By Timothy Kinsella, MD – Naples Cancer Advisors
As 2024 comes to a close, the team at Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA) would like to “take a second” to focus on one word that embodies the season and the mission that drives us every day: HOPE. Hope is more than just an emotion—it’s a lifeline for those facing one of life’s greatest challenges: cancer. Webster’s Dictionary defines hope as “a desire accompanied by expectation of success,” and at NCA, we strive to bring that expectation of success to the lives of cancer patients and their families.
This year, hope has been a cornerstone of everything we’ve done. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every cancer patient deserves access to the best care, cutting-edge research, and compassionate guidance—all without financial barriers. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of the individuals and families who have turned to NCA during their darkest moments, seeking clarity, direction, and hope.
Hope Through Progress
Before joining NCA, I spent 50 years working in cancer care and research, including seven pivotal years at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 1980 to 1987. During that time, and throughout my service on the NCI Board of Scientific Counselors and Board of Scientific Advisors, I witnessed tremendous progress in the fight against cancer.
In the 1990s, there were approximately 7 million cancer survivors in the United States. Today, that number has nearly tripled to over 20 million, thanks to advancements in treatment, prevention, and early detection. A significant driver of this progress has been the Cancer Moonshot Project, a groundbreaking initiative over the past decade that has accelerated research and improved outcomes. The Cancer Moonshot focuses on:
1. Expanding clinical trial access to make life-saving treatments more widely available.
2. Advancing precision medicine to create personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
3. Increasing availability of investigational drugs and immunotherapy for patients with limited options.
4. Facilitating open access to genomic data, enabling worldwide collaboration among researchers.
At Naples Cancer Advisors, we strive to bring these advancements to the Southwest Florida community, inspiring hope and offering patients access to cutting-edge innovations.
Hope Through Local Support
Naples Cancer Advisors provides second opinions and guidance to cancer patients at no cost to the patient or their insurance. For newly diagnosed patients, those with recurrent disease, or anyone uncertain about their treatment plan, we offer clarity and peace of mind. We connect patients with state-of-the-art information, clinical trials, and the latest discoveries from the Cancer Moonshot Project.
Our impact goes beyond information. NCA’s team collaborates with NCI- affiliated physicians and researchers across the country, creating a support network that extends far beyond our local office. This means our patients can access advanced care without leaving their community.
This year, we’ve seen how hope can transform lives. Patients overwhelmed by their diagnosis have found renewed purpose and new options. Families navigating the complexities of genetic testing, clinical trial enrollment, and financial challenges have been guided to solutions, allowing them to focus on healing and supporting one another.
Hope Through Giving
As we approach the end of the year, it’s also a time to reflect on the power of giving. At NCA, all our services are provided free of charge to ensure that every patient, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to the care and resources they need.
When you give to NCA, you are giving more than just money—
you are giving hope. You are helping a patient find the right treatment plan, a family navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, and a community come together to fight this disease. Your support allows us to continue providing second opinions, clinical trial navigation, and precision oncology services to those who need it most.
This December, we invite you to “take a second” and join us in spreading hope. Whether through a one-time gift or ongoing support, your contribution makes a real difference. Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing care, expanding access to resources, and ensuring that no one in our community has to face cancer alone.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Cancer remains a formidable challenge, with over 2 million Americans expected to be diagnosed in 2024. But at NCA, we are optimistic about the future. With continued advancements in research, unwavering support from our community, and the resilience of the patients and families we serve, we believe hope can triumph over fear.
As we close out 2024, we are deeply grateful for the trust our patients have placed in us, the dedication of our team, and the generosity of our supporters. Together, we are building a foundation of hope that will carry us into the new year and beyond.
Hope is more than a word; it’s a promise. It’s the driving force behind everything we do at Naples Cancer Advisors. With your help, we will continue to bring hope to those who need it most.
To support our mission and make a year-end gift, please visit www.naplescanceradvisors.org or click on the QR code. Together, we can make 2025 a year filled with hope, healing, and progress!
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tim Kinsella, Naples Cancer Advisors’ newest Physician Advisor!
Board-certified in both Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, and with an impressive 50 years of experience, Dr. Kinsella is internationally recognized for his expertise in treating sarcomas, brain tumors, lymphomas, gastrointestinal cancers, and pediatric cancers.
Dr. Kinsella has an extensive background in groundbreaking research, including the development of intraoperative radiotherapy and radiation-sensitizing drugs. His laboratory was funded by The National Institutes of Health for over 40 years, and he has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards throughout his research career. He has published over 350 articles, chapters, and books.
Trained at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University, he has served on the National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors and on advisory boards for the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center, the University of Miami Cancer Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other renowned institutions. He has held numerous leadership positions in cancer-related organizations as well as serving on the editorial boards of leading scientific journals, including his role as Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Radiation Oncology. Dr. Kinsella’s career spans esteemed roles at institutions including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), University of Wisconsin, Case Western Reserve University, Brown University and more.
Dr. Kinsella and his wife, a pediatric oncologist, recently relocated to Bonita Springs, Florida, and we are excited to have him join our team to support those facing cancer in our Southwest Florida community!
239-846-2273 (CARE)
3201 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112, Naples, FL 34103
naplescanceradvisors.org