mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer and asking for continued support for Florida’s premier cancer center.
Moffitt is the No. 8 cancer hospital in the United States and the only Florida-based cancer center to receive the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute.
Click here for video and here for photos of the day.
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 50 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 $2.5 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.