05/04/2026
Women of Color Cancer Camp Recap
April 24–26 | Rotary's Camp Florida
What an incredible weekend of sisterhood, healing, education, and joy. Our Women of Color Cancer Camp was filled with powerful moments, meaningful connections, and the kind of support that reminds every woman she is not alone on this journey.
We are deeply grateful to our Title Sponsor, BayCare, whose leadership and commitment made this weekend possible. Thank you also to our generous sponsors: Vinik Foundation, Royal Neighbors, 200 Muslim Women, Joanne Mayers, Larry Brooks, Emily Jackson, Mike & Pam Knowles, AMVETS Post 4, Theresa Mitchell & Family, Connie Gage, and Inside Edge Consulting. Your support allows us to continue providing these life-changing programs at no cost to our participants.
A very special thank you to Mike Knowles and Matt Parker for moving all of our supplies in from storage and handling the extensive food and supply shopping. Your behind-the-scenes work makes everything run smoothly. Thank you to Anthony Mitchell for arriving early and setting up the dining room and Publix building, and to Patti Conover for helping keep the camp mosquitoes in check.
Our kitchen was truly the heart of camp this weekend. Thank you to Chef Elliot for selecting a gourmet menu that elevated every meal, and to the many volunteers who gave hours of service to keep everyone well fed. A huge shout out to the interns of Elliot’s Physician Assistant program from South University and Barry College, along with the Nurse Practitioner students from the University of Tampa—you brought energy, compassion, and professionalism to camp.
Thank you to the Tau Pui Zeta Sorority sisters for supporting their sisters on Sunday. And a very special moment we will never forget—Renee Hicks, who rang the bell on her final chemo treatment and then came straight to camp to volunteer in the kitchen. That is courage in action. Renee not only rang the bell on her final chemo she rang the bell at camp too.
Our BBQ team, Anthony Mitchell and Mo Kendrick, brought great food and great spirit. Thank you to our dedicated Board Members who worked camp during the weekend: Emily Jackson (President), Theresa Mitchell, Maria Carvalho, and Sandra Patterson.
We are grateful to Debbie Jones for airport pick-up and drop-off, making sure our campers arrived safely. Our medical team, Dr. Elliot Cazes and Nurse Estrella Lara Lopez, provided expert, compassionate care throughout the weekend. Thank you to Mary Ann Massolio of 1Voice Foundation for the use of the golf cart—it made a big difference in camp operations.
Capturing the memories were our wonderful photographers, Pam Knowles and Lisa Bond—thank you for preserving these special moments.
We were also blessed by so many who enhanced the weekend experience:
The Rough Riders, Sugar Lee’s Gourmet Coffee Service, Kona Ice, presenters Khaliah Fleming and Ghilam Rasool, our DJ Greg Whitehead, water aerobics with Tatiana Leeson, dance class with Nakia Mann, and music by Jeff Lauer.
My favorite team is the Last Men/Women Standing team —the dedicated group who stayed until the very end to pack everything up and return supplies to storage: Mike Knowles, Chris Sherry, Emily and Jon Jackson, Jerimiah Overman, and Sean Lacy. You are the backbone of what we do.
We are incredibly grateful to the more than 70 volunteers who gave their time and heart to make this weekend possible. Many of you showed up early, stayed late, and stepped in wherever you were needed. Because of you, our campers felt supported, cared for, and surrounded by kindness every moment of the weekend. While there are too many names to list, please know this—each and every one of you mattered, and this camp would not have happened without you.
This weekend was a beautiful reminder that healing happens in community. Thank you to every camper, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who made this camp unforgettable.
check out the photos
Faces of Courage at Rotary Camp Florida Photographers: Lisa Bond/PamCam29
