Moffitt Cancer Center Spreads Love to Teachers on Valentine’s Day

February 09, 2018

TAMPA, Fla. – Cathy Bishop was about to retire after nearly 35 years as a Hillsborough County teacher and elementary school assistant principal when she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. After surgery and chemotherapy at Moffitt Cancer Center, today she is cancer free. On Valentine’s Day, Bishop will share her cancer journey with other educators for Moffitt’s Hug a Science Teacher event.

On Feb. 14, the Moffitt Healthy KIDZ Program will host 50 Hillsborough County science teachers to show support for the work they do in and out of the classroom.

The teachers will get an in-depth look into breast cancer pathology and put their research hats on for a behind-the-scenes tour of Moffitt’s laboratories. They will also learn proper breathing and stretching techniques during a mindful yoga demonstration — tools they can practice in their classrooms.

“This annual program is a way for us to say thank you to the teachers,” said Nikki Ross-Inda of Moffitt. “There is such a big connection between what we do here and what they do in the classroom, so we hope they will take this Moffitt experience back to their students.”

Moffitt Healthy KIDZ is an innovative health education program for students that teaches the importance of healthy nutrition, exercise and the dangers of smoking. Through this partnership with Hillsborough County schools, Moffitt will showcase opportunities around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.

WHO: Moffitt Cancer Center and Hillsborough County science teachers

WHAT: Moffitt Healthy KIDZ Hug a Science Teacher

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Stabile Research Building, Ferman Family Conference Room

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 5,700 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.

There is such a big connection between what we do here and what they do in the classroom, so we hope they will take this Moffitt experience back to their students.