Rick Popoff Receives American Cancer Society Impact Maker Award

Sometimes in life, we are blessed to live amidst those who have made a direct and positive impact on the lives of others. On Marco Island, this blessing is experienced daily through the kind and generous spirit of so many of our residents. One of those caring and generous souls is our very own Rick Popoff who was recently recognized by the American Cancer Society as an Impact Maker. 

This award of distinction was presented to Popoff by ACS Tampa Area Board Chair Anthony Brooks. Popoff is the Immediate Past President of the Marco Island Volunteer Leadership Board of the American Cancer Society. He has served ACS by going above and beyond the call of duty, taking an active role in signature events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Paint the Town Pink. He and his family always enjoy the ACS Imagination Ball, an annual gala right here on Marco Island that raises funds for research, education, and patient support programs. 

Rick Popoff and his family first came to Marco Island in 1983. Rick and his wife Lisa are the owners of Rick’s Island Salon & Day Spa. They have three daughters – Sasha, Krista, and Nikki, all licensed cosmetologists who are a big part of the salon’s success and philanthropy. The salon is known for its generosity and community spirit. They have supported many community events, including Camp Able, a retreat for those with disabilities, by providing free makeovers, manicures, and pampering of all sorts for camp attendees. Rick has served as a Past President of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on the NCH Marco Island Advisory Board.

When asked about his service to the American Cancer Society, Rick Popoff humbly says, “I’m just happy to be able to do it.” Perhaps his dedication grew from his roots. Rick’s dad fought a battle against leukemia. Rick described his father as a “tester of new drugs” through a program at the University of Michigan, saying, “Whenever a new anti-cancer drug came out, my dad always agreed to let them try it on him; always hoping, always willing.” 

It is the ability to hope and the willingness to dream that has led to the development of successful treatments against many forms of cancer. On a personal note, in 2024, I will celebrate twenty-nine years of being a cancer survivor. I personally give thanks to early warriors like Rick Popoff’s dad who were brave pioneers in the quest to find a cure, and impact makers like Rick himself who continue the fight against this deadly disease. Thank you for your positive impact on life. Thank you for your dedication to humanity. 

To make your own impact, please join us at the ACS Imagination Ball, a Night of Illusions, presented by Paradise Found Restaurant and Bar, February 2 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. For more information, please contact your American Cancer Society at Sue.Olszak@cancer.org or 239-610-3032.