First Lady Casey DeSantis meets with cancer patients, reveals new website to help patients

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced today the creation of Florida Cancer Connect, a new state website initiative designed to offer information to Floridians about cancer treatment.

The program will help caregivers and tell inspirational stories to state residents who have wrestled with the affliction so they do not feel isolated or alone.

The Florida First Lady recently battled her own bout with breast cancer. Her husband, Gov. DeSantis announced her bout with the fatal disease October 4 last year, but she was declared cancer free on March 3.

She met with Floridian cancer survivors and Simone Marstiller, who serves as the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary.

There, she announced the initiative and the program’s benefits, which are now accessible at www.flcancerconnect.com.

 “When I was going through my cancer fight, I saw the need for a centralized hub that housed everything patients and caretakers could need while dealing with this disease,” the First Lady told her audience.

“Florida Cancer Connect arms Floridians with valuable knowledge while instilling hope into the lives of those facing cancer by sharing positive survivor stories. Our mission with this website is simple – make the cancer battle easier and instill hope in those fighting.”

The state is now ranked second in the nation for newly diagnosed cancer cases, and the Office of the Governor said the First Lady is determined to show her support for those facing the affliction.

“No matter how cancer is affecting someone, support is available for them and can be found at the Florida Cancer Connect webpage,” a state press release said.

 The Florida Cancer Connect website reportedly offers current tools that help Floridians:

• Understand cancer research and prevention programs,
• Locate a health care provider specializing in cancer care,
• Navigate the complexities of cancer-related insurance coverage,
• Obtain caregiver resources, and
• Hear from the brave Floridians who have fought this disease.

 “Floridians across our state have been impacted by cancer in some way, whether it be from their own battle or that of a loved one,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Simone Marstiller. “I applaud First Lady Casey DeSantis for embracing her own personal battle and using that experience to improve the life of every Floridian.”

The website will also feature survivor stories and “Letters of Strength” to offer hope to the many Floridians fighting the disease. Floridians who want to share their stories can email the state at survivor@flcancerconnect.com.