In a season when gratitude takes center stage, Team Tony reminds us that giving thanks is not only about what we hold close, but also about how we extend hope to others. For the past 15 years, the Team Tony Cancer Foundation has lived out this truth by pairing cancer fighters with survivors, easing financial burdens, and building a community of encouragement so that no one has to face cancer alone.
Tony’s Story
The roots of this mission go back to 2002, when Sarasota resident Tony McEachern competed in the Raid Gauloises in Vietnam, a grueling 621-mile endurance race. Just a year later, in the midst of peak health, Tony was diagnosed with a Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and given two years to live.
The years that followed tested him beyond any race. Tony endured five neurosurgeries, two years of radiation, four years of chemotherapy, and several experimental treatments. He lost hair and peripheral vision but never his resolve. And while extraordinary doctors played a central role in his survival, Tony credits much of his endurance to the people outside the medical field, his family, friends, and fellow survivors who stood by him.
Still, Tony longed to connect with someone his age who had walked the same path and truly understood. Out of that longing came a vision: to ensure no one would ever feel isolated in their fight. In 2010, Tony partnered with fellow survivor Lori Kayser to launch the Team Tony Cancer Foundation. Their mission was simple: connect cancer fighters with survivors who understand the journey, offering mentorship, encouragement, and community.
Small Gestures, Lasting Impact
Today, Team Tony serves families across Florida’s Suncoast through its peer-to-peer mentorship program and medical assistance grants. Survivors step forward to guide others with compassion and reassurance.
The foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 annually for those in the program. While the amount may sound modest, the impact is profound. Recently, a newly diagnosed woman needed a PET scan before doctors could begin treatment. The imaging center required payment upfront; thousands she didn’t have. Team Tony stepped in, covering the cost and removing the barrier between her and care.
Another patient, a young woman with a brain tumor, travels multiple times a week to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. With fuel and tolls adding up, she struggled to afford the trips. Through Team Tony, she now receives gas cards, a small but vital gesture that relieves her worry.
The foundation also helps breast cancer patients access cold cap therapy to preserve their hair during chemotherapy. For many women, maintaining this part of their identity makes a tremendous difference in morale and dignity.
These may seem like “little things,” but for someone living with cancer, they are everything. Covering a scan, providing a gas card, or funding a second opinion; each act eases burdens and opens doors when people feel most overwhelmed.
A Community That Shows Up
Team Tony’s work is fueled by donors, volunteers, and survivors themselves. As Executive Director Kelly Dream explains, “Team Tony is an organization built by our community, for our community. Donors, volunteers, and cancer survivors who use their experience to inspire others — we couldn’t do this without them.”
That generosity comes alive through signature events. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, cyclists of all levels will gather at the Florida Farm Bureau Pavilion for the 8th Annual Gran Fondo Sarasota. Riders can choose from four scenic routes — 5, 33, 62, or 100 miles — before celebrating at the Epic Finish Line Party with live music, catered food, and local vendors. Designed to be family-friendly, the event includes a cruiser ride for parents and kids, Junior SWAT activities from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and a festive atmosphere for all.
Then, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, supporters will trade helmets for denim at the 9th Annual Jackets & Jeans Fundraiser at Michael’s on East. Known as one of Sarasota’s most stylish evenings, the night will feature entertainment by The Boomers: Live the Sixties. Guests can expect a lively celebration that blends fashion, fun, and philanthropy — all while fueling Team Tony’s mission.
Gratitude in Action
At its heart, Team Tony is a living legacy of resilience and gratitude. What began as one man’s determination not just to survive, but to help others thrive, has blossomed into a community-wide movement. The foundation embodies what it means to give thanks: to recognize the blessings we’ve been given and use them to lift others up.
This November, as we gather with loved ones, may we also reflect on the countless neighbors navigating cancer. And may we ask ourselves: How can I help? By riding, attending, volunteering, or donating, we can each turn gratitude into action. Together, we can honor Tony’s vision and ensure that hope, support, and community are always within reach.