Moffitt Cancer Center, Port Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Lightning came together to celebrate the opening of a new community outreach and education center near downtown Tampa. About 50 dignitaries gathered to unveil the facility to the Tampa Bay area. 

This new space allows Moffitt to connect with our community in a whole new way. There are several initiatives planned for easy access to Moffitt scheduling, on-site mobile screening, cancer education programs, digital engagement and more. 

Moffitt’s Mole Patrol offered free skin screenings to the public, including maritime workers at the Port and ThunderBug, the Lightning mascot. Experts screened more than 40 people. When the Mole Patrol identifies suspicious lesions, patients are armed with follow-up recommendations to be shared with their primary care physicians or dermatologists. Florida is second in the nation for the highest rate of new melanoma cases, and nearly 1 in 10 Floridians have skin cancer. 

“This center will save lives. Forty percent of all cancers are preventable, and even more can be cured if caught early with screening,” said Dr. Patrick Hwu, president and CEO of Moffitt. “This is a very dense area where you get a lot of traffic. Tampa Bay is a growing area and many people come down to Sparkman Wharf, The Florida Aquarium and cruises. We’re going to be able to educate a lot of people about how to prevent cancer and find it early.” 

“Port Tampa Bay is incredibly proud to partner with a world-class institution like Moffitt Cancer Center to bring cancer resources and education to our community and guests. My life has personally been touched by cancer and I proudly serve on Moffitt’s Foundation Board of Directors and have seen firsthand how invaluable their support and care can be for an individual facing a cancer concern. I want to thank the Lightning Foundation for their assistance in making this shared vision a reality,” said Paul Anderson, president and CEO of Port Tampa Bay.  

“Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning are proud supporters of Moffitt and Port Tampa Bay,” said Elizabeth Frazier, EVP of Community Development and Social Impact for VSG and the Lightning. “We’re honored to provide funds for visionary projects that offer life-saving programs in our community. Cancer affects us all, and raising awareness and providing resources is crucial for our growing downtown and Water Street communities.”