Moffitt Cancer Center
 

moffit scam?
 

Thanks for the informative article in the Orlando Sentinal. Makes me wonder how many scams do the Morses run in TV?

This is much discussed here, whether an entity has a right to open doing the same kind of business as another entity.

Seems like that kind of competition is very frequently seen.

Moffitt will be a much bigger and probably much better known same type of business and that owner will probably lose a lot of business to them.

But is it a scam?

I am concerned that they tried to scam us.
 

IS it a scam? Undecided, but it was proposed by lying to us. I have a friend who was treated at the Boissenault center and she was thrilled with her treatment there. She disagrees with the claim that they will have a better caliber of treatment equiptment at Moffit. I have no problem with Morse opening his own treatment center but I do have a problem with the way it was touted as offering something new that was unavailabe today.

As a former radiation therapist I know that the field is quite lucrative. As a new resident I am not sure whether the incidence of cancer in TV warrants another center or not. What I do know is that the request for money to equipt the center was done using tactics which are not completely truthful. This upset me. It makes me wonder if my subscription to the Daily Sun is money well spent.

Each Villager needs to make up their own mind on whether they want to contribute to equip the Moffit Center or not. They need to decide whether the Villages doing things to interupt The Relay for Life activities since the organizers refused to give the money raised to the Moffit Center was an ethical, moral or just action.

I personally am leaning towards believing it was not an honest effort on behalf of the Developer. I am disappointed that TV residents were considered guillable enough to accept this proposal without analyzing it. The residents of TV left behind many careers which required education that would make them perfectly competent to come to informed decision on issues. I wonder if that education was not considered when this campaign commenced.

:spoken:

A donation is voluntary
 

1. If you don't like the project, do not donate your money to it. (I sure wish we could take that approach with the IRS.)

2. I'm sure the Orlando Sentinel buys ink by the barrel, literally.

3. I think it is "misrepresentation" on Anderson/Bouissenault's part to portray themselves in the full-page ads as:

a) An old-time, friendly GP carrying a doctor's valise as though he were making house calls and would settle for $2 or freshly butchered chicken as compensation for coming to your house so you could stay in the bed. A picture speaks a thousand words, and that one spoke volumes.

b) As a "cancer institute", with "institute" giving the impression that all phases of cancer care are provided there, when in reality it does only ONE phase, oncology radiation treatment. They give the impression that this is a the only place one would need to go for overall cancer treatment when in fact, radiation treatment is not even appropriate for many cancer patients, and for many, it is the LAST step of the process.

All of the above makes me welcome Moffitt more and I will donate or not donate after seeking out the facts.

Everything is political. That's what this is. I just wish objectors would be as critical and investigative with Washington and state bureaus and how they squander our tax dollars they confiscate from us having NO say as to how it's used.

I think the next positive article about TV from Lauren Ritchie will be her first. (Since she is a TOTV member maybe she could correct me by pointing me to a previous good article?)

For some reason we are supposed to put a lot of credence into what a competitor says? One who may lose business to the other proposed business? I know she is an columnist and not a reporter but how this is considered fodder for a newspaper is beyond me.

Again this article is nothing but questions without any real answers. I'm still waiting for someone, anyone, to tell me why I should care. I donate to many charities and causes. Do I cringe when a report comes out that someone in an organization did something unethical with the money? Heck yeah. But do I stop all donations to that organization? No, not if I feel the greater good is being served. I'm buying a brick and I have no regrets.

Jane52 made some very good points about the other 'center'. If you feel that you were duped then by all means reserve your judgment and your money. There is still a risk to the developer of any property. By taking a risk they deserve to reap benefits if it succeeds.

Do your own research and decide. TOTV and Laureen Ritchie are only sources. Go out and get other details and please share them with us.

I guess there ain't no fool like an old fool. Hey, it's your money to give but why not give it to some charity that really needs it? If the "non-profit"
Villages Health System has enough money to build a second hospital at Brownwood, they have enough money to outfit Moffitt. Please understand, people, nobody is saying Moffitt here is a bad thing and that competition isn't good for us all. But we've been snookered into paying for it for them. Morse don't do anything unless he can make money at it - he is a businessman at all times.

Without taking sides in the Anderson-Morse thing, I have been uncomfortable with the Moffitt deal from the time it was announced. I used to work for a non-profit health care system and I know our members were not asked to fund the equipment for any new facility we built. Nowhere have I read anything about a benefit to the contributors once the facility is completed other than having it here. The POA complained when the plans for a cancer center in Leesburg were announced and was pleased when it was relocated to TV. I don't recall Leesburg residents being asked to fund the equipment for a Leesburg facility.

While no fan of Ritchie, something here just does not seem right. I will watch and see what happens.

I attended the POA meeting where Dr. Anderson spoke and he indicated that he does not use a collection agency and does not turn any patient away because of inability to pay. Maybe you could call him up to see if he will take $2 or a freshly butchered chicken as compensation. He also indicated, that based on the dollars being spent for the radiation equipment for the Moffit "Center", the Villages are NOT getting the same machine that is being used in Tampa which costs in the neighborhood of $5 million.

