FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- The Lee Health Foundation has named long-time Southwest Florida patient advocate Kathy Tolentino as its 2025 Phoenix Award winner at the nonprofit's annual Cancer Care Hero Awards celebration.

The Phoenix Award recognizes a community member who, through education or development of new resources, has contributed to reshaping cancer care in the region.

Tolentino, director of the nonprofit Partners in Care charitable foundation, was honored at the Foundation's Lee Health Cancer Institute Fashion Show, which was held March 11 at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club.

For over 30 years, Tolentino has worked tirelessly to support cancer patients and their families. At Partners in Care, she grew the foundation from its humble local roots to one with a national impact.

The foundation offers financial support, cancer screenings, patient support groups and educational programs, serving over 9,000 patients in 18 states since 2007 while providing more than $1 million in aid.

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Under Tolentino's leadership, a race series focused on head and neck cancers grew from just one Lee County event to a dozen in Colorado, Florida, North and South Carolina, Texas, Washington and West Virginia, in partnership with other nonprofits.

The race series was started 11 years ago to bring awareness to head and neck cancers and raise money for those unable to afford costly recovery therapies that often aren't covered by insurance, or which require a very high copay.

It subsequently grew to include events across the country, with nearly 1,600 runners, walkers and volunteers helping generate more than $100,000 in 2024.

This year, the organization is again focusing exclusively on Southwest Florida. The 13th annual Head & Neck race happens on Saturday, April 26 at Cape Coral Rotary Park. The 2024 edition drew more than 400 participants to Jaycee Park.

Here's how Kathy describes her approach:

"My goal is to give every ounce of my heart and soul to those moments. I consider it a tremendous blessing, honor and responsibility to make a positive impact and difference in the lives we touch, and I do not take that responsibility lightly or for granted."