PALM COAST, Fla. – Just shy of the one-year anniversary of the Freytag Cancer Center’s opening, members of the Pink Army came together to celebrate a powerful milestone—one driven entirely by local generosity and grassroots support.
In a little over two months, the Pink Army’s 2025 campaign raised an impressive $75,417, a success AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers was proud to announce.
“Led by community members, the Pink Army brings together various civic and nonprofit organizations to raise funds for qualified patients in Flagler County in need of diagnostic screenings, treatments or post-operative support for breast cancer,” Subers said. “It’s amazing. Through all the support of our community.”
That support translated into real impact: during this campaign alone, 65 Free Clinic patients were directly assisted and 139 procedures were covered. Since its inception, the Pink Army has helped 772 patients and funded more than 1,000 procedures, while also supporting cancer-related equipment and supplies—from pink shower capes to advanced technology like the DaVinci 5.
“The money stays local and we have such a supportive community,” Subers added. “The core group continues to support it, but I think it’s the local community. In the 5K we had more runners this year than we’ve ever had before. It just continues to grow.”
Representing Women United Flagler, Linda Mahran accepted a donation and reflected on the long-standing partnership with AdventHealth and Chicks with Cans.
“Our relationship with AdventHealth has been fantastic for all these years. It has helped us help more people in the community. It stays here, it’s local and we’re all helping people in need,” she said.
“We do the same thing with S.M.A.R.T. and the Flagler Humane Society. It’s a win-win because the money stays local for all of our causes,” Subers added.
Adding to the celebration, a vibrant mural painted by students from Wadsworth Elementary, previously featured at the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s Fantasy Lights, was proudly displayed.
“We brought it back here and it’s going to be on our podium next year,” Subers said.
As the Freytag Cancer Center marks its first anniversary this week, Shawn Rhoton, Director of Oncology Operations, and Dr. Padmaja Sai shared encouraging updates: 588 new patient consultations, 6,844 treatments delivered, 276 unique lives treated, and 279 patients ringing the bell after completing cancer treatment. The Judith C. Macko Cancer Resource Center has also distributed more than $7,000 in patient aid.
It was a celebration fueled by compassion, collaboration, and a community that continues to show up in powerful ways—proving once again that when neighbors support neighbors, the impact is truly life-changing.
