‘Brick by brick,’ The DONNA Foundation paves way to breast cancer cure

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Oceanfront Park in Jacksonville Beach was a sea of pink last Tuesday, Nov. 28, as supporters of The DONNA Foundation gathered to dedicate the first installments of the nonprofit’s new Brick by Brick campaign.

Founded in 2003 by former First Coast News anchor and breast cancer survivor Donna Deegan, The DONNA Foundation provides financial and emotional support to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and funds research towards finding a cure. Launched earlier this year, the organization’s Brick by Brick campaign offers supporters the opportunity to buy a commemorative brick to be permanently installed at Oceanfront Park in honor of those impacted by the disease.

“The whole goal with all of this was to have a place where we could honor people, a place to reflect, a place to say in one voice that we’re going to finish breast cancer,” Deegan said. “And to be able to have this legacy out here is really an amazing accomplishment.”

Deegan explained that the idea for the campaign originated with First Coast News President and General Manager Rob Mennie. Mennie, who was at the event, said he was glad to have been able to contribute.

“Every single one of us knows somebody impacted by this disease,” Mennie said. “We’ve prayed with them, we’ve cried with them, we’ve cheered with them when they beat this thing and now you all have the opportunity to permanently remember those people by buying a brick.”

Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham was also on site to express his support for the cause.

“This isn’t about any one person; it’s about a whole lot of people that have come together to do some wonderful things for a wonderful cause,” Latham said. “It’s so very important for us to be supportive as a community, and I’m so proud to see all of you here tonight.”

To learn more about The DONNA Foundation’s Brick by Brick Campaign, call (855) 693-6662 or visit www.mydonnabrick.com.