OFM_Profile_Florida Cancer Foundation_1022_final_Profile 9 / 21 / 22 5 : 43 PM Page 1 PROMOTION B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T Leading the Charge The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation remains dedicated to changing the breast cancer landscape . by PETER PROKO happens every October . Across the does , ” she says . country , pink ribbons are prominently Thanks to the record amount of money raised , displayed , survivors gather in support of FBCF will be granting $ 400,000 to help fund direct It one another and millions of dollars are services programs that help cover living expenses , Tracy Jacim and Alan Gooch of the raised all in the name of National Breast Cancer mammograms , and medical items . What’s more , it Orlando Sports Foundation . Awareness Month . And while there is consider - will also provide $ 800,000 for scientific research able momentum built up during these 31 days on programs and at least another $ 150,000 in educa - money being generated stays in Florida helps FBCF the calendar , the truth of the matter is the battle tion grants and sponsorships , including its signature stand apart from other organizations . against the disease is very much a year - round education program MASS , which focuses on the “ When people make a donation , they want to fight – 365 days a year . underserved . feel confident and certain that their money is being FBCF will also host and partner for over 100 put to good use and they can see an impact . [ With Perhaps no one understands this better than the events in the coming year , including serving as the us ] , you can literally see the changes happening in folks at the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation title sponsor for what is proudly named the Florida your neighborhood , ” says Jacim . ( FBCF ) , a statewide organization that advocates at the Breast Cancer Foundation Race 2 Cure at Fort Despite all the strides being made by FBCF , legislative level in both Tallahassee and Washington , Mellon Park in Sanford in October . FBCF will also there is still much about the disease that people don’t D.C . ; educates our communities about reducing their be working closely with several other key partners realize . For instance , Jacim points out , there are risk for the disease ; and funds numerous nonprofits , like Ed Morse Automotive Group , Carrabba’s , and plenty of men who get diagnosed with breast cancer . pilot programs and scientific research . What started Pickups for Breast Cancer to further spread the But perhaps the statistic most are surprised to learn is out as a nonprofit founded by three women in Miami word about their mission . The sale of each one of its that 90 % of breast cancer cases are not hereditary , but back in 1993 has grown exponentially and continues End Breast Cancer license plates generates $ 25 – rather caused by environmental factors . to be ranked as the No . 1 breast cancer organization in money earmarked to fund lifesaving scientific That makes the educational component of the nation by Charity Navigator . research and education . This year FBCF celebrates FBCF’s work that much more critical , and so the Now , as FBCF gears up to celebrate its 30th that program’s 20th anniversary and thanks all organization has especially focused on reaching a anniversary next January , President and CEO Tracy those who have or will purchase a plate . Jacim younger demographic by engaging colleges , high Jacim says the organization continues to thrive . proudly acknowledges schools and some elementary schools . Jacim says “ This past year , we are so grateful to say we that to date those funds have that increased knowledge about early detection received our highest amount of donations in all of allowed FBCF to disperse more than $ 10 million to along with trailblazing research and new treatment our existence . I attribute that to people now Florida institutions and nonprofits . options has provided “ tangible hope . ” knowing about the great work this foundation “ To know that we have been serving men and “ The medical advancements that have taken women in the state of Florida for 30 place over the last decade are amazing . If you are years is something we are not only diagnosed early , your chances are so good [ for proud of , but it also motivates us recovery ] . It’s so much different than it was years and inspires us to reach even more ago . That’s why the funding for research is so people , ” says Jacim . “ [ But ] even important , ” she says . though all this growth has taken Jacim is also a big believer in strength in num - place , we have never wandered far bers . And whether she’s thinking of the numerous from our beliefs in the power of the survivors she’s encountered while working with grassroots effort . Every single day , FBCF or her own personal family members who we still operate with a great passion , have been afflicted believing that even if we help just with breast cancer , she finds one person that day , we’ve made a inspiration in their journeys . huge impact . ” “ When you hear their stories , you get a clearer And that impact has been sense of what the word ‘ survivor ’ really encompasses . noticeable . To date , the foundation It’s not just the victory , it’s the process , ” she says . has made a difference in communi - “ We’ve had so many of those folks come to us and use ties across the state , their experience to help others , and that right there is impacting hundreds of really what drives the engine of this organization . A GREAT WAY TO thousands of people . And These survivors are not only inspiring , but in a sense LEND SUPPORT knowing that all the they are leading the way in the fight . ” is by purchasing a specialty “ End Breast Cancer ” license Florida Breast Cancer Foundation plate , with a portion of the ( 321 ) 972 - 5534 | FloridaBreastCancer.org proceeds going to the FBCF . 50 ORLANDO FAMILY october 2022 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM