AutoNation and Florida Panthers bring joy and hope to pediatric cancer patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital during special event

Sunrise, Florida – On a night that blended excitement, sports, and heartfelt generosity, the Florida Panthers and AutoNation created an unforgettable experience for TaKobe, an 18-year-old oncology patient at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH). As part of DRV PNK, AutoNation’s year-round initiative dedicated to driving out cancer, TaKobe and his family were treated to a VIP game-day adventure during a recent Panthers game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Battling a rare and aggressive tumor, TaKobe has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Despite these challenges, the teen was able to enjoy the thrill of Amerant Vault seats and even took a spin on a “fanboni” ride, turning a typical hockey game into a moment of joy and respite from his ongoing treatments. The experience was not only a chance to cheer for his favorite team but also an opportunity to create lasting memories with family.

“At AutoNation, our Associates are united by a shared commitment to create a future free from cancer,” said Lisa Ryans, AutoNation Vice President of Corporate Communications. “We’re proud to partner with the Florida Panthers to bring hope and comfort to children and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Moments like this reflect the personal impact of our companywide commitment to drive out cancer.”

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The initiative was spearheaded by AJ Greer and a team of AutoNation Associates, who visited JDCH earlier to deliver Totes for Hope bags filled with plush toys, coloring books, and blankets to pediatric oncology patients. These gestures may seem small, but they make a significant difference in the lives of young patients facing the stress and uncertainty of cancer treatment.

“We’re here to support these kids, spend some time with them, really lighten up their day and just get to know them and put a smile on their faces,” said Greer. “We get to spend time with them, lift their spirits, and help them forget what they’re going through, even for a little while. That’s the least we can do.”

The DRV PNK program has become a cornerstone of AutoNation’s philanthropic mission. Launched with the goal of eliminating cancer through prevention, education, research, treatment, and survivorship programs, DRV PNK has raised and donated over $45 million to date. These funds have supported groundbreaking research, essential patient programs, and community outreach initiatives across the country.

Kelley Morris, President of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, praised the collaboration between AutoNation and the Florida Panthers. “Corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in strengthening our community,” Morris said. “When partners like AutoNation and the Florida Panthers step forward, they bring hope and comfort to the families we serve.”

The VIP Panthers Experience and hospital visit highlight how targeted community initiatives can have an immediate, tangible impact. For families like TaKobe’s, these efforts provide not only moments of entertainment and fun but also emotional support and encouragement during some of the most challenging times of their lives. It is a reminder that corporate partnerships and community engagement can change lives in meaningful ways.

DRV PNK remains AutoNation’s largest community investment and reflects the company’s commitment to making a difference beyond its business operations. By combining resources, volunteer efforts, and partnerships with organizations like the Florida Panthers, AutoNation ensures that children undergoing cancer treatment have moments of joy and a sense of normalcy, even in the face of significant medical challenges.

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For TaKobe, the experience was more than a game; it was a chance to be seen, celebrated, and supported. His excitement and joy were shared not only with his family but also with hospital staff, volunteers, and the broader community who witnessed the partnership between AutoNation, the Florida Panthers, and JDCH.

Through programs like DRV PNK, corporate and community partners continue to provide essential support to children with cancer, demonstrating that a combination of compassion, generosity, and engagement can bring hope where it is most needed. Families leave these events with more than gifts or special experiences—they carry with them the knowledge that their community stands beside them in their fight against cancer.

To learn more about AutoNation’s DRV PNK initiative and its commitment to fighting cancer, visit www.autonation.com/our-purpose/drive-pink.

This partnership, blending sports, community service, and philanthropy, ensures that moments of joy like TaKobe’s VIP hockey experience continue to inspire hope for pediatric patients and their families across Florida.