OFM_FBCF Profile_1023FINAL.qxp_Profile 9 / 14 / 23 3 : 04 PM Page 1 PROMOTION B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T of 100 % in transparency and 98 % for use of funds to two perfect scores . “ I really couldn’t be any more proud of that , ” she says . Continually increasing FBCF’s reputation and vis - ibility are critical since , as Jacim notes , “ one in eight women will have breast cancer in her lifetime — and men get it , too . ” Continuing awareness , emphasizing the potentially life - saving benefits of early detection , providing impactful grants and energizing supporters are all profoundly important undertakings since “ our demographic is everyone . ” “ One of our biggest donors has no breast cancer in his family , but he does have a young daughter , ” Jacim says . “ He doesn’t want her to have to potentially suffer in the future . ” That desire to diminish others ’ suffering not only in the future but also for today’s patients is a common ground uniting the researchers , survivors , thrivers , sup - porters , donors and “ everyday folks like you and me ” Late FBCF volunteer and top ‘ 22 FBCF Race 2 Cure fundraiser who’ve all served as the ever - growing FBCF’s beating Sami Pickens ( second from left ) , her husband Justin , FBCF CEO / President Tracy Jacim , Jacim’s daughter Georgianna and heartacross three decades . That shared , organic passion Orlando Sports Foundation CEO Alan Gooch . for helping others during a uniquely daunting time is paired with four mission pillars — scientific research , education , advocacy and direct services — that amplify the FBCF team’s impact in a meaningful way . And while the small but mighty nine - person Three Decades of FBCF staff and their statewide supporters are all com - mitted to supporting their community , that very com - munity has plenty to offer the foundation in return to ensure it can help those with breast cancer for another 30 years . “ We have an incredible team of employees and DEDICATION volunteers , who are like pseudo - employees , but we always need more support , ” says Jacim . “ That support The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation has been an ardent doesn’t have to be financial : It’s creating awareness , advocate for the awareness , early detection , support and edu - FBCF volunteer Cindy Bethaney ( from left ) , helpingspread the word , helping spread the education , cation that’s made a difference to patients , survivors and their Jacimand FBCF Board Director Dr . Robert and partnering with us to hold an educational event . Hines cut the cake at the foundation's recent families since 1993 — and it’s only full steam ahead from here . 30th birthday party . Even from your desk , you can make a difference by By MADELEINE MACCAR sharingcontent and information from our social media ack in 1993 , the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Cancer license plates , with $ 25 from each purchase platforms . And whenever you can uplift someone ( FBCF ) was just three women spearheading the funding breast cancer research and education — even who’s battling this or a family facing a diagnosis , lift Beffort from a kitchen table , steadfast in their deter - gets in on the awareness - month publicity . them up ! ” mination to be both the helping hand and a beacon of “ A big part of how we encourage folks to purchase hope for those whose optimism was wearing thin . And our plate is by working with the tax - collector offices in while that mission remains a hallmark of the organiza - all the counties throughout the state that partner with tion today , it’s now grown to us , ” Jacim begins . “ The workers include two brick - and - mortar loca - there wear our T - shirts during 30 tions and a cadre of dedicated sup - October and when people come in porters up and down The Sunshine to buy a plate , [ the employees ] talk State . about our organization . ” For all the education , advocacy While the foundation recently and services the foundation tire - threw a 30th - birthday bash that Every license plate purchased contributes lessly provides all year round , its broughttogether virtual revelers and $ 25 to breast cancer research and education . efforts get ramped up when Breast those on - site at its two locations , Donor Teddy Morse ( third from right ) with Jacim and the Ed Morse team . Cancer Awareness Month rolls around — though FBCF has plenty more milestone to celebrate : a grant FBCF CEO / President Tracy Jacim is quick to point programthat , to date , has disseminated more than $ 7.5 out that “ the public really does that for us . ” million in support of “ innovative research grants ; ” Florida Breast Cancer Foundation “ Oftentimes , we just start getting exponentially granting nearly $ 800,000 in direct service grants that NorthMiami : ( 305 ) 631 - 2134 more outreach to partner with us or to raise funds for us fund things like 3D mammograms , living expenses for Oviedo : ( 321 ) 972 - 5534 | FloridaBreastCancer.org or to come out and speak to different groups , ” she those in treatment and securing medical items ; $ 1.2 Join this year’s FBCF Race 2 Cure : explains , adding that tax collectors ’ offices — which million in educational grants ; and , most recently , RunSignUp.com / CorporateTeams / FBCF help sell the foundation’s state - partnered End Breast improving an already - stellar Charity Navigator rating 42 ORLANDO FAMILY october 2023 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM