Moffitt Cancer Center To Honor Army Lieutenant Colonel Breast Cancer Survivor
April Verlo has served 20 plus years in the Army and taught CrossFit. She was “too young and too healthy” to worry about her wellbeing. So when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, it took her by surprise.
She had never done self-breast exams and put off her initial screening mammogram. Verlo came across a lump by accident when her hand slipped off of her loofah while in the shower.
At the time of her diagnosis, Verlo, a lieutenant colonel, was living in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She expedited her transfer to MacDill Air Force Base so she could get treated at Moffitt Cancer Center. She underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation and is now finishing reconstruction.
At 44, Verlo is a breast cancer survivor who enjoys snowboarding and traveling with her husband.
In her career, she has served three combat deployments, totaling approximately 30 months, as well as 15 overseas deployments supporting forces conducting other operations. Verlo is currently the deputy command surgeon at the United States Special Operations Command.
During Moffitt’s fifth annual Veterans Day celebration, Verlo will be presented with a plaque recognizing her for her service to our country.
The Veterans Day tribute also includes a special patriotic performance by the Moffitt choir with our security team raising the flag. Dr. Dana Ataya from the ReMissions will sing the national anthem. Jeff Linck, manager of Quality Patient Safety, is the master of ceremonies for the event.
Media Opportunity
WHAT: Moffitt honors all U.S. military veterans, including Army breast cancer survivor, during Veterans Day ceremony
WHEN: 8:30 – 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11
WHERE: Red Valet flagpole at Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive
Watch video from the 2019 ceremony
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 52 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 7,500 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.