BAPTIST HEALTH BOLSTERS HABITAT’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUILD IN MARATHON

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys was awarded a grant of $40,000 from Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF). This grant will be used directly toward the construction costs of Habitat's current build, Bell Haven. Bell Haven, a place of protection and safety, will be completed in October and will result in eight new affordable homes that will be sold to selected hardworking residents in the Middle Keys. These homes are purchased with a zero percent loan.

"The build partnership with Baptist Health South Florida is vital to the success of our mission and we could not be more grateful for their support,” said Habitat executive director Chris Todd Young.

Pictured, from left: Habitat board members Dianne Weitz and Erin Arnett, Young, Habitat board members Ryan Elwell and Cindy McKnight, Fishermen’s and Mariners Hospital CEO Drew Grossman, Baptist Health South Florida vice president and chief nursing officer Ron Burke, BHSF director of government and community relations Maria Luisa Gonzalez, Habitat board president Mike Puto and Keys Contracting Services owner Chris Gratton. CONTRIBUTED

CASTAWAYS AGAINST CANCER PULL OFF THREE ‘RIDICULOUS STUNTS’ IN 2023 TOUR

Some traveled by kayak, some by bicycle, and even two by foot. But on June 16, all three “teams” for the 2023 Castaways Against Cancer “Ridiculous Stunt Tour” convened in Key West to celebrate the end of three grueling treks aimed at combating one of the world’s most hated diseases. Leaving at various points after June 10, the three crews made their way from Miami’s Virginia Key to Simonton Beach to honor more than 2,100 courageous past and present cancer patients.

The tour is the Castaways’ latest yearly iteration as the organization works to fulfill a $1.5-million pledge to support cancer research through the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“We’ve raised close to $300,000 to date (this year), with 1,800 supporters contributing to the cause,” the Castaways’ communications volunteer lead Jackie Montesinos Suarez told the Weekly. “Altogether, the group paddled 2,400 miles, cycled 1,900 miles and ran 160 miles – for a total of 4,460 miles – to raise money for cancer research.”

“It was an epic journey from Miami to Key West for our paddlers, cyclists and runners,” said Eric Pino, captain of the Castaways. “It wasn’t easy, but there was something magical about this year’s ‘Ridiculous Stunt tour,’ and the bond we formed as a group makes our resolve that much stronger as we aim to stop cancer.”

— Alex Rickert

Marathon Health Center*

2805 Overseas Highway MM 48.5

Marathon, FL 33050

Tavernier

Health Center

91200 Overseas

Highway, Unit 17

Tavernier, FL 33070

Key West Health Center

727 Fort Street

Key West, FL 33040