This month, we remember Sudie Stultz—an extraordinary volunteer, founding member of the VBCF Peninsula Chapter, and driving force behind initiatives that continue to shape our work today.
Sudie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. Following her treatment, she transformed her experience into action, helping to establish the Peninsula Chapter and becoming a vital part of its leadership. As Chapter Secretary and Publicity Chairman, she worked alongside her husband, Gene, to chair the Chapter Golf Tournament for several years. In 1999, they were named Chapter Volunteers of the Year.
Sudie launched the idea of sewing pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1997. The ribbons were attached to pink cards with breast cancer information. That first year, the Chapter distributed 4,000 ribbons throughout the community. Within five years, they were distributing more than 20,000 each October.
Recognizing the power of this grassroots effort, VBCF’s state office later expanded the Pink Ribbon Campaign across Virginia. What began with Sudie’s vision now lives on through our continued commitment to providing free breast health educational materials to Virginians including our ‘Breast Health Basics for Every Body’ brochure (available in English and Spanish), ‘Know Your Body’ bilingual reminder cards designed to encourage proactive health habits, and our Pink Ribbon Stickers to show support and raise awareness.
In 2005, Sudie received the Nancy Dopp Annual Volunteer of the Year Award, a statewide honor recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond to serve VBCF’s mission. Her impact was deep and wide-reaching, as her ideas and dedication touched countless lives across Virginia.
Sudie’s fellow volunteers described her as someone with tireless energy, saying she always had things done “yesterday when they are due tomorrow.” Her legacy of commitment, creativity, and compassion inspires us all.
Sudie’s warmth, service, and determination left a lasting mark on VBCF and everyone who knew her. We are deeply grateful for all Sudie gave this organization and the breast cancer community in Virginia. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Read Sudie’s obituary here: https://www.dailypress.com/obituaries/sudie-j-stultz/
