How Tammy Zinn Built Hope Beyond Breast Cancer Treatment

Tammy Zinn began her career in oncology nursing immediately after graduating, motivated by a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to changing the lives of cancer patients. For nearly 30 years, Tammy has been a dedicated advocate and caregiver, consistently going above and beyond to deliver not only clinical excellence but also genuine hope, dignity, and compassion to every patient and family she cares for. Her influence extends well beyond routine care — she has supported patients through their most difficult moments, championed their needs, and motivated everyone around her with her unwavering dedication.

Eager to expand her influence beyond the bedside, Tammy assumed the role of Nurse Navigator at Lee Health, where her visionary leadership revolutionized cancer care. She played a vital role in developing innovative programs — such as a dedicated Breast Conference and targeted community outreach to underserved populations — that provided hope and resources to those in greatest need. Through her leadership of major philanthropic efforts, Tammy removed financial barriers for uninsured and underinsured patients, making sure no one was left behind.

Recently, Tammy’s inventive approach resulted in the creation of two landmark programs that have set new standards of excellence in cancer care across Southwest Florida. In February 2022, Tammy partnered with a community organization to bring Emma’s Wish to Lee Health Cancer Institute. Emma’s Wish is a collaboration between the Lee Health Cancer Institute and KOVA Foundation. It offers support, hope, and memorable experiences for breast cancer patients and their families. Emma’s Wish grants breast cancer patients “wishes” through funding. So far, Tammy’s dedication and efforts have resulted in xx wishes being granted.

Here are some examples of fulfilled wishes:

The first recipient of Emma’s Wish, while fighting stage 4 breast cancer and recovering from Hurricane Ian's aftermath, requested a new sectional sofa with recliners. This simple wish brought joy back into her family's home. Her goal was to restore comfort and togetherness at home, and the sectional sofa helped make that happen.

A 39-year-old mother battling metastatic breast cancer, along with her husband and their six children, was able to enjoy a magical trip to Disney World over Thanksgiving week. The trip included two hotel rooms, 13 Disney park tickets, and a $500 Disney gift card, allowing the entire family to create unforgettable memories together.

A stage 4 breast cancer patient undergoing active treatment received her wish for new kitchen appliances, improving her comfort and daily life.

A 61-year-old woman with stage 4 breast cancer, undergoing immunotherapy, wanted to visit her ill daughter in Puerto Rico, who was receiving treatment for a brain mass. Emma’s Wish provided her with the opportunity to spend meaningful time with her daughter. Her trip included an airline ticket, transportation to and from the airport, and a food credit for her stay.

A stage 4 breast cancer patient had a heartfelt wish fulfilled: she was able to enjoy a meaningful Father’s Day getaway with her husband. Their trip to St. Augustine provided them with time to relax, reflect, and create treasured memories.

Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patients needed help with transportation and staying connected with family. She received four new tires for her car, allowing her to travel to and from treatment and medical appointments. She also got a plane ticket to Minnesota, enabling her to spend precious time with her children and grandchildren during the holidays.

One heartfelt wish that touched everyone’s hearts came from a very young single mother with six children who was battling stage 4 breast cancer. Her wish was to enjoy a magical getaway with her family. Emma’s Wish granted her a trip to Disney World that included hotel stays and tickets not only for her and her children but also for her mother, her sisters, and all their children. This wasn’t just a trip to Disney; it was a wish come true. Emma’s Wish even went further by “adopting” this family for Christmas. Emma’s Wish made sure her six children had the most wonderful Christmas morning.

Thanks to Tammy’s relentless advocacy, vision, and compassion, 21 wishes have already been granted, each reigniting hope and spreading joy to breast cancer patients and their loved ones during tough times. Emma’s Wish, guided by Tammy’s leadership, remains a vital support for families who might otherwise feel isolated, providing not just assistance but also unforgettable moments that remind them they are never forgotten in their fight.

Tammy’s dedication to the cancer community went beyond Emma’s Wish. Recognizing unmet needs, she courageously identified gaps in support and, fueled by her compassion and resolve, worked with partners to deliver crucial new services where they were most needed. In August 2025, the Cancer Support Communities opened at Lee Health Cancer Institute.