I want a "Cancer Center" in the Villages. ...Don't you?

It looks to me like both communities have been funding equipment and facilities for a long, long time with donated monies:

"Alliance Healthcare Foundation
The Alliance Healthcare Foundation endeavor is to create healthier communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and community partnerships.

Since 1977, the Foundation has supported the hospitals’ programs, services and growing needs.....

Charitable gifts to the Alliance Healthcare Foundation are one of the most important and fulfilling ways to make a positive difference in the well-being of our community, since every patient is treated regardless of their ability to pay." (from CFHA Foundation website)

I read that they were doing fund-raising for the entire facility in Leesburg - building, equipment, everything -- some $25 million.

I am Moffitt http://www.moffitt.org/ graduate, having been treatedby them in 2003. I still drive to Tampa once a year for my annual checkup.

Because of my positive experience with them, I am a Moffitt supporter.

When they came to Tampa a number of years ago, there was much of the same conversation. "St Joe's has the same equipment, University Community Hospital has the same equipment. We have many oncologists in Tampa--don't need others coming in.

What Moffit brought was an Interdisciplinary Team Approach. When you are treated at Moffit, you are treated by a team already in place. They meet and discus your case. Each of the team members has ALL of your records.
This interdisciplinary team approach is one of the ways Moffitt has the edge.

Moffit is rated with Sloan Kettering, MD Anderson and many of the other top cancer centers.

I'm not going to take a position on the fundraising issue for the proposed Moffit center in TV. However, I do question the need for duplicative costly equipment and services if they already exist in a community.

I suggest it's time that we all start looking at the costs of medical care in general. After all, isn't that cost one of the things contributing to this Country's fiscal crisis? Why is this duplication within the confines of The Villages necessary? Dr. Anderson and his staff already are affiiliated with Moffit. While Morse is attempting to raise funds for the purchase of this equipment through donations (a "freebie"), that certainly isn't the end of monies needed to maintain, repair and eventually replace the equipment when newer technologies beome available.

While a Moffit affiliate within TVRH may be needed (and is surely wanted) for the TV community, isn't there another cancer related medical specialty that could be brought in since the radiology specialty is already provided within the community?

As an aside, I sure hope Dr. Anderson owns the building he's in. If it's leased from the Morse family, I'm sure his lease won't be extended. That would be a major moral and ethical crime.

Dr. Anderson's Building
 

At the POA meeting Dr. Anderson stated that he owns his land and building.

Good to know. Thanks!

Do we need another "cancer center"in TV? Probably not but Moffitt is a brand name, so CFHA probably feels it is profitable to open an affiliate here. After it's all said and done, there will be a Moffitt affiliate in Leesburg, TV and the one already located in Ocala at ORMC. We not only won't have to go to Tampa for treatment but will have 3 Moffitt affiliates within 25 miles to choose from. Not to mention the previously unknown Mayo Clinic affiliate "cancer center" located about a hundred and fifty yards form the soon-to-be Moffitt affiliate. We must be the cancer capital of the world - is it any wonder that health care costs are out of control?

The only negative is the TV Moffitt is the one that requires donations by Villagers for equipment if it's to open here. Oh, I forgot, it was brought out they (CFHA/Developer/Morse) always had the funds for equipment but wanted to keep it for the future Brownwood Hospital, if it is ever built. Shame on the CFHA/Developer/Morse because this information should have been released at the start of the project, not months later. Once you donate to The Village Health System, they can use it as they see fit, whether it be to outfit Moffitt or build a hospital at Brownwood.

As Russ often reminds us ... it's voluntary donations not mandatory taxes that are being sought.

Do we need another cancer center? Good question. I assume someone or some group much smarter than me has analyzed the demographics, population growth, health needs, and existing facilities and determined that there is a need for further expansion.

I remember friends back North who worked tirelessly doing fundraisers for their local community hospital to purchase equipment, build new wings, etc. I don't recall any hue and cry about why donations were needed to fund these local, critical needs.

I think there is some instant suspicion whenever the Morse family is involved. Yes, they are business people out to make a buck but they have also been the catalyst for the rapid expansion and improvement of medical facilities for this area. Without their push and influence, I fear we would not have anywhere near the facilities or medical personnel that we have now to serve this fast growing area. If it had been left up to Sumter/Lake/Marion County or the State of Florida to meet our medical needs, I think (just my opinion) that we would have been terribly underserved.

I hope to never have to use Moffitt's capabilities, but, I am impressed with their total patient care approach and feel they will be an asset to this community.

Oncology Care
 

I don't know much about Moffit from a personal standpoint but I DO know a little something about the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institue on Clemente Ct. in The Villages. In 2001 I had 33 radiation treatments there, after a lumpectomy on my right breast. Radiation may be all they do but they do it very well. I don't know anything about the Sentinel article but will probably read it. One thing I know for sure: If I ever need radiation in the future, I will specifically ask to be referred back to Boissoneault. The staff there treated me with the utmost kindness and professionalism. Dr Shelaine Mabanta was just who I needed when faced with an uncertain future. When it came time to dismiss me to my medical oncologist I asked to stay on with her for an extra year. Having other cancer treatment options available here in The Villages will be a good thing for all of us. After watching 12+ years of news from central Florida nothing would surprise me as far as how this new cancer center came to be. Maybe the best thing that we can all do is to not think about that and just enjoy more peace of mind once it is finished. Somehow, I don't believe that wondering and worrying about who-did-what is going to change a thing in the end.......been here and have seen how these things get done, too many times!

