Dancers Amanda Aker and Jamie Saure wowed the standing room crowd in a decked-out Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex during the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s third annual “Daffodil Gala."

“Winning the battle against cancer is about hope, about standing fast in the face of adversity, and about remaining resilient despite setbacks. The delicate yet strong daffodil embodies this spirit. The bright yellow blooms are a symbol of regrowth and renewed hope as they blossom faithfully each and every spring.

The small flowers remain steadfast against adverse conditions or an errant late frost return each year. It was for these admirable traits that the daffodil was selected as the symbol of our event to support the individuals in our community who must exhibit these traits each day as they fight to overcome cancer.

Daffodils have also been used for decades by the American and Canadian Cancer Societies as symbols of hope and progress against cancer for these very same reasons.” – Derrick Cantees

Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation Assists Local Cancer Patients

Second Annual Survivorship Summit Set For Oct. 16

Dr. Richard Levine, Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation chairman, and president of Space Coast Cancer Center

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Almost 300 people crowded into a decked-out Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex to enjoy the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s third annual “Daffodil Gala.”

Although fund raising for local needy cancer patients was the purpose, dancing was literally center stage during the Gala, which was held Saturday, Sept. 26.

The Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation is the fundraising and charitable arm of Space Coast Cancer Center, which houses a comprehensive network of services so patients may concentrate on their road to recovery.

“Hope,” “Health,” “Healing,” words that adorn the reception area, also form the philosophy behind the Center located in Titusville, Florida, with additional offices in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Rockledge.

During the dinner, Dr. Richard Levine, Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation chairman, and president of Space Coast Cancer Center, recognized Volunteer of the Year Carol Selph for her dedication to the mission of the foundation, and tireless work on behalf of countless patients and fellow volunteers.

CLICK HERE To View the Gala On SPACECOASTMEDICINE.COM TV

DON’T MISS THE SPACE COAST CANCER CENTER’S DAFFODIL GALA ON BRIGHTHOUSE CHANNEL 49 AT 7 PM ON THURSDAY, OCT. 9 & THURSDAY, OCT. 16.

Produced by SPACECOASTMEDICINE.COM TV

Survivor of the Year: “Dr. Levine Is My Super Hero”

Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s Survivor of the Year, Susan Rys, and her caregiver husband, Ian Rys.

“We have many patients and families who experience the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Levine. “Our community is joining together in providing financial, educational, emotional and spiritual support.”

Dr. Levine also introduced the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s Survivor of the Year, Susan Rys, and her caregiver husband, Ian Rys. When Susan took the podium, she detailed her incredible journey from diagnosis through the challenges of treatment and remission, to the standing-room only crowd. “Dr. Levine,” she declared, “is my Super Hero.”

Linda Bradley, Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation President, presented Dr. Levine with a check for $1,000 to purchase a transport van for cancer patients. During 2009, the Foundation has provided scholarships for continuing education in oncology healthcare, as well as financial aid to patients for antiemetic and pain medications not covered by insurance and transportation.

“Recognizing the great need, we continue to strive to provide assistance to patients and families in our community,” said Ms. Bradley who is a cancer survivor and was selected as the first “Volunteer of the Year” in  2008.

Debbie Bissland with 'Volunteer of the Year' Carol Selph (center) and Daffodil volunteer Joy Smith.

Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation Executive Director Debbie Bissland also received well deserved kudos from Dr. Levine for her great efforts on behalf of the foundation and in her dedication to the presentation of the Gala.

Event Coordinators Ms. Bissland and Ms. Bradley thanked the Gala volunteers, including: Roger Molitor, A.J. Bissland, Alice Nielsen, Kathy Skalet, Alice Alderman, Joy Smith, Kimberly Joyner, Zachary Brigante, Eddie Norman, Melissa Alexander, Tay Moore, Tiphanie Bissland, Britney Bissland, Tina Norman, Victoria Alderman, Flossie Dodson, Teri Cwiklinski and Mindy Brigante.

‘Cutting a Rug’ For Cancer

Dr. Randy and Jean Henderson

Patricia Inscore Laakso, a professional ballroom dance instructor, competitor and choreographer – was the architect of the Daffodil Gala’s dance card which included a team of dancers who wowed the crowd with their incredible talent and costuming. Laakso, who also performed, then gave a short but informative dance lesson, and then supervised a Salsa competition.

“Until six months ago I had always driven by the Space Coast Cancer Center on my way to work at the Downtown Dance Studio and admired the beautiful new facility,” she said. “Then, I have had two separate occasions to be involved with Dr. Levine and Space Coast Cancer Center.”

Laakso’s father, Bill McClure, who succumbed to cancer on April 15 of this year, was treated at Space Coast Cancer Center. “The doctors, nurses and staff at the Space Coast Cancer Center did everything they could to save my Dad’s life using their state of the art technology and equipment – and their loving care of him,” said Laakso.

FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS: Jessie and Bob Kirk; Debbie Bissland; Paul Secor; Theresa and Walt Johnson; and Mike and Dina Sayre.

“I am proud to assist such a wonderful organization raise money to help people with cancer, who are fighting for their lives, and need the help that the Space Coast Cancer Foundation will lovingly provide them.”

Dr. Levine has been in Brevard County since 1983, and has a deep connection with the community. He still maintains regular contact with patients from his first year in practice. “They have become family,” he says.

