Good Health Clinic (GHC) has launched the 2026 Big Kahuna Challenge, its signature community fundraising competition.
The challenge brings together business and community leaders who compete to raise funds and awareness for the clinic. Every dollar raised helps provide health care to uninsured residents throughout the Florida Keys, with the top fundraiser earning the title of Big Kahuna. The donations help provide thousands of medical visits, prescriptions, specialty care and diagnostic services for uninsured Keys residents.
“Every dollar our Kahunas raise helps ensure that uninsured residents can continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. We hope the community will rally behind these amazing fundraisers and help us continue changing lives,” said Kate Banick, Good Health Clinic executive director.
The event culminates with the Kahuna Challenge awards on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada.
This year’s competitors:
Candace Rybak & Kasandra Ibanez from Houston Insurance are thrilled to join in on the challenge, saying, “Life in the Florida Keys is built on connection, compassion and looking out for one another. That’s why Good Health Clinic’s mission resonates so deeply with us — because a healthier community means a stronger, more vibrant home for everyone.”
The two with a shared love for the Florida Keys, boating and community have called the islands home for the past six years. Drawn to the laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of connection, they quickly fell in love with life on the water and the people who make the Keys special. When they’re not boating or spending time with their puppies, they are passionate about finding ways to give back and support the community that has warmly welcomed them. Their goal is to make a positive impact while embracing the joys of island life, friendship and adventure.
Yesenia Moreno is managing partner of New Edge Associates, a South Florida-based executive search and staffing firm specializing in banking, financial services, accounting, operations, technology and professional services recruitment. “The Florida Keys community has given me so much, and supporting Good Health Clinic is my way of giving back. No one should have to choose between their health and their finances. I’m passionate about helping our neighbors access the care they deserve and proud to champion this life-changing mission.”
New Edge Associates has become a trusted recruiting and consulting partner to community banks, regional institutions, fintech companies and professional organizations across Florida. Moreno also is the founder and president of the Florida Banking Forum (FBF), a professional association dedicated to connecting leaders across banking and related industries through executive fireside chats, networking events and the FBF Magazine. Through FBF, she has helped create a platform for collaboration, professional development and industry engagement throughout Florida.
Moreno serves on the board of directors for the Key Largo Chamber, ChamberSOUTH and South Florida Banking Institute. She is also an executive committee member of Women United through United Way Miami and serves as sponsorship chair for Hard Hats & High Heels, a fundraising initiative benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami.
Chelsea O’Connor is a nursing leader at Mariners Hospital. She’s a proud wife and mother to two children, ages 14 and 9. “I was born and raised in the Upper Keys, where I developed a deep connection to my community and a passion for serving others,” she said. “I began my career with Baptist Health South Florida in 2007 as a pediatric registered nurse, building a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care. In 2014, I transitioned into adult care at Mariners Hospital, where I continued to grow both clinically and as a leader.”
“My work is rooted in a commitment to improving access to care and promoting health and wellness across our community, values that align closely with the Big Kahuna Challenge and the mission of the Good Health Clinic,” she said. “I remain passionate about giving back, strengthening community health, and leading with purpose both inside and outside the hospital setting.”
David Padden, of Pharos Orthobiologica Institute said, “Choosing to become a 2026 Kahuna challenger was an easy one, to assist in providing quality care to those Keys residents who would otherwise struggle to find it.”
Padden is a board-certified Johns Hopkins fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who’s trained in arthritis. He’s a reconstructive surgeon and founder of the Pharos Orthobiologica Institute specializing in stem cell therapy, PRP and peptides. Medical grade laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatments are also employed at Pharos Orthobiologica Institute.
Jaclyn Kelley of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate said, “No one in our community should go without health care, yet a staggering number of locals do. Good Health Clinic provides health care to those who need it most, and I’m proud to support its mission.”
“I’m a proud freshwater Conch with deep roots in the Florida Keys and a genuine passion for the community I’m fortunate to call home. As broker/owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations and Star Properties Destinations, I’ve built my businesses around service, local knowledge, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to helping others,” she said.
Kelley believes strong communities are created when people show up for one another, and “I’m always looking for ways to bring people together and support the place that has given me so much.”
“Whether I’m guiding clients, supporting my team, championing local businesses, or giving back to important causes, I try to lead with heart, energy, and a true love for the Florida Keys.
I’m honored to represent my community as a 2026 Big Kahuna candidate and excited to raise awareness and meaningful support for Good Health Clinic,” she said.
