by Sarah Stephenson, Special Events Manager SWVA
This year’s Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) Pink 13.1 event was a little different than we planned, but thanks to the resilience of our community, it was still a great success! While the in-person event was canceled due to the extensive damages from Hurricane Helene, our dedicated participants didn’t let that stop them. Many took to the streets, trails, and parks across the region to complete their miles virtually, sharing photos along the way with friends, family, and other survivors. Their stories and pictures filled us with pride, reminding us of the strength and spirit that define this community.
Despite the change in format, Pink 13.1 raised $38,000 to benefit the Southwest Virginia (SWVA) Diagnostic Fund. These funds will provide vital diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured patients, supporting early detection and treatment for breast cancer in Southwest Virginia. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without our wonderful sponsors: Ballad Health, Food City, First Bank and Trust, 5 Points Creative, Home Shopping Network, RunAbout Sports – Roanoke, and Guardant Health. Your support was instrumental in making Pink 13.1 a success, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the cause.
In addition to supporting breast cancer diagnostics, VBCF wanted to offer help to those affected by the storm. In partnership with Food City, we contributed $1,000 in gift cards to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, providing much-needed resources to those impacted by the disaster. We are thankful to be able to extend our mission of compassion to our community in this way.
A special thank you goes out to every participant, donor, and supporter who helped us reach this milestone. While we missed gathering together on the scenic Creeper Trail, seeing the many photos of individuals completing their virtual 13.1 journeys kept the spirit of the event alive. Your dedication fuels our mission, and every mile you walked or ran brings us closer to a future where all patients have access to the care they need.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that in 2025, we plan to return to the beautiful Creeper Trail for an in-person Pink 13.1 event. We can’t wait to gather again, united for the cause, on this picturesque path. Until then, stay tuned for updates and remember that together, we are making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Thank you all for your unwavering support—let’s keep up the momentum!
