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About Moffitt Center
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is
Located in Tampa, Florida on the University of South Florida campus.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (www.moffitt.org) is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control.
Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in the state of Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico.
Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals for cancer.
Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
15th Annual Magnolia Ball
A benefit for the
Moffitt Cancer Center
May 3, 2008
A La Carte Event Pavilion
Tampa, Florida
Moffitt brings hope to those being told
the dreaded three words: "You have cancer."
Moffitt Cancer Center Founder,
The Honorable
H. Lee Moffitt with his wife, Dianne
David "Lags" Lageschulte issued
a $750,000 matching gift challenge.
Honorary Chairs Don and Erica Wallace responded to the "Lags" challenge with a $100,000 gift
Benjamin H. Hill, III
Chairman of the
Moffitt Foundation Board
U.S. Senator Connie Mack with
Dianne Davant Moffitt
Shay and Bob Griese. Bob announced a $40,000 gift from the Shula Foundation
Dr. Craig Stevens, MD, PhD, Mesothelioma Radiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, with his wife, Nancy; Tracey Bepler and Dr. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. Division chief of Thoracic Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Monsignor Laurence Higgins with
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Donaldson
Tom Tracy, Leah Miles Tracy, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Feder
In a surprise announcement, Ball Honorary Chair Nick and Karen Valvano of the V Foundation pledged another $750,000. When it was all over, the match challenge brought a total of $2.549 million. Above Nick makes his pledge.
Donna and Kevin Moore (Silver Sponsor Manhattan Construction)
with his brother, Terry Moore, and wife, Jennifer.
W. Jackson Pledger, Ph.D, Director of Research at
Moffitt Cancer Center, with Moffitt benefactor
David "Lags" Lageschulte
Photos by
Ronald Tee Johnson
Palm Beach Today
Lea and Jeff LeVines
CHICAGO is one of the best-loved and most successful bands in rock ‘n roll history – with worldwide sales of more than 120 million records and an astonishing 50 hits in the U.S. alone.
Of their albums, 18 are gold, 13 are platinum, 12 have reached the top 10, and 5 have hit #1.
Of their singles, CHICAGO enjoys 20 Top 10 hits, 5 #1 records and 5 gold singles. In addition, they have also received a Grammy Award, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to be a top live attraction, successfully touring throughout the U.S. and internationally every year.
CHICAGO is a pop-rock-blues-jazz-fusion band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The band started as a politically charged, sometimes experimental rock band and later moved to a softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had a steady stream of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Second only to the Beach Boys, CHICAGO, in terms of singles and albums, is one of the longest running and most successful U.S. pop/rock and roll groups. According to Billboard, CHICAGO was the leading U.S. singles charting group during the 1970s.
Jean Fischer and husband, Charles, came from Palm Beach to support Moffitt. They head Cancer Alliance of Health & Hope
“Tonight is a celebration,” President and CEO William Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., told the audience of 800 at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. “Through your support we are working toward a cure for cancer.”
Cutest in the Auction.
In the Live Auction, items like Be a Fighter Pilot for a Day and a trip to the 2009 Masters Tournament kept the bids high. Maher Chevrolet contributed $10,000 for each item that sold for its market price up to $100,000. Maher’s match brought the Live Auction total to $297,570. Guests also bid on vacation getaways and sports memorabilia in the Silent Auction, which raised $62,000.
Palm Beach Today's Society Editor, Maya Johnson,
with Honorable H. Lee Moffitt and wife, Dianne.
Miami Dolphin great Bob Griese signing a Tampa Bay helmet?
(Son Brian is a Buc quarterback this season)
Chicago at the 2008 Magnolia Ball
The Sights & Sounds
Photos by
Ronald Tee Johnson
Palm Beach Today
Chateau Mer au Lac
Chateau Mer au Lac
Manalapan, Florida
World Class
Ocean-to-Intracoastal Estate
Leah Miles Tracy, Stephanie Greiner and Terilee Beydoun
Tampa, May 3, 2008 – In an awesome evening of high auction bids, an incredible match challenge, major pledges, and sponsorships, guests of the 15th annual Magnolia Ball helped to raise $3.2 million on May 3 to benefit patient care, research, education and the Magnolia Lodging Program at Moffitt Cancer Center.
These proceeds exceed last year’s net results by $600,000. The Magnolia Ball remains the only black-tie gala in the Tampa Bay area to accomplish this feat.