Well said -- thank you.

Finally some good questions answered
 

Finally, the question of whether Leesburg is having to fundraise for equipment and the building has been answered, in The Villages Voice January 2011 at

http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-v...26&article=595

Leesburg community is being asked to do fundraising of $25 million because they have to fund the construction of the building and facilities, in addition to the equipment. TV residents are not being asked to pay for building/facilities construction because the developer is paying for that. So we're being asked to fundraise for about $4.5 million while Leesburg has to fundraise $25 million.

The article is titled "CFHA and TVHS Team with Moffitt for Comprehensive Cancer Care".

The direct quotes that finally clarify all of this were removed twice here when I posted them and linked to their source (copyright violation, moderator says).

It does not say the developer is paying for the building. It says he is leasing it to CFHA. No small point.

Technically speaking isn't he paying for the building and then leasing it out? And why is this a contentious point? Wouldn't any building that they locate in have to pay the landlord?

I think the contentious point is that the community was led to believe that he was donating the building (paying for it), not building it and leasing it.

I would almost always want to see this type of non profit operate out of leased quarters rather than getting into the real estate ownership process themselves. If the rent is appropriate there is no real reason to critise this situation nor the proposed landlord.

I agree
 

If that was said I can see your point - was that ever in print so we can all see it? If so please provide the link.

Part 2 of article.
 

Part 2 of article.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...1664811.column

It seems as though if you criticize the way donations are being asked for by, at the very best, not telling the whole truth, you are against Moffitt, cancer treatment in general and probably don't like puppies. For all of you who think those of us who question this whole deal makes us Morse-bashers, Moffitt-haters and quite possibly Nazi-loving communists, my answer is to use your brain. I now realize there is no way of reasoning with people who don't want to use reason but it's so frustrating!! I, for one, won't be snookered into this out-and-out fraud being perpetuated on us by CFHA. Donations to all local "real" charities are down in this area since this crap started and that is just wrong. So if you will excuse me, I have to get back to "Mein Kampf" - it was just getting interesting.

That about sums it up.

Read back through the posts. When it is written that the developer is "financing" the building, many folks take that to mean his is "donating" it. Here is a part of an earlier post -

That is really what I was replying to. Now it turns out that he is not donating the land. I know I read that one somewhere.

Thanks for telling it like it is...:BigApplause:

Read the article linked
 

Read what this article linked below in The Villages Voice says under "Fundraising". I tried to be accurate by quoting the exact words of the article and giving the reference (link) to the source, but the administrators took it down because they say the quote is "copyrighted".

I think the statement is clear that Villages residents are not being asked to pay for building construction as Leesburg residents are, because the developer is paying for the construction in TV.

For all the "experts" out there, is it possible that Leesburg residents are raising money for the building/facilities, and that IT will be leased to Moffitt as will be done in TV?

http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-v...26&article=595

Jane52

You have to realize the the "Villlage Voice" is put out by the Villages Homeowners Association (VHA), which is nothing more than an organization created by the developer when the Property Owners Association (POA) did not go along with everything that the developer wanted many years ago. Anything that comes out of the VHA must be looked at with significant skepticism since they really represent the developer, not the homeowners. Look up the posts where anyone attending their meetings are not even allowed to ask questions during the presentations that they put on.

OK
 

OK. So is the article false? Is Leesburg not raising $25 million for construction of the building/facility and the radiation equipment?

Yes that would be wrong.

But to say that Moffitt Cancer is not a 'real' charity would be as wrong. You can refer to an earlier link that I posted from an organization that monitors such things.

I love your posts! Nice to see some new blood on TOTV.:BigApplause:

At the VHA meeting, the Director of the Leesburg Hospital said they thought they would need to raise 25 million for the project, but someone was going to build the building and they would only need to raise money for equipment. People in attendance gave their questions to the moderator who summerized them and asked the panel to answer them.

I offer this as food for thought but I do not understand non profit, it’s not free to the patients.
Note all four of the Moffitt Corporations are non profit the fifth is just a factious name. All are at the same address.

Florida Non Profit Corporation
H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number N02631

Florida Non Profit Corporation
H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE HOSPITAL, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number N94000001576

Florida Non Profit Corporation
H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIFETIME CANCER SCREENING CENTER, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number N94000001577

Florida Non Profit Corporation
H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOUNDATION, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number N94000001580

Principal Address for the four Corporations above.
12902 MAGNOLIA DRIVE
TAMPA FL 33612-9497 US

Fictitious Name
MOFFITT CANCER CENTER
Filing Information
Registration Number G08074700071
Owner Information
H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC
12902 MAGNOLIA DRIVE
TAMPA, FL 33612

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