Channeling Energy into Impact
“I’m really, really, really grateful to the Cleveland Clinic. They’re not my care team but look what they’re doing to raise funds to advance science. It’s just awesome,” says Jennifer Cook, a former Clevelander who lives in Austin, Texas. She’s a first-time rider in VeloSano Bike to Cure, which takes place September 5-6 in Cleveland. VeloSano is a global fundraising movement supporting cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Jennifer is participating as a Living Hope cyclist.
Purpose in the Pedal
“I am extremely excited to be raising money to fund cancer research,” Jennifer says.
As a Big Wheeler, a rider who exceeds their fundraising goal, she attended a forum in which cancer researchers described their pursuits. “They give us hope,” she says. “Their work gives patients a better quality of life.”
Jennifer has raised $3,000 for VeloSano, a feat she did not accomplish alone.
The Power of the Network
“My network made me a Big Wheeler,” she explains. Jennifer’s social network is comprised of friends, some of whom she hasn’t seen in 30 years: fellow cheerleaders from 8th grade, high school classmates and former coworkers, among others. Friends and family rallied around her four years ago when she was first diagnosed, and now they are contributing to support her participation in VeloSano Bike to Cure, for which Jennifer is profoundly grateful. She reflects on the experience of being uplifted and empowered by people from various chapters of life: “They’re rising up for cancer research and they’re rising up for you.”
Her supporters include 13 fellow Bike to Cure cyclists — family and friends who so strongly believe in the value of VeloSano that they joined her team, Jennifer recounts, touched by their commitment.
Organized by her husband, John, members of Team Acktivate hail from Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland), Georgia and Texas. “We’re all riding for different cancer survivors who live in California, Philadelphia and New York City,” she says. The team has raised almost $16,000 thus far. “I am so proud of our team and am so proud of my husband, who is our team captain,” Jennifer says.
Sources of Strength
Two women in Jennifer’s network—Caryn, a college friend, and Jennifer, a relative—have been special sources of strength and inspiration. Each has been a cancer warrior for many years, confronting stage 4 diagnoses, undergoing various treatments and bravely continuing with the business and pleasures of life. Jennifer highlights the significant influence they’ve both had on her since her original cancer diagnosis. “They’ve shown me how to live,” she says, noting the women’s indomitable hope, resilience and fighting spirit.
It takes a strong woman to recognize one. Jennifer has consistently been on top of and engaged in her care, advocating for herself and paying close attention to her body’s signals, all of which led to early detection and timely treatment of her cancer.
And now she’s counting down the days until Bike to Cure, where friends and former neighbors will be cheering on Team Acktivate along the route. “We’re all extremely excited,” she says, her enthusiasm palpable.
Look for Jennifer cycling on September 6—wind in her hair, confidence in her every move, triumph lighting up her face as she makes her impact on VeloSano.
AutoNation Kicks Off Funding for Cleveland Clinic Florida Cancer Research
A panel of experts from Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital recently participated in one of AutoNation’s "Cancer Conversations" sessions, sharing critical insights into cancer prevention, early detection and advanced treatments for the most common cancers affecting men, including prostate, urologic, colorectal and lung cancers.
Held at AutoNation’s corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, the panel included Alberto Pieretti, MD, urologic medical oncologist; Paul Thambi, MD, gastroenterology medical oncologist; and John Woytanowski, MD, interventional pulmonologist.
AutoNation’s Commitment to Cancer Care & Research
AutoNation is a long-time corporate supporter of Cleveland Clinic in Florida, providing more than $4.5 million in philanthropic support for cancer research and cancer patient care at the Maroone Cancer Center at Weston Hospital.
Weston Hospital also is working to establish the AutoNation Cell Therapy and Cancer Research Center. Generous support from AutoNation has kicked off funding for the new state-of-the-art research facility, which will conduct groundbreaking research of cell-based therapies for cancer and evaluate the outcomes, provide regenerative research education and support needed scientific regenerative medicine research. An additional $5 to $8 million in funding is still needed before the leading-edge facility will open.
