When Tina’s beloved husband, Mike, died of Stage 3 multiple myeloma in 2012, she knew she needed to do something. She wanted to help her own heart heal through helping others be able to receive the cancer care they desperately need and deserve, close to home.
Tina, who serves on the Health First Foundation’s Board of Trustees, feels passionately about giving back to the organization, which supports programs dedicated to improving the wellness and health of Brevard County residents. That’s why she has designated a gift to the Health First Cancer Institute as part of her estate plans.
If her planned gift helps at least one person receive the cancer care they need without having to leave the familiarity of home, Tina says, “my life would be complete.”
Both Tina and her husband came from hardworking families who had little, so she understands what it’s like to be financially strapped. With no children and other family members who are already comfortable, she’d like to be able to help others.
What compelled Tina to support the Cancer Institute is not only the care and compassion Mike received, but the desire to support bringing the most high-quality, effective cancer treatment to Brevard. Tina was with Mike when he passed in January 2012 at the Health First Cancer Institute. His oncologist, Dr. Joseph McClure, rushed to be alongside him as well.
After Mike’s death, Tina sought bereavement help through Hospice of Health First. Her counselor urged her to get involved with the Foundation’s Benefit Ball, which was benefitting hospice that particular year. She hasn’t stopped since.
“There’s so much more to this than I knew,” Tina said of the many ways the Foundation helps Brevard. “I’m now in a position that maybe I can help.”
