Florida’s First Lady Gets GOP Woman of Inspiration Award

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kisses his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, who recently survived breast cancer, as he introduces her to speak at a press conference at the University of Miami Health System Don Soffer Clinical Research Center on May 17, 2022 in Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.–Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis was honored by Republican women in South Florida with the Woman of Inspiration Award on June 11 in Fort Myers.

The annual award, first instituted in 2016, honors Republican women for making strides in their communities and careers. The state’s first lady was recognized for her “inspiring” battle, and ultimate victory over breast cancer.

“No matter what you’re going through in life, no matter how hard things seem like they are, no matter how hard it feels like you have to pick yourself off the ground, and you feel like your back is against the wall, fight. Fight like hell,” Casey DeSantis told the cheering crowd at St Cecilia’s Catholic Church.

Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis visits a youngster being treated for cancer at Wolfson Children's Hospital, shortly after her own cancer diagnosis. The visit inspired her to speak publicly about her battle. Photo courtesy of the Florida Governor's Office.