Moffitt Cancer Center

04/09/2026

At just 20, Rainer Michel was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Treatment meant surgery and chemotherapy, and learning how to navigate life as a young adult with cancer.

For Diana Martinez, that journey began at 30 with a tongue cancer diagnosis, followed by a recurrence just six months later. This meant more surgery and more uncertainty.

Now both in remission, they often reflect on one thing that made a difference: support.

Cancer doesn’t just impact your health. It can affect future plans, finances, career and your sense of normalcy.

That’s where Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program comes in to offer support through challenges like fertility preservation, work and school changes and emotional well-being.

During AYA Awareness Week, patients like Rainer and Diana are sharing their stories to remind others that they are not alone, and support is always here.

04/08/2026

Getting ready for a colonoscopy? Here’s how to prep 👇

A few days before:
• Avoid high-fiber foods like salads, corn, beans and fruit with skins
• Stop fiber supplements
• Ask your doctor about any medications or supplements

The day before:
• Stick to clear liquids only (water, broth, tea, sports drinks, popsicles)
• Avoid anything red or purple
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

Prep time:
• Start your prep solution as directed
• Drink it slowly over time, not all at once
• Walking around can help reduce bloating and make the prep more effective

Day of your procedure:
• Finish your prep as instructed
• Do not eat or drink anything after
• Bring a driver with you to take you home

A good prep helps your doctor see clearly and makes your colonoscopy as effective as possible.

💙 Save this for later or share with someone who has a colonoscopy coming up.

04/07/2026

When facing life’s most difficult moments, patients and families deserve compassion and support. Our inpatient hospice services provide comfort and dignity—right where they feel safest.

Inpatient hospice services have served nearly 200 patients since it launched at Moffitt last year

04/06/2026

Advanced technology is saving lives.

After surviving prostate cancer, Richard Gonzmart wanted others to have access to the same lifesaving treatment that helped him.

Since opening in October, the state-of-the-art Richard Gonzmart Brachytherapy Suite has treated 100 patients and counting, with plans to expand and reach even more.

Brachytherapy uses implants, or temporary seeds, placed inside the body to deliver radiation to a specific area and avoid harming healthy tissue. Now, patients can receive treatment in half the time, making the experience more comfortable.

Commonly used for prostate cancer, this approach can also treat cervical, breast, sarcoma and re**al cancers.

Because of Richard Gonzmart’s generosity, more patients will have access to advanced, lifesaving care for years to come. 💙

Read more: https://bit.ly/4c5X2VV

04/05/2026

As a social worker, Alexis Youdelman helps patients and families navigate some of life’s hardest moments.

She connects them to resources, supports emotional needs and guides conversations after a diagnosis.

But her “why” is deeply personal.

When her son was born with a heart defect, her role shifted overnight from medical professional to patient and caregiver. After 42 days in the hospital and the reality of managing complex care at home, she experienced firsthand the types of challenges her patients face every day.

Now, she brings that lived experience into every interaction, meeting patients with deeper empathy and a stronger commitment to advocacy. 💙

04/04/2026

Moffitt Cancer Center has once again been named a Tampa Bay Times Top Workplace.

This recognition reflects the people behind our mission. Those who show up every day to make a difference for our patients and each other.

Drop a 👏 to celebrate our team members!

04/04/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the members and boosters of the GFWC Lutz- Land O' Lakes Woman's Club!

Since 2010, they have lovingly handcrafted pillows, blankets and other comfort items for our patients. Thanks to their ongoing generosity, Moffitt receives beautifully sewn and crocheted donations every month—each one bringing warmth and comfort to those in our care.

We are so grateful for this community partnership and for the kindness stitched into every piece.

04/04/2026

All the today at Moffitt McKinley Hospital. 🎶 Members of surprised patients, caregivers and team members with a pop-up concert, adding a little extra joy to their day.
🎹 Patrick Hwu, MD
🎸 Mark Robertson-Tessi, PhD
🎤 Dana Ataya, MD

04/03/2026

Moffitt experts are leading efforts to improve TIL therapy for future patients.

Despite FDA approval to treat metastatic melanoma in 2024, data regarding optimal surgical approach is limited

04/02/2026

What if some of the most important drivers of cancer are hiding in the “dark matter” of our DNA?

Tune in for an exciting discussion on how these overlooked layers could unlock new targets for immunotherapy, from vaccines to TCR therapies.

Drs. Hwu and Fox also reflect on the early days at the National Cancer Institute and the importance of mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Listen at http://Moffitt.org/ImmunoVerse or on all major podcast platforms

04/01/2026

Big news... we're taking an even closer look at cancer. 🔬

Built for discovery and designed to make you smile, our new microscope mascot is here to celebrate the science and hope behind every breakthrough.

Our newest team member is ready to magnify our mission to prevent and cure cancer.

Now he needs a name, drop your best ideas below 👇

We may have magnified the truth just a bit… Happy April Fools!

03/31/2026

These are a few of the people helping prevent and cure cancer. 💙

At Moffitt, a dedicated team of more than 10,000 is here to support your cancer journey every step of the way.