AutoNation and Florida Panthers Deliver Hope to Pediatric Cancer Patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

18-year-old oncology patient attends Panthers game on Saturday for unique VIP experience

SUNRISE, Fla., Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Panthers and AutoNation pulled off a give-and-go of their own to create a special game-day experience for 18-year-old TaKobe, an oncology patient at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital (JDCH), as part of DRV PNK, AutoNation's year-round, company-wide commitment to drive out cancer.

TaKobe has been bravely fighting a rare and aggressive tumor and has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. At the recent Florida Panthers game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, TaKobe and his family were treated to the ultimate game-day experience, including Amerant Vault seats and a "fanboni" ride.

"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."

AJ Greer and AutoNation Associates surprised TaKobe with the VIP Panthers Experience during a recent visit with pediatric patients at JDCH, where Greer and the AutoNation team delivered Totes for Hope bags filled with filled with plush toys, coloring books, and blankets to pediatric oncology patients.

"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 game-day experience and hospital visit are part of DRV PNK, which supports efforts to eliminate all cancers through prevention, education, research, treatment, and survivorship programs. To date, AutoNation has raised and donated over $45 million to fight cancer.

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

DRV PNK is AutoNation's largest community investment and the cornerstone of its philanthropic impact, helping fund groundbreaking research, essential patient programs, and community outreach initiatives. Learn more at www.autonation.com/our-purpose/drive-pink.

About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offers innovative products and exceptional services as part of a portfolio of comprehensive solutions for our customers and their automotive needs. With a nationwide network of dealerships strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $45 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, and www.x.com/autonation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

About Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers enter the 2025-26 season as the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, having gone to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past three seasons. The National Hockey League's southernmost team, the Panthers have reached the postseason in a club-record six consecutive campaigns. The Panthers operate four facilities in Broward County, Florida: Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, the new state-of-the-art practice facility Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the renovated War Memorial Auditorium, which hosts concerts and events for the South Florida faithful. 

An organization with deep roots in the community, the Panthers are owned by Vincent J. Viola, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a veteran of the U.S. Army. Emphasizing a culture of selfless service both on and off the ice, the Panthers pillar program 'Heroes Among Us' honors a United States military veteran at every game and the Florida Panthers Foundation has four main focuses including veterans affairs, children's health and education, raising awareness for the endangered Florida panther and growing youth hockey. 

SOURCE AutoNation, Inc.