Your life can be changed in an instant with just a few words. We remember this every October by wearing pink ribbons and attending walks and events to raise funds and support those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. It impacts our family and friends and even other survivors who act as a support system during one of the most difficult events we may face.
Fortunately, there are a number of organizations on local, regional and national levels that offer both financial and emotional support to those in need and are dedicated to ultimately finding a cure for this all-too-common diagnosis.
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF), for example, founded by three Miami women in 1993, has a mission to provide grants for research at the University of Miami and other nonprofit organizations to educate and provide support to breast cancer patients.
“Our main focus is keeping our funds in Florida,” shares communications manager Cathy Cruz. “A lot of communities don’t have access to care or screenings in Florida.”
One of FBCF’s most successful fundraising initiatives is the sale of specialty I-CARE license plates. Another includes a special pink martini being featured by Blue Martini in Fort Lauderdale, where a portion of its sales will be donated to the organization.
Another event of note is the yearly poker run sponsored by National Marine Suppliers. Rain or shine, participants travel a 150-mile course by car, motorcycle and boat, followed by an after-party barbecue.
“National Marine Suppliers donates all the proceeds from the poker run,” Cruz says. “Last year, they raised $63,000 and hope to do better this year.”
FBCF stress breast cancer awareness and education by having volunteers attend, present and help create various programs throughout Florida.
“We have one office, but our volunteers are all over the state,” Cruz says. “A lot people know of breast cancer, but they don’t know about breast cancer. This is why education is one of our biggest goals.”
While FBCF and other organizations are active in their fights against breast cancer year-round, there are several special events that take place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The following page lists a few events happening this month in our neighborhood. ?
Touch of Pink by Pink Angels
WHEN: Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Private home in
Harbor Inlet, East Fort Lauderdale
TICKETS: $200 per person;
$100 raffle ticket/$200 for three
INFO: 954.265.6446 or
mhsfoundation.org/pinkangels
Join the third-annual “Touch of Pink” celebration hosted by The Pink Angels Fund of Memorial Foundation. The fabulous soiree includes dinner, an open bar, raffle prizes and dancing. This volunteer group is dedicated to educating women about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that the resources of Memorial Healthcare System are available to them.
Not My Daughter… find a cure now!
WHEN: Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Heron Bay Marriott,
11775 Heron Bay Boulevard
TICKETS: $75 per person; $100 for VIP tickets (includes special gift)
INFO: notmydaughterfindacurenow.com
Celebrate the sixth-annual Not My Daughter… Find a Cure Now! fundraiser featuring world-renowned mentalist Oz Pearlman. This event includes a shopping boutique, luncheon, silent and Chinese auctions, amazing raffles, delicious food, drinks and more. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale affiliate.
GLAM DOLL Strut
WHEN: Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Esplanade Park, 400 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale
TICKETS: $45 per person
INFO: glam-a-thon.com
Thousands of divas, dudes and doggies will be wearing some of the most fashionable, funny and fabulous attire. This year, four teams will be crowned Queen/King of Glam-A-THON 2015 based on team size. Crowns will also be given out for creativity of team name, outfits and the team that raises the most money. Donations benefit the Broward Health Foundation and its breast cancer programs.
National Marine Suppliers Annual Yacht Bikers Poker Run
WHEN: Oct. 24
WHERE: National Marine Suppliers, 2800 SW Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
INFO: floridabreastcancer.org
During this 150-mile ride, participants hit various checkpoints at which they draw a playing card. The goal is to get the best poker hand possible. The mission is to raise awareness and funds for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. All motorcycles, classic cars and convertibles are welcomed.
American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
WHEN: Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Huizenga Plaza, 1 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
INFO: makingstrideswalk.org/browardfl
Show your support at Broward’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Making Strides is the American Cancer Society’s rally to build awareness and raise funds to fight breast cancer. The walk makes a difference by funding groundbreaking research, providing support to people facing breast cancer and helping others reduce their risk of breast cancer.