“Tonight is a celebration,” President and CEO William Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., told the audience of 800 at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. “Through your support we are working toward a cure for cancer.”
After noshing on lobster tails and petit filets, guests eagerly awaited the Rise to the Challenge. Entrepreneur Dave Lageschulte pledged $750,000 and challenged the audience to match his gift. Paddles waved in the air for about 20 minutes as the guests exceeded the match. Also, in a surprise announcement, Ball Honorary Chair Nick Valvano of the V Foundation pledged another $750,000. When it was all over, the match challenge brought a total of $2.549 million!
In the Live Auction, items like Be a Fighter Pilot for a Day and a trip to the 2009 Masters Tournament kept the bids high. Maher Chevrolet contributed $10,000 for each item that sold for its market price up to $100,000. Maher’s match brought the Live Auction total to $297,570. Guests also bid on vacation getaways and sports memorabilia in the Silent Auction, which raised $62,000.
The Magnolia Ball is known for its spectacular financial success, but guests who attend are constantly reminded of why they give: to help give cancer patients back their quality of life. In an emotional testimony, Moffitt patient Deborah Llewellyn of West Palm Beach thanked supporters for their continual support.
“It’s because of you that Moffitt gives cancer patients hope. It’s because of you that there are thousands of stories to tell. It’s because of you that I’m alive to tell my story,” she told the teary-eyed audience.
The Magnolia Ball always features stunning live performances by top recording artists and this year was no different. Popular bandChicago performed its hits like “If You Leave Me Now,” “If She Would Have Been Faithful” and “25 Or 6 To 4.” Also, Nick and Karen Valvano joined Ball Chairs Ed and Marsha Droste in leading a great event. The Presenting Sponsor was the Don and Erika Wallace Family Foundation.
Proceeds from the Ball will enhance Moffitt’s patient care, research and education programs. Furthermore, they will benefit the Magnolia Lodging Program. This program lessens the intense emotional and financial burdens that cancer patients often experience, by offering them and their families a comfortable place to live while they are undergoing lengthy treatments at Moffitt – regardless of their ability to pay.
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center (www.moffitt.org) is the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control.
Moffitt currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer, as well as for ear, nose and throat.
Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
“Tonight is a celebration! Through your support we are working toward a cure for cancer."
President and CEO William Dalton, Ph.D., M.D
W. Jackson Pledger, Ph.D with
benefactor Dave Lageschulte
Tampa Bay QB, Brian Griese, with Chairs
Marsha and Ed Droste
CHICAGO!
Moffitt Cancer Center Founder,
Honorable H. Lee Moffitt with his wife, Dianne
Moffitt Cancer Center President
and CEO William Dalton, Ph.D., M.D
A tear drop
on a tux
By Ronald Tee Johnson
Editor, Palm Beach Today
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Honorary Chairs Nick & Karen Valvano
Dear Deborah .....
"My story is about how Moffitt saved my life."
-Deborah Llewellyn
Her complete message:
"When I was asked by the Foundation to share my story with you tonight, I immediately thought of the thousands of patients that are treated at Moffitt every year.
It made me reflect on those thousands of individual stories, each of which are special and unique. Mine is just one of those stories, so this is truly an honor for me.
My story is about how my relationship with Moffitt Cancer Center started as a patient, but eventually evolved into being an advocate and a supporter. My story is about how Moffitt saved my life.
Six years ago, at age 31, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After I got over the shock of the diagnosis, I was overwhelmed by fear. I was afraid to die, because I wasn’t ready to. I was afraid to live, because I was concerned about my quality of life. I was afraid of treatment, because I thought it would be painful and that I would lose my hair.
I was even afraid for my family and how my illness would affect them. Amidst all these fears and the uncertainty, I still had to find somewhere to be treated.
Moffitt was not my first stop, but it was my last. I remember my first visit at Moffitt South when I met with Dr. Paul Chervenick and his nurse, Becky Phillips. Not only were they professional and informative, but they were genuinely empathetic and sincere.
They knew I was afraid. And yet, without making promises, they gave me hope. As we finished that initial consult, I walked back into the waiting area and just broke down emotionally. The next thing I knew, Becky walked out and gave me a hug. She had only known me for an hour, but she came out to comfort me. That’s how the people at Moffitt treat their patients. And that’s how I knew I was in the right place.
They specifically scheduled my first chemotherapy treatment at a time when I was the only patient in the infusion room, so I had the nurse’s undivided attention. Thereafter, whether there were 2 patients in the room or 12, I felt that same undivided attention.
