by Antonia Arias-Magallon, Events Manager, Southwest Virginia
The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (VBCF) was honored to host this year’s Power of Pink Roanoke Luncheon at the historic Hotel Roanoke on October 21st. The event brought together survivors, supporters, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to celebrate hope, raise critical funds, and reaffirm our shared commitment to ending breast cancer in Virginia.
This year’s luncheon raised vital support for VBCF’s access, education, and advocacy programs that benefit western Virginia, including the Screening & Diagnostic Services Fund for Southwest Virginia, which provides free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured and underinsured individuals in our region. Since 2022, this fund has invested more than $641,000 into local care, providing over 1,950 tests for 1,040 patients and helping identify 30 life-changing diagnoses over three years. The need continues to grow, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and attendees, VBCF remains steadfast in expanding access to care for Virginians in need.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors, whose generosity made this year’s luncheon possible. A special thanks to our Diamond Sponsors – Blue Ridge Cancer Care and The Branch Group; our Ruby Sponsor Berglund Toyota; and our Sapphire Sponsor Carilion Clinic. We also thank our Emerald, Pearl, Crystal, and Individual Sponsors, as well as the countless donors, volunteers, and committee members who helped bring this event to life. Their dedication embodies the Power of Pink.
Pictured: (l-r) Lindsey Kennett, Mandi Bishop, and Judy Pearson.
The program, emceed by Lindsey Kennett, anchor and reporter at WSLS10, opened with a heartfelt moment of silence to honor those that have lost their battle and celebrated survivors and fighters in attendance. Lindsey also recognized U.S. House of Representatives Member Ben Cline, who represents the Federal 6th District which includes a western portion of the state including Roanoke, Harrisonburg and Winchester. Congressman Cline delivered welcoming remarks to the attendees. In addition, City of Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb, Town of Vinton Mayor Bradley Grose, and other dignitaries were in attendance whose presence underscored the community’s broad support for VBCF’s work.
Tara Daudani, VBCF Board President and breast cancer survivor, shared both her personal journey and exciting updates about the foundation’s statewide impact. She announced a major advocacy victory: beginning January 1, 2026, Virginians with state-regulated health insurance will no longer face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up breast imaging. This milestone ensures more women will receive the diagnostic care they need without financial barriers.
Our speakers this year deeply moved the audience with their stories of resilience and purpose. Local breast cancer survivor Mandi Bishop, celebrating 21 years as a breast cancer survivor, delivered a touching reflection on strength, gratitude, and the importance of community support. In the middle of her speech, an impromptu fire alarm prompted everyone to briefly exit the ballroom, offering all a lighthearted moment to remember and laugh about. True to her spirit, Mandi returned to the podium with encouragement and grace, seamlessly continuing her message of hope and perseverance.
Our keynote speaker, Judy Pearson, captivated guests with her inspiring storytelling and insights drawn from her most recently published book Radical Sisters: Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder and the Dawn of the Breast Cancer Movement. Judy, a best-selling author who has written six books and is an accomplished presenter, has received numerous honors for her work. During her presentation, she shared the incredible stories of three women whose courage and advocacy helped spark the breast cancer awareness movement we know today. Her presence added a truly memorable element to this year’s luncheon – leaving everyone inspired by the reminder that courage, compassion, and storytelling can transform not only individual lives but entire movements.
The afternoon also featured the popular “Unlock the Cure” raffle, sponsored by Fink’s Jewelers, offering guests the chance to win a stunning 18” David Yurman 18k yellow gold Madison chain necklace valued at $8,800 in support of VBCF’s mission. The event closed with applause, gratitude, and a renewed sense of unity.
To those who attended, donated, volunteered, and sponsored to help make our event possible, thank you! Together, we are building a future where access to care, education, and advocacy can save lives across Virginia.
If you’d like to continue supporting this work, please visit vbcf.org or reach out to Antonia at antonia@vbcf.org to discover ways to donate, volunteer, or get involved.
Because the Power of Pink is more than a color, it’s a community taking action.
Photographer: Evan Musgrave, Musgrave Media Productions
