Patients, Leaders and Volunteers Return to Tallahassee for Moffitt Day

Patients, advocates, doctors and researchers with Moffitt Cancer Center once again traveled to Tallahassee to discuss Florida’s ongoing financial support face-to-face with legislators. The dozens of advocates spent the day Jan. 28 visiting with senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle to ensure Floridians continue to have access to the latest cancer care and research. 

Moffitt, the first  was established by Florida statute and has relied on funding from the state since opening its doors in 1986. Moffitt Day at the Capitol capital gives the cancer center a chance to show legislators how that funding has changed lives for nearly 40 years.  

President and CEO Patrick Hwu, MD, was among the many representatives of Moffitt who made the trip and attended meetings throughout the Capitol. He said that while this year’s mission continues the conversation about the latest cancer care and research happening at the center, there was a special focus on nutrition. 

“What we put into our body is so important and Moffitt is constantly learning more about how proper nutrition can help fight cancer and even prevent cancer in some cases,” Hwu said. “We have a team dedicated to nutritional research and we’re thrilled to have them with us at the Capitol.” 

Those experts include Sylvia Crowder, PhD, a nutrition expert in Moffitt’s Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior. Crowder is leading studies that focus on nutrition and its ability to combat or even prevent cancer. One study funded by a Miles for Moffitt grant provides meals following the Mediterranean diet to patients with head and neck cancers. The diet is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and healthy oils. 

“The thought is that a plant-based diet is very anti-inflammatory, and we know there’s a lot of cell damage and cell inflammation that occurs as a result of cancer treatment,” Crowder said. “The idea is if we’re able to provide these foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, perhaps we can reduce the inflammation and cell damage that occurs to these patients, so they don’t have as much symptom burden later on.” 

Chefs Julissa “Jules” Graziano and Justin Timineri showed spectators how to create healthy and delicious food to help reduce cancer risk. 

Also joining Crowder in Tallahassee was research chef Julissa “Jules” Graziano. Graziano demonstrated ways to prepare healthy meals and snacks in the Capitol courtyard and offering samples to legislators, staff and fellow volunteers. In addition, Fresh From Florida chef Justin Timineri discussed the value of using local ingredients to create healthy food options during the demonstration. 

“Finding ways to eat healthy is easier when you know where to start,” Graziano said. “Small steps in the kitchen can lead to healthy habits, which is an important step in our mission at Moffitt.” 

Multiple representatives and senators met with Moffitt doctors, advocates and patients to learn about Moffitt’s mission and its advances in research and care for Floridians. It’s a day full of moving parts that could not be done without the effective teamwork of Moffitt team members, said Jamie Wilson, vice president of Moffitt’s Government Relations.  

“The ongoing support and participation of Florida’s leaders is crucial to Moffitt’s ongoing mission,” Wilson said. “It’s a coordinated effort and we could not get our message out without our dedicated volunteers, CEO, board chair, nutrition experts and coordinators.”