Almost everyone has been affected by breast cancer, either personally or because someone you care about has battled the disease.

One in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. Winter Park Chamber President and CEO Betsy Gardner Eckbert lost her mom, Lydia Gardner, seven years ago to this terrible disease, and Saturday’s More Than Pink Walk and this fight is incredibly personal and important to her.

“Many of you knew my mom,” says Betsy. “She was an elected official and community advocate for over 30 years. I have been private about my loss and my journey to heal, but I want to honor her and keep her memory alive by putting together a team to walk in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk and raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.”

She added, “Breast cancer is enormously impactful on your emotions, your family and your finances, and my mother was adamant that women battling cancer have money for wigs and some of the other ancillary expenses that go along with treatment. I wouldn’t be honoring her memory if I didn’t work to support that mission.”

Seventy-five percent of the funds raised for the More Than Pink Walk remain in our community to help support women here, while the remainder funds research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested more than $2.9 billion into its mission to end breast cancer, including investing $920 million in breast cancer research.

The organization also provides grants for awareness and education, grants to help women afford the screening and treatment they need, including helping with transportation and assistive care.

Join Betsy and the Winter Park Chamber team on Saturday at the More Than Pink Walk at Crane’s Roost Park in Altamonte Springs and help the women in our community struggling with breast cancer. Click the link below to register or to donate.