And this experience was not unique to the treatment room. Whether I was getting blood work, scans, radiation, or just calling in with a question – every contact at Moffitt made me feel like my case was important.
Getting through that first chemo treatment was a turning point for me. I didn’t feel the pain that I expected, but I did feel my tumor start to shrink, and it was incredibly encouraging. That’s when I decided to deal with one of the few things that I had control of during my treatment. I decided to shave off my hair. It was the single most difficult decision I made, but when it was over I felt stronger and more in control than ever.
Fortunately for me and my family, Moffitt orchestrated the rest of my treatment plan and took care of all the details. They made it easy for me to concentrate on getting well, and to continue leading my life.
I completed six months of chemotherapy and one month of radiation. When it was over, I experienced something I never expected – I found it difficult to leave. I found it difficult to leave the people who were responsible for curing me.
They had all become like family. But then I realized that I didn’t have to leave. It was just time for me to move into the next phase of my journey – to become an advocate and a supporter of this incredible organization that had saved my life.
I now live on the east coast, but continue to find opportunities to give back to Moffitt and to promote the personalized care they provide. I’ll tell anyone who asks me, and even some who don’t, that Moffitt’s patient care is second to none, and that I’m alive today because of their wonderful team of professionals.
Beating cancer is all about those who support you. For me, it starts with my family, especially my mom and my sister who are here with me tonight. They were by my side from the very beginning, during the difficult and emotional days after I was diagnosed. It continues with my husband James, who is there to celebrate my clean scans every few months, and who supports Moffitt as much as I do.
I’m also grateful to Dr. Chervenick and the wonderful Moffitt staff, who helped me deal with my fears and make it through treatment.
And tonight, I have a unique opportunity to thank each of you for your kindness and generosity in your support of this incredible organization.
It’s because of you that Moffitt gives cancer patients hope. It’s because of you that there are thousands of stories to tell.
And it’s because of you that I’m alive to tell my story. On behalf of myself and my family - thank you."
Deborah Llewellyn, looking like a Miss America, approached the podium with her husband, James, and began to talk to the 800 formally-clad people at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa.
A hush began to fall over the room.
Deborah was telling her story and the more she told of her nightmare experience with cancer, the more the room fell totally silent. Not a rustle. Not a rattling ice cube or a moving waiter.
"Six years ago, at age 31, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After I got over the shock of the diagnosis, I was overwhelmed by fear," Deborah said in a steady and warm tone.
"I was afraid to die, because I wasn’t ready to.
I was afraid to live, because I was concerned about my quality of life.
I was afraid of treatment, because I thought it would be painful and that I would lose my hair."
I glanced around the room to see people transfixed by this very healthy looking, extraordinarily attractive young woman talking about a killer disease that nearly took her life.
Deborah's voice broke and she began to cry when she told of a turning point in her battle against the dreaded disease while under care at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
"Getting through that first chemo treatment was a turning point for me. I didn’t feel the pain that I expected, but I did feel my tumor start to shrink, and it was incredibly encouraging.
"That’s when I decided to deal with one of the few things that I had control of during my treatment. I decided to shave off my hair.
"It was the single most difficult decision I made, but when it was over I felt stronger and more in control than ever."
A gasp came over the audience. People, stunned by her remarks, openly shed tears. I looked down to see a tear on my tux sleeve. I couldn't begin to visualize Deborah cutting her hair or comprehend the courage she had to muster up to fight, to survive, to live.
"It’s because of you that Moffitt gives cancer patients hope. It’s because of you that there are thousands of stories to tell.
And it’s because of you that I’m alive to tell my story. On behalf of myself and my family - thank you."
As one the audience rose up. They were giving a long standing ovation to Deborah because they were there. They were there to hear her story and proud to be a part - as supporters of the Moffitt Cancer Center - of her survival.
They applauded because they were celebrating Deborah's life and the Moffitt people who helped save her life.
They were applauding because Deborah's cancer-free life is a symbol of hope .... a hope that Moffitt Cancer Center can some day find the cure.
Chair Marsha Droste
Palm Beach Today
Newspaper
May 21, 2008
issue
$3.2 million in one
glorious evening.
Richard S. Bernstein
One of America's
foremost experts on
"Preserving Wealth"
Richard S. Bernstein
One of America's
foremost experts on
"Preserving Wealth"