“The Center will provide a more robust infrastructure to do advanced research on immunotherapy and innovative stem cell and CAR t cells that can help cancer and noncancer patients,” says Zeina Nahleh, MD, Director of Cleveland Clinic Florida Maroone Cancer Center.
Becoming A Leader in Cancer Care
The AutoNation Cell Therapy and Cancer Research Center also fits within the hospital’s goal to establish a bone marrow transplant program to benefit patients in South Florida and along the Treasure Coast.
Support from donors who are passionate about advancing cell therapy, cancer research and treatment innovations will play a critical role in opening the center.
Learn more about the new center and cancer care at Weston Hospital here.
A Sense of Community Inspires Healing and Gratitude
Exercising and staying healthy has always been important to Mark Keschl. A Hobe Sound resident and semi-retired commercial real estate professional, he still begins most mornings with an early bike ride to beat Florida’s rising heat.
That commitment to wellness has taken on even greater meaning as a two-time cancer survivor. Mark was first diagnosed with lymphoma in 2000 and responded well to treatment. When the cancer returned more than twenty years later, his path to healing was surprisingly different.
What began as a suspected case of pneumonia quickly escalated after his primary care physician referred him to pulmonology. Then a series of timely tests led directly to oncology, where lymphoma was confirmed.
“Everything happened very quickly and very transparently,” recalls Mark. “All of the required tests and referrals were all captured under the Cleveland Clinic umbrella. This is exactly what you want as a patient.”
Once under the care of the oncology team at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, Mark immediately noticed something that went beyond medical expertise.
“From the receptionist to the infusion staff to the doctors and nurses, everyone was enthusiastic, not just about their jobs, but about treating patients and supporting each other,” he recalls. “That makes a big difference.”
The Weissman Cancer Center’s infusion suite also stood out to Mark. It is bright, open and filled with natural light. Patients could look out the window and see palm trees and boats on the water. Even small details like a simple sandwich offered at lunchtime made Mark feel supported. (He enjoyed the egg salad sandwich the most and hopes to get naming rights one day.)
Mark also notes that the infusion chairs are spaced close together, but views this as a benefit rather than a challenge. “It creates a sense of community,” he shares. “You meet other patients, you talk with the nurses and you never feel alone—you feel connected.”
Honoring Excellence
That sense of community inspired Mark to give back. His generous gift supports the expansion of the Weissman Cancer Center, including the addition of new infusion chairs, exam rooms, specialized pharmacists and dedicated spaces where patients and caregivers can connect.
For Mark, it was an easy decision. “We’re lucky to have a facility like Cleveland Clinic here. Anything we can do to improve it and plan for the future is just phenomenal.”
Mark’s donation also recognizes his oncologist, Kelley Kozma, DO, MS, Cancer Center Director at Martin Health, with a Guardian Angel Grateful Patient Award. He credits Dr. Kozma for setting the tone of enthusiasm that infuses the entire oncology department. “Her leadership inspires the passion you see in every caregiver,” he said. “It’s evident the moment you walk through the doors.”
“Caring for patients with cancer requires the dedication of an entire team,” says Dr. Kozma. “It is only through our collective efforts—physicians, nurse practitioners, infusion nurses, staff, patients and families—that we can deliver the very best care. Mark’s generosity and encouragement inspire all of us to continue striving toward excellence.”
When you give to Martin Health’s Guardian Angel Grateful Patient Program, the caregiver whom you are honoring will be sent an acknowledgment letter along with a personalized note, if one is included. The caregiver will also receive a custom-crafted lapel pin to display proudly on his or her name badge.
“At Cleveland Clinic, I trust they’re going to get the science right,” says Mark. “But what really stands out is the way they treat people. It’s not just compassion—it’s enthusiasm. And that’s powerful.”
