Baptist Health Foundation hosted its annual Pink Pineapple Luncheon on October 8 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami. The event, presented by Azamara Cruises, brought together more than 200 donors and community members and raised $217,000 for the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center, which is currently under construction.
Speakers at the luncheon included Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation; Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises and a member of the Miami Cancer Institute Foundation Board; Dr. John Diaz, Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Baptist Health; and Dr. Anastasia Tousimis, Deputy Director of Baptist Health Cancer Care.
The program also featured remarks from patient Courtney De Stefano. Diagnosed with stage 1 gynecologic cancer in 2023, De Stefano sought treatment at Miami Cancer Institute with Dr. John Diaz. She became one of the first patients in the region to undergo a successful uterine transposition—a procedure designed to preserve fertility before radiation treatment. Now cancer free, her experience demonstrates advances made possible through philanthropic support.
Dr. Tousimis stated: “The Women’s Cancer Center mission is clear: to deliver world-class cancer care tailored to women, to advance research and to create an exceptional patient experience. It is a response to a pressing need — cancer is not just a statistic, it’s a story that touches every family.”
The Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center aims to serve as a center for prevention, treatment, survivorship and research related to women’s cancers when it opens in early 2027. Philanthropic contributions are supporting its development as both a local resource for South Florida women and as an international destination for care.
“Our donors support vital programs at Miami Cancer Institute and fuel expansion like the new Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center, while advancing research and clinical trials that lead to new ways of treating cancer,” said Alex Villoch. “We’re creating something extraordinary and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.”
Sponsors for this year’s luncheon included presenting sponsor Azamara Cruises; philanthropic chairs Joyce & Tony Esernia; as well as Rose Gold sponsors iSquared Capital, Media Counselors, the Miami HEAT and NV2A Group.
According to information provided by Baptist Health Foundation, the new center will offer comprehensive services for breast cancer, gynecologic cancer, reconstructive surgery and skin cancer within a multidisciplinary setting designed specifically for women’s needs. More details about the center can be found at https://baptisthealth.net/services/cancer-care/miami-cancer-institute/about-us/womens-cancer-center.
Baptist Health Foundation works through philanthropy to help Baptist Health South Florida provide advanced patient care and bring new treatments into practice by funding technology upgrades, research efforts and ongoing education opportunities for staff.
Baptist Health operates 12 hospitals with over 28,000 employees across South Florida counties including Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach. It is recognized nationally by Fortune magazine as one of America’s best companies to work for.