“There’s no way you can do this by yourself,” said Dr. Levine. “I have great staff, management team, partners and volunteers. We all have the same mission of quality care and respect for the patient.”

Space Coast Cancer Foundation Mission

The Space Coast Cancer Foundation is a separately incorporated, not-for-profit organization dedicated to its mission of providing need-based support to ease the financial burden of cancer care.

The Foundation sponsors activities throughout the year, including Rally Against Cancer, YMCA Mini-Triathlon, Pamper Me, Please Spa Day, SCCF Golf Scramble, Fashion Show in honor of Dorothy Nabit and the Daffodil Gala.

DAFFODIL GREETING COMMITTEE: Kim Buckner, RN; Tina Gay, Member of the Board; and Flossie Dobson.

The Foundation also sponsors Hope, Health, Healing educational seminars and monthly support groups, Positive Attitudes, Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group, Myeloma Support Group and Men’s Health Group. Special events continue throughout the year, Art Therapy Day, Cancer Education and Screening Events, I Can Cope Educational Classes and a Survivorship Summit in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center.

Second Annual Survivorship Summit

Paul Jacobsen

The second annual Survivorship Summit will be held Friday, Oct. 16 at the Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort in Titusville in conjunction with the Moffitt Cancer Center. The featured speaker will be Paul Jacobsen, PhD of the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Registration is at 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m., and lunch will be provided from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. For information call 264–4200, ext. 3500. If you have an interest in volunteering for the Foundation, please contact Debbie Bissland by calling 321-264-5504.

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Competition dance couple John and Kathleen Roath-Algera will perform an Argentine Tango at Space Coast Cancer Center's Daffodil Gala on Sept. 26. The fund raising event for local cancer patients will be held at the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex.

“Dancing is a wonderful way to stay healthy in your body, soul and spirit.” – Patricia Inscore Laakso

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Fund raising for local needy cancer patients will be the purpose, but dancing will be the focal point of the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation’s “Daffodil Gala,” which is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Debus Conference Center at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex.

Dr. Rich Levine with Linda Bradley, cancer survivor and community volunteer, who was selected as the first “Volunteer of the Year” by the Space Coast Medical Associates Foundation at the 2008 Daffodil Gala.

The Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation is the fundraising and charitable arm of Space Coast Cancer Center, which houses a comprehensive network of services so patients may concentrate on their road to recovery. “Hope,” “Health,” “Healing,” words that adorn the reception area, also form the philosophy behind the Center located in Titusville, Florida, with additional offices in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Rockledge.

Dr. Richard Levine, the Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation chairman, and president of Space Coast Cancer Center, can’t help but smile when he discusses the foundation, and facilities, that represent the ideal in cancer care. He is quick to note that the strength of the impressive facility, and his foundation, are made possible only by the efforts of a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers.

Dr. Levine has been in Brevard County since 1983, and has a deep connection with the community. He still maintains regular contact with patients from his first year in practice. “They have become family,” he says.

“There’s no way you can do this by yourself,” said Dr. Levine. “I have great staff, management team, partners and volunteers. We all have the same mission of quality care and respect for the patient.”

‘Cutting a Rug’ For Cancer

Pat Laakso with her husband Jeremy Laakso.

Patricia Inscore Laakso has over 30 years experience as a professional ballroom dance instructor, competitor and choreographer – and is the architect of the upcoming Daffodil Gala’s dance card which includes a team of dancers who will perform a fabulous show after the Daffodil dinner, which will begin at 7 pm.

“You don’t have to be an expert dancer to come and enjoy yourself,” said Laakso. “I will be teaching everyone a short dance lesson, and we will also have a Salsa competition,” she said.

Laakso teaches all levels of International and American style dances, plus Salsa, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing and Country Two Step.  She is a member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing of London, and for the past 20 years, has been co-owner of the Downtown Dance Studio in Titusville.

“Until six months ago I had always driven by the Space Coast Cancer Center on my way to work at the Downtown Dance Studio and admired the beautiful new facility,” she said. “Then, I have had two separate occasions to be involved with Dr. Levine and Space Coast Cancer Center.”

Laakso’s father, Bill McClure, who succumbed to cancer on April 15 of this year, was treated at Space Coast Cancer Center. “The doctors, nurses and staff at the Space Coast Cancer Center did everything they could to save my Dad’s life using their state of the art technology and equipment – and their loving care of him,” said Laakso.

“I got involved with the Daffodil Gala when one of my dance students, Dr. Bill Rylander, who is a friend of Dr. Levine, told him he should call me to help the foundation with the Gala,” said Laakso. “With the theme of  ‘Dancing the Night Away,’ and my Dad’s recent fight with cancer, I am very happy help.  Besides, dancing is a wonderful way to stay healthy in your body, soul and spirit!”

Downtown Dance Studio is located in downtown Titusville, and features five experienced instructors who teach all forms of partner dancing including ballroom, Latin, country, Salsa, swing and Argentine Tango.

“We have over 30 people coming to the Gala from the dance studio who don’t want to miss this exciting evening and, of course, help the Space Coast Cancer Center’s worthy cause,” said Laakso.

“I am proud to assist such a wonderful organization raise money to help people with cancer, who are fighting for their lives, and need the help that the Space Coast Cancer Foundation will lovingly provide them.”

For sponsorship and ticket information, or to make a donation, contact Space Coast Cancer Center Foundation Executive Director Debbie Bissland at 264–5504 or debbieb@SpaceCoastCancer.com.

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