Local Radiation Oncologist Will Also Receive 2011 Keystone Award
SARASOTA – Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast today announced that ESPN basketball analyst and philanthropist Dick Vitale will receive its highest honor, the Stephen H. Goldman, M.D., Keystone Award.
Sarasota radiation oncologist Larry N. Silverman, M.D., will also receive the Keystone Award at the non-profit organization’s 2011 Celebration of Hope dinner on April 13 at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch.
“We are pleased to recognize these two exceptional individuals for their invaluable contributions to the fight against cancer in our local community,” said Carl Ritter, CEO, Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast (CSC), which serves patients, survivors and families in the Manatee-Sarasota region free of charge.
Ticket sales and event sponsorships for the 10th annual Celebration of Hope dinner and awards ceremony support the organization’s work. Chair Dr. Dwight Fitch, Co-Chair Dr. Claudia Mallarino, and Honorary Co-Chair and Emcee Lauren Dorsett from ABC 7 will preside at the event, which honors one layperson and one medical professional from Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Vitale is TV’s most prominent college basketball analyst and unofficial ambassador for the sport. He joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season following a successful college and pro coaching career. Today, his commentary can be heard on television, radio and his weekly ESPN.com column.
A long-time Sarasota resident, Vitale is also a noted philanthropist, serving on the board of The V Foundation, a non-profit cancer research organization founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano. He has co-chaired the annual V Foundation Golf Classic and hosts an annual V Foundation Gala. Vitale has also awarded five scholarships annually to the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota. In 2002, Sarasota Magazine named him one of the area’s most influential citizens.
Dr. Silverman is one of the Gulf Coast’s leading radiation oncology specialists. Board certified in radiation oncology. Dr. Silverman has published numerous scientific abstracts in his field and presented his research findings before national oncology conferences. Currently, Dr. Silverman is involved in several research projects and publications involving cancer treatment.
“Our two winners embrace CSC’s mission to help people affected by cancer through the healing powers of hope, support, education and patient empowerment,” said Ritter. “They also reflect our organization’s long tradition of service.” CSC’s predecessor, The Wellness Community, established the Stephen H. Goldman, M.D. Keystone Award in 2001 to honor one of its most dedicated supporters.
Through professionally led support groups, informational workshops and mind/body classes, CSC helps people affected by cancer learn vital skills to improve the quality of their lives and make them better partners with their medical professionals. Since 1996, more than 11,000 individuals have made more than 60,000 visits to the center in Sarasota and at satellite locations throughout the area. For more information: www.cancersupportsuncoast.org.
