by April Haas, Captain of Southwest Florida Coastal Encounters
It was just another day on the water. As a charter boat captain in Sanibel, I’m used to a bit of a wobble when I get back to land, but on February 25th, something was different. After a perfect sunset cruise—one of the best dolphin interactions I’ve ever had—I could barely get off the boat. I was in so much pain I had to crawl to my car. That night, I cried. The next morning, I began a journey that would change my life forever.
For weeks, I had attributed the pain in my hip to a minor groin injury. I was in denial, coming up with every possible scenario in my mind, from a weird infection to a torn labrum. But my doctor, Dr. Dani Basora, knew better. Her quick action led to a series of tests—an MRI, a CT scan, bloodwork, and a painful bone marrow biopsy—that would reveal the truth. On March 6th, the results were in: I have multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that was causing my bone marrow to eat away at my pelvis. It was the moment the reality of my diagnosis came crashing down, a moment that felt like a plot twist in my life I never saw coming.
Since then, my life has been a blur of chemotherapy, medical tests, and the humbling, difficult process of accepting my new reality. But I have also found a powerful new purpose: to be the world’s longest-living, high-risk, multiple myeloma patient of all time. This mission has been my north star, guiding me through the darkest days. And with every step, the incredible Sanibel community has been right there beside me.
Last month, this community showed up in a way I could never have imagined. More than 200 of our neighbors gathered at Point Ybel Brewing Company for a “Wig Out” benefit to send me off to my stem cell transplant at Tampa General Hospital. From colorful mermaid hair to silly mullets, people of all ages embraced the theme with infectious enthusiasm. The event was an overwhelming success, raising enough money to cover all my travel and lodging expenses for my nearly two-month stay in Tampa.
This outpouring of support and generosity, however, is not a surprise. It’s what Sanibel does best. Beyond the wig-filled party, our neighbors have been a constant source of strength for my family. We’ve seen an endless stream of meals dropped off, friends helping with taking care of our dogs, carpools for the kids, and gifts to bring me comfort during my transplant. These selfless acts of kindness have made a world of difference, allowing my husband, Dave, and I to focus on my health.
I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who showed up, donated, and gave their time to make the event a huge success. Your support has lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders. A special thanks goes to Dr. Dani Basora, whose quick diagnosis put me on the path to recovery, her husband, Luis, for DJing at the party, Point Ybel Brewing Company for providing the perfect location to celebrate the spirit of this island, and my friend, Melissa Halliburton, for coming up with this crazy idea in the first place, and being at my side for every step of this journey.
I know it’s far from over. I am now in Tampa, focused on my recovery and my fight to get back home to my kids, Robbie, Maggie, and Genevieve. Melissa is here with me too. But while I’ve been resting, she’s been busy helping to plan yet another event for the Sanibel community – Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ inaugural Generosity Breakfast. She told me it’s a celebration to honor the island’s “Generosity Champions,” individuals and organizations who constantly give their time, talent, and treasure to make our island community better. People like Melissa, if you ask me…
As a recipient of that generosity this year, I wish I could join her and all of you for breakfast at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on November 18th to show my gratitude. But since I’ve been instructed to isolate myself from crowds for the next couple of months while my immune system rebuilds itself, this letter will have to suffice. Thank you, Sanibel, for showing me that even when life throws you a plot twist, a community’s love and generosity can help you write your own ending. With the love of this community behind me, I know I will succeed.
Please join us for this inspiring celebration of generosity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. You may secure a table of ten tickets for $2,000 or an individual ticket for $225. Donations are tax-deductible thanks to our sponsors. Tickets are available now at the Generosity Breakfast here.
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