BCFCF is a community that truly cares and changes lives. I kept to myself during surgery and treatment, but now I’ve met so many people who have become close friends—like family—through the foundation. It makes me happy to give back and help our community fight breast cancer.

It’s hard being around other survivors. I used to feel like my story wasn’t enough because it seemed ‘easier’ than others, but I’ve learned—especially through BCFCF—that my story still matters. Ashley and Kim Smiddy helped get me out of the house after my mastectomy, and that was a huge step for me.

BCFCF is here for women in Central Florida in ways that truly matter. I’m so glad they are here to help.

I’m grateful for BCFCF because of all it does for women who have walked the same path as I did. The support and love it brings to the community is truly heartwarming, and I’m honored to give back to such an amazing foundation.

BCFCF gave me a platform to give back. It’s allowed me to take my journey and use it to uplift others. And the women who support this organization? They’re amazing.

When I met Ashley at Jeepin’ for the Cure, I didn’t realize how important she’d become to me. After my diagnosis, she connected me with a community of people who truly understood. They made me feel less alone.

BCFCF helped with essentials—groceries, utilities, transportation. They even had support for my kids through the Children’s Fund. But it wasn’t just financial help—it was emotional. Ashley personally reached out to check in. She still does. That means the world.

BCFCF helped me want to share with others—so we can heal in spoken and unspoken ways. It gave me a place to connect, to laugh, and to be real. It’s not just a support group—it’s life after cancer, with people who get it. BCFCF gave me the courage to lead, to laugh again, and to heal forward.

I knew that the BCFCF existed just from working in healthcare, but I didn’t realize how deeply they were involved in the local community until I met Ashley at a run club event. Ironically, I was a breast cancer patient preparing for surgery, and she was promoting a 5k fundraiser. Our conversation opened my eyes to the invaluable support BCFCF provides to patients and families right here at home. Since then, Ashley has checked in on me weekly, offering help while managing her own challenges. BCFCF will forever be an organization I support and promote.

Nothing can prepare you for breast cancer, but support can sustain you. I wouldn’t have made it without the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, which helped me pay rent and cover my car note while I was working part-time through chemo. If you’re going to donate to breast cancer, send it to your neighbor who’s fighting, not some national brand.