Jasiel Juarez and David Fitting
Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) is celebrating a milestone this year. The nonprofit has provided compassionate emotional and financial support to children fighting cancer and their families for 25 years in Palm Beach County. POST marked the occasion during this year’s 2023 Annual Gold Ribbon Heroes Luncheon, May 10 at the Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens.
Featuring a “Silver Jubilee” royal theme, the luncheon included testimonials from past patients and families along with a meal, silent auction, guest speakers and highlights of the past quarter-century from POST founder and CEO, Barbara Abernathy.
“It is such a privilege to be there for the families who are going through so much,” says Abernathy. “Whether providing gas cards to offset travel expenses for chemo, free meals from our food bank, helping with medical expenses, advice on navigating doctors or hospice, or just being there when most needed — Pediatric Oncology Support Team has been with them every step of the way. We couldn’t have done any of this for the hundreds of children and their families without the generous support from our community,” continues Abernathy. “Every dollar raised from the luncheon, and from donations throughout the year, stays in this area with our local families, and we are proud that this home-grown organization has had such a profound effect on so many. We look forward to the day childhood cancer is a thing of the past, but until then, we plan on being there to walk that road with our patients, so they know they are not alone.”
Starting in 1998 with a handful of patients, POST has grown to helping more than 100 families each year, providing advocacy, time, compassion and financial assistance for those most in need.
Committee members include Event Chair Lori McAlear and Men’s Gold Ribbon Ambassador Vic Koziura.
For more information, visit postfl.org or email post@postfl.org.