UPDATE 10.9.25: Recently George Fernandez made a great donation to Baptist Health, keeping the cancer care facility in Key West. Britt Myers writes in Keys Weekly:

George Fernandez held back tears as he addressed a select group of attendees recently at the Tropic Cinema, where he served as a founding board member 21 years ago. Fernandez has dedicated his life to Key West since moving to the island in 1992. His penchant for showing up for those in need, helping behind the scenes and personally delivering cards to residents and offices is well known throughout the town.

But this particular evening was rooted in one of Fernandez’s greatest missions. He spoke passionately from the stage in the Carper Theater about why he recently donated $1 million to Baptist Health’s cancer care facility in Key West. The donation occurred after a Baptist presentation at a Key West Chamber of Commerce lunch earlier this year, followed by the unexpected check that left a speechless crowd standing in ovation.

“After listening to Baptist Heath’s mission, I felt that then, more than ever, would be the best way of giving back to the Key West community,” Fernandez said of the lunch. “Immediately after, I called Michael Halpern and told him about my pledge to ensure that in the future, no one would ever have to fly from Key West to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, as he had to do for his medical care.”

Not long after, Fernandez’s closest friend, Halpern, lost his battle to cancer. However, one of Fernandez’s many legacies will include honoring his “brother,” along with thousands of others, with the ability to receive cancer care in Key West. Later this year, Baptist Health Cancer Care Key West will be operational, located at the site of the former Genesis Cancer Center on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Read more here.

Originally posted on November 19, 2024.

The Florida Keys are getting a new cancer center in Key West. Baptist Health is opening a new standalone facility in the summer of 2025. The Keys News reports:

Baptist Health recently announced the expansion of its cancer care services in the Florida Keys with a new standalone facility in Key West.

Part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, the new center will be led by a team of physicians and offer a variety of infusion services, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies for patients. Located on the site of the former Genesis Cancer Center, the facility is expected to open in summer 2025, making it easier for Key West and Lower Keys residents to receive care.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide additional Baptist Health Cancer Care services for patients in the Florida Keys with our new cancer location,” said Michael Zinner, MD, CEO and executive medical director of Miami Cancer Institute and Baptist Health Cancer Care. “This facility will offer convenient care for our patients who live in or near Key West, and we’re pleased to be able to meet their needs closer to home.”

The two-story building spans 4,300 square feet and, upon completion, will offer advanced cancer care for patients. The new facility will feature physician offices, an infusion center, a new linear accelerator to deliver radiation therapy, and an on-site CT simulator to plan radiation, all housed within a refreshed and welcoming environment.

“This building represents an important milestone for both Baptist Health and the Keys community,” said Jay Hershoff, Baptist Health Board of Trustees chair. “The area is growing at a rapid pace, and with that growth comes the need for additional health services. Baptist Health continues to be at the forefront of medical care, providing residents and visitors with the clinical support they need by the experts that they trust.”

Read more here.