Cancer Support Communities (CSC) is a program that provides compassionate social and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer. Whether you are living with cancer, a survivor, a family member, or a caregiver impacted by the disease, CSC offers a wide range of support groups, education, resources and wellness programs at no cost.

Tammy understood the importance of supporting those affected by cancer, but also wanted to make sure that financial burdens would not prevent anyone from participating. Regardless of ability to pay, all services offered by CSC are free. The Lee Health Cancer Institute and Cancer Support Community aim to uplift and strengthen people affected by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and removing barriers to care.

CSC services include support groups, education, healthy lifestyle activities, social connections, resources, and navigation. A licensed mental health professional leads support groups and creates a safe space for connecting with others, learning coping strategies, and sharing experiences.

Some of the currently available support groups include:

· General Cancer Support
· Caregiver Support Group
· Men’s Support Group (Male only)
· Women’s Support Group (Female only)

Learn and Support: Monthly networking groups led by a navigator to provide cancer-specific support and education, in partnership with Bladder Cancer Action Network, Blood Cancer United and LiveLung.

A licensed clinical social worker with oncology expertise offers individual counseling. Tammy recognized the importance of educating members, sharing knowledge, and encouraging ongoing growth. Each new member attends a brief orientation to learn about CSC and get an overview of the program.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer® is the Cancer Support Community’s main cancer education series that provides trusted information on various topics important to those affected by cancer. This series takes place monthly at CSC and, since its start in August, has covered topics such as eating well during cancer treatment, managing treatment side effects, coping with caregiver stress, genetic testing and cancer, and immunotherapy.

The Cancer Transitions Moving Beyond Treatment® program helps survivors handle many physical, social, and practical challenges as they move into post-treatment cancer survivorship. This four-week series is available quarterly at CSC.

To promote healthy living and enhance overall well-being, CSC offers a variety of exercise and meditation classes. The exercise sessions are led by Carrie Riddock, a physical therapist and certified lymphedema specialist from the Cancer Rehab department. She uses her expertise to guide members through different programs, including safety.

• Chair Magic – Seated Exercise
• Dance Fit Fusion
• Healing Motion – Exercise After Cancer Surgery
• Power Up! Walking for Energy (Outdoors)
• Pilates: Balance and Core Flow
• Pilates for Pink Pals (Female only)
• Balance: Steady as You Go
• Breathe: Posture & Balance
• Lymphatic Flow: Move Your Lymph

The healthy lifestyle classes offered include:

• Art with Raina
• Chair Yoga
• Gentle Yoga
• Sound Bowl Meditation
• Therapeutic Drawing
• Qigong

The Cancer Support Community believes that community is stronger than cancer. Social connections are crucial for those affected by cancer and help foster a sense of belonging. At CSC, there are many opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy activities, all while leaving the stress of cancer treatment behind.

Some activities designed to promote social connections include:

• Coffee and Conversation
• Casual meetup to enjoy coffee and connect with others in the cancer support community
• suite.
• Book Club
• Games and Card Games
• Mahjong

Tammy’s accomplishments demonstrate her ability to unite and motivate others. She built an excellent team — led by Melissa Sommers, and Jennifer White — and brought together many dedicated volunteers, all eager to support her mission of hope. Their combined efforts have already reached over 200 members since the program began in August 2025.

As the Cancer Support Community continues to expand each week, it proves that, through Tammy’s leadership, compassion, and vision, community support can genuinely help overcome the challenges of cancer. The Lee Health Cancer Institute and Cancer Support Community help and empower those impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and removing obstacles to care.

Nearly three decades ago, Tammy Zinn made a pivotal decision to dedicate her career to oncology nursing. This choice has profoundly impacted the lives of countless cancer patients and their families. Her unwavering commitment is evident not only in her years of service but also in the hope and comfort she provides to those facing their toughest challenges.

By removing barriers to care, increasing financial support through grants and philanthropy, and developing innovative programs for the most vulnerable, Tammy has become a beacon of hope and resilience in the Southwest Florida cancer community. Her vision and compassion inspire colleagues, patients, and partners alike, cultivating a culture where no one faces cancer alone.

Through every effort, act of advocacy, and act of kindness, Tammy shows that hope is stronger than fear. Her exceptional leadership, empathy, and influence set a new standard for oncology nursing, making her highly deserving of this recognition.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Extraordinary Healer Award. Click here.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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