Scottie’s Bye-Bye Cancer Brunch Bash
This article highlights a community event sponsored by the Nurse Next Door Program and Next Door Programs. It reflects a specific event and celebrates the people and organizations who made it possible.
A Community Celebration of Strength and Hope
On a bright day in downtown Lakeland, Florida, the community came together at Union Hall for something truly special — Scottie’s Bye-Bye Cancer Brunch Bash. This joyful event honored Scottie Kautz, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at the VA, who recently won his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is now cancer-free.
But the celebration didn’t stop there. The brunch bash also paid tribute to others in the community who have faced cancer with courage, honored the memories of loved ones lost, and stood as a show of support for those still fighting. It was a day filled with music, dancing, delicious food, and—most importantly—love and encouragement.
A Community Effort
The event was beautifully organized by Joshua Farrell and Martha Kautz, with Union Hall generously donating the venue. Together, they created an uplifting atmosphere where neighbors, friends, and families could come together in unity.
“This was more than just one person’s victory,” said organizer Joshua Farrell. “It was about bringing people together to celebrate resilience and hope.”
Nurse Next Door’s Role
The Nurse Next Door Program (NND) was honored to sponsor the event. NND is part of Next Door Programs, the largest national home buying program in the U.S., and is dedicated to helping nurses and healthcare workers achieve homeownership through grants and down payment assistance.
But our mission extends far beyond homeownership. Supporting community events like this brunch bash is part of who we are. From charity football games and 5K runs, to the annual Supply-Our-Schools (SOS) drive and Christmas toy drives, the Nurse Next Door Program is proud to stand with nurses, healthcare workers, and the communities they serve.
A Message of Hope
Scottie’s story reminds us all that even in the hardest battles, there is strength, resilience, and the power of community support. This event was a shining example of how coming together can uplift not only individuals but entire communities.
We are grateful to have been part of such a meaningful day and continue to celebrate alongside Scottie and all who have fought, are fighting, or are supporting loved ones through the journey.
Community outreach is one of the core values of Next Door Programs. We believe strengthening communities goes hand-in-hand with helping the people who serve them achieve homeownership. We are honored to support events that recognize the dedication, resilience, and compassion of nurses, healthcare professionals, and the communities they serve.
To learn more about how the Nurse Next Door Program supports communities nationwide, visit: Community Outreach and Charity.