By LOIS KINDLE
The much anticipated opening of a Moffitt Cancer Center outpatient facility in Ruskin is a big deal to residents of the South Shore area. Groundbreaking for the 75,000-square-foot building is expected to take place this year and its construction to be completed by late 2024. Within its first five years, Moffitt projects it will employ 150 people at the site and serve 9,000 patients.
DEBBIE CANEEN PHOTO
On March 23, Sun Terrace Rehabilitation Center will host an open house to showcase its newly renovated rehab facility and indoor pools from 4 to 6 p.m. and be raising funds for March Madness for Moffitt by selling tickets for a Lotto board, 50/50 raffle and fancy wine basket.
MOFFITT CANCER CENTER PHOTO
The ReMissions, a band totally comprised of Moffitt Cancer Center personnel, will star in “Concert for a Cause” during March Madness for Moffitt at noon March 29 at the Kings Point Veterans Theater, following a “Meet the Experts” informational panel discussion at 11 a.m. In the back row, from left, are James Mulé, PhD; Mike Tworoger, manager of Research Support Services; Mark Robertson-Tessi, PhD; and Jeff Leighton, RN. In the front row are security officer Ron Zalva; CEO and President Patrick Hwu, MD; Dana Ataya, MD; and Shelly Tworoger, PhD.
Moffitt’s expansion into the South Shore area is so important to the residents of Sun City Center and Kings Point, organizations in both communities are now working together to present a series of events throughout March to educate and entertain the entire community and raise funding for Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
On March 29, all of the participating organizations will turn over their proceeds, and up to $50,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor to benefit colorectal cancer research.
Main event
Vesta Services will host a two-part sequential event on Wednesday, March 29, called “Meet the Experts” and “Concert for a Cause.” Starting at 11 a.m., the panel will provide information regarding the new facility, screening, cancer prevention and treatment. Since March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the panel will focus on this type of cancer but also feature information on others.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the United States, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined. It is expected to take 52,550 lives this year.
Co-hosted by Jennifer Permuth PhD, vice chair of Research in Moffitt’s Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Matt Permuth, Vesta’s general manager and regional vice president for Kings Point, the March 29 event will focus on Moffitt’s mission, its cutting-edge research and services to be offered at its new outpatient facility.
A family tribute will be observed in honor of Rachel Permuth PhD, who lost her life at age 47 to colorectal cancer in May 2022.
There is no charge to attend, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
Sun Towers Retirement Community is providing light refreshments.
Immediately following the panel discussion at noon, Dr. Patrick Hwu, CEO and president of Moffitt Cancer Center, and his band, The ReMissions, will perform.
COURTESY OF MOFFIT CANCER CENTER
This is the latest artist’s rendering of the new, two-story, 75,000-square-foot Moffitt Cancer Center Outpatient Center to be built and opened in Ruskin by late 2024.
To reserve a seat, visit https://kingspointsuncitycenter.com/ and click on the Moffit Cancer Center link.
Other events scheduled thus far:
March 19:
The Sun City Center Community Association Board will host “Comedy for the Cause” at 1 p.m. in the Rollins Theater. The show features Perry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit.”
Tickets are $12 and available at the CA Kiosk, starting March 1.
March 23:
Sun Terrace Rehabilitation Center will host an open house to showcase its newly renovated rehab facility and indoor pools from 4 to 6 p.m. and be raising funds for March Madness for Moffitt by selling tickets for a Lotto board, 50/50 raffle and fancy wine basket. RSVP is not required, free admission, and includes a strolling musician, hot hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and free valet parking.
March 27:
The Renaissance Community will host the “Club Renaissance Showcase of Talent – Fundraiser for Moffitt” March 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Up to 16 talent slots for the show are open to the public. Call Pam Freas at 318-308-9175.
March 28:
Kings Point will also host its first, 1-mile “Walk & Waffles” at 7:30 a.m. in the North Clubhouse parking lot, 1900 Clubhouse Lane, Sun City Center. This event is open to the public, and more than 300 walkers, cancer survivors and other community members are expected to participate. The entry fee is $15. Check-in is at 6:30.
HCA Florida South Shore Hospital is sponsoring the waffle breakfast afterward.
For registration information, contact
Additional sponsors and donations of gift cards, gift baskets and other raffle/auction prizes are currently being sought. Check donations made payable directly to the Moffit Cancer Center Foundation with “RP Colorectal Fund’ written in the memo line can be brought to walk or dropped off at the Kings Point Clubhouse Box Office.
For more information, contact Matt Permuth at 813-787-9200 or mpermuth@vestapropertyservices.com/.
