Imagination Ball Celebrates Night of Illusions

Imagine a world without cancer. That is what Marco Island did the night of February 2 at the JW Marriott as Paradise Found Restaurant presented the 2024 American Cancer Society Imagination Ball, Night of Illusions. Guests were welcomed to the Banyan Ballroom by a pair of Stilt Walkers in festive attire. Emceed by Lindsey Sablan of WINK News, it was a night of elegance and a celebration of life, energized with the mission to raise funds in the fight against cancer.

Funds were raised by both live and silent auctions and two revenue enhancers. The Diamond Dig, sponsored by Kathein Jewelers, added sparkle to the evening as Nancy Margolis won the drawing for a gorgeous diamond necklace. Allyson Richards was the winner of the Purse Grab, a drawing for a Louis Vuitton handbag. 

The American Cancer Society is a volunteer driven organization, and this event was no exception. Among the volunteers for the evening were the friendly familiar faces of members of Rotary, Kiwanis, the Marco Island Woman’s Club and other local service organizations, all pitching in to make the evening a success.

Debra Shanahan, chair of the gala for the twelfth consecutive year, delivered a heartfelt message that although we are working hard to shatter cancer to a mere illusion, at present it is still a reality; a reality that touched her personally this past year. Shanahan was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer and has been successfully treated. She cited the American Cancer Society’s dedication to research for the progress that has been made in treating this deadly disease.

Debra’s story would not be the only one told that evening of a personal encounter with the disease. Auctioneer Rick Gallo shared that he had received a recent diagnosis but was blessed with the benefit of early detection. “Early detection is everything,” he said. “I have two granddaughters that I want to see grow up in a world that is cancer-free.”

Perhaps the most touching moment of the evening was the Survivor/Caregiver video. Local cancer survivor Angie shared her story of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC tends to be an aggressive form of the disease. The term triple negative refers to the fact that the cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and do not make significant amounts of the protein HER2. Fewer treatment options are available for TNBC as traditional hormone therapies and anti-HER2 drugs will not work. Thanks to research funded by the American Cancer Society, advances are being made. Angie, now cancer-free, is a brave shining example of the hope that exists in the fight against all forms of cancer. She thanks her support system, including her many friends who literally filled the floor for a photo opportunity at the Ball, and her daughter who traveled here from Pennsylvania to take care of Angie in her time of need. Angie is a force to contend with on the pickleball court, often playing with MIPD Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, also a cancer survivor. What an inspiration for all of us!

Michelle Wykowski was a caregiver for her husband Wesley in his battle against glioblastoma, a malignant brain cancer. They shared thirty-eight years of a beautiful marriage. Wesley loved to fish, and he treated Michelle “like a princess,” in her words. Their roles were reversed when Michelle became his loving caregiver following his diagnosis. Michelle found great support from their son and daughter. Wesley went online to learn all that he could about the disease. Michelle said, “He wanted to go up on stage to tell his story and inspire others.” Wesley passed away in 2023, but his memory will live on and will indeed inspire others, especially those he loved.

Funds raised by the event will be used for research, education, and patient support programs. All auction items and revenue enhancers were donated to the American Cancer Society by our generous sponsors. ACS gratefully acknowledges Presenting Sponsor – Paradise Found Restaurant & Bar, Reception Sponsor – Seminole Casino Hotel, Gold Sponsor – Kimberly Mackin, Photography Sponsor – Siegel Dental, Mission Sponsor – Phelan Family Brands, Silver Sponsors – Robert and Mariann McDonald, Rick’s Island Salon, The Compass Group – Morgan Stanley, Bronze Sponsors – NCH Healthcare, Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise, Patron Table Sponsors – Bill and Rosemary Albanese, Joe Bartos, Guerin & English/Raymond James, JW Marriott Marco Island, Ray and Louise Jean, Bill & Karen Young/MIA, and Patron Couples – Wendy Campagna & Ronald Brown, Byron Farrell & Susan Furek, Chris Santel & Rachel Santel, Patrick Thawley & Patricia Bunke. 

The American Cancer Society will never stop fighting against this disease until we find a cure. We believe that day is coming, and we believe with your help, that day will be soon. Imagine a world without cancer! That day will surely be our Paradise Found!

More photos from the American Cancer Society’s Imagination Ball are online at coastalbreezenews.com.