Natale “Nat” Galatioto
It’s the People: Galatiotos Cite Relationships Rooted in Compassion as Inspiration for Support
Natale “Nat” Galatioto is nothing if not persistent—a trait that served him well during his prostate cancer journey.
After retiring from a 33-year career with the New York City Police Department, he and his wife, Audrey, relocated to Bonita Springs, Florida, nearly a decade ago. Their peaceful retirement was interrupted by Nat’s upending diagnosis.
“I had a frustrating experience chasing care at another health system,” Nat explains. “Starting in December 2022 and over the next 15 months, my PSA levels rose steadily, with drastic jumps toward the end. I’d also had a stent put in a couple years ago, which complicated my situation.”
Ultimately, Nat felt discounted, time was ticking, and he was beside himself with worry, so he sought care elsewhere. “Lucky for me it was Moffitt,” he declares.
The same day that Nat contacted Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, he received a call from radiation oncology specialist Kathy “KT” Tyree, APRN. Little did he know she would become his guardian angel as he traveled the road to recovery.
“KT was so warm from the get-go. She fast-tracked my initial appointments,” Nat shares. “I was so grateful and promised if I ever met her, I’d give her the biggest hug of her life!”
KT was there for every medical milestone of Nat’s, including his first radiation oncology appointment and after his brachytherapy procedure.
“I gave her that big hug when we met, and she said, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,’” Nat relates. “I really needed to hear that.”
Audrey seconds Nat’s praise for Moffitt. “I received as much attention and compassion as Nat,” she says. “During Nat’s brachytherapy procedure, his surgeon, Dr. Fernandez, updated me three times in person.”
Last August, Nat rang the bell that signals treatment’s end and delivered a speech expressing his appreciation for Moffitt.
“Everyone we encountered, from the parking staff, concierge and Admissions team to the nurses and physicians, was exceptional. They didn’t just do their jobs; they became friends,” he says.
Longtime Moffitt supporters, the Galatiotos recently made a transformational unrestricted planned gift that will powerfully shape patient care.
“I have complete trust that Moffitt will use our gift wisely,” Nat asserts. “Like helping families with burdensome travel and lodging costs. Coming to Moffitt was the best decision I ever made—they helped me go from hopeless to hopeful!”