Published Oct. 29, 2021
Over 40 years ago, the death of three young friends led me on a mission to create a cancer center in Florida. Back then, Florida had a high incidence of cancer but no comprehensive cancer center. My friends, like many other Floridians, wanted the best care and had to seek treatment outside the state. It was painful to watch. It was then I decided Florida needed its own comprehensive cancer center.
At the time, I was newly elected to the Florida House of Representatives and didn’t realize the difficulties I would face. To help me, I turned to the founder of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. R. Lee Clark. He told me, “I want you to learn from my mistakes and create a cancer center in Florida as good as any in the world.” He told me the steps I would need to take to shape Moffitt’s unique medical structure — multidisciplinary care that revolves around the patient’s cancer. It enables a unique focus and enhanced level of specialization that extends beyond the clinic and into our team science approach to research.
This structure enabled Moffitt Cancer Center to set a standard for the future. But it wasn’t easy. Despite the challenges, 38 years ago the Florida Legislature funded the creation of a cancer center — dedicating a portion of the state cigarette tax for construction — a fitting source of revenue. We became the first freestanding cancer treatment and research center created by a state legislature and the only cancer-fighting institution in the nation partly financed by the sales tax on tobacco.
Thirty-five years ago, we opened our doors to our first patients. It was a glorious occasion that warms my heart to this day.
In short order, Moffitt became the only National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida, a testament to the depth and breadth of our research. No other center in the nation had achieved this prestigious designation so quickly.
Today, Moffitt has become one of the largest cancer centers in the country. Our cancer challenge is still a reality. Florida has the second-highest incidence of cancer in a state with the third-largest population.
While we still have work to do, we’ve made tremendous strides over the years. We’ve helped approximately half a million patients from all 67 Florida counties, 50 states and more than 130 countries.
Research is essential if we are to continue to find better treatments and cures. Our research mission leads to better outcomes and gives hope to those fighting this terrible disease.
We are discovering scientific innovations that are being translated into the clinic to save lives. A few examples: We’re a leader in cell therapies, which harnesses a patient’s own immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. This includes altering tumor cells to destroy the tumor itself while skillfully leaving healthy cells alone. Our work to optimize the HPV vaccine has the power to eliminate cervical cancer and five other HPV-related diseases. Did you know there have been more than 20 revolutionary FDA approvals to treat melanoma — and Moffitt has been involved with each one? We are the first to have an Integrated Mathematical Oncology team using math to better understand, predict and treat cancer. We are also developing vaccines to not only treat cancer, but also one day to prevent it.
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Explore all your optionsThese successes are possible because we seek to recruit the best and brightest. Our doctors and researchers come from the top institutions because they believe in our mission and the difference we can make at Moffitt. We train more oncology students annually than any other Florida institution. This includes 400 medical students and 500 residents and fellows in our clinical education program, as well as 130 nursing students and nurse residents. Our Cancer Biology Ph.D. program was the first in Florida in 2001 and boasts 71 graduates.
The citizens of Florida believe in our mission, with over 250,000 private donors giving us millions over the years. Moffitt ensures a return on state and private investment with a positive economic impact to Florida of over $2.4 billion annually.
Former governors, U.S. senators, state legislators and dynamic business and community leaders serve on our boards. Their experience and influence are second to none, with 13 members serving 20 or more years. Without this hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves support, Moffitt would not be the state resource that it is today.
We never forget that Moffitt was created by the Legislature to fight cancer. Our CEO is the only one in the nation whose powers are enumerated in state law. State and federal legislative support over the years has been outstanding.
I expect much more progress and success in the next 35 years. We are building an expansion hospital on McKinley expected to open in 2023. We will be the first to create an epicenter of health care innovation, research and education — a life sciences destination for the world — on 775 acres in Pasco County.
My heartfelt thanks go to so many: those at all levels who have labored in the vineyards; doctors and nurses who have touched so many lives; team members who helped achieve our highest evaluation scores; and scientists spearheading groundbreaking research.
Please celebrate with us! Your cancer center is making a difference as we continue to stay true to our mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
H. Lee Moffitt is a former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and the founder of Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.
