DONNA Foundation turns Breast Cancer Awareness Month into action

The DONNA Foundation has kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrating patients, survivors and their families through new partnerships, signature races and fundraising initiatives that provide critical support to those living with breast cancer.

This year’s observance also begins the countdown to the 20th running of DONNA Marathon Weekend, themed Love in Motion, taking place Feb. 5-7 at the Jacksonville Beaches. 

The organization will host several exciting events throughout October, including the organization’s annual DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass. The signature event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, and will serve as the final event in the 2026 Fearless Series. The race takes runners, walkers, survivors and friends through the “back nine” of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Thanks to THE PLAYERS Championship and The Chartrand Family, a $15,000 matching gift challenge will enable gifts given in October to go twice as far. 

“October shines a light on breast cancer, but the people we serve live with its impact every day,” said Amanda Napolitano, executive director of The DONNA Foundation. “That’s why our work has always been about more than awareness. It’s about showing up with hope, support and real financial relief when a family needs it most. This month, we honor everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer and invite our community to turn awareness into action.”

In alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation recently launched the following initiatives:

• The DONNA Foundation launched its fifth annual DONNA 110 Mile-a-Day Challenge on Oct. 1, encouraging participants to walk one mile per day for 110 days, finishing in time for DONNA Marathon Weekend 2027.

• In partnership with Mayo Clinic, The DONNA Foundation presented “Beyond Awareness: A Breast Health Conversation” on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at First Place Sports Baymeadows.

And there’s more:

• Throughout October, individuals, businesses, restaurants and shops are rallying to raise funds for The DONNA Foundation, fueling vital support for patients and families living with breast cancer. A full list of ways to give back can be found at thedonnafoundation.org/events.

• Jeff Galloway Training Programs, the official training program for DONNA Foundation race events, will kick-off DONNA Half Marathon Training on Oct. 17. This “run-walk-run” training approach was founded by legendary Olympian and runner Jeff Galloway, who co-founded the 26.2 with DONNA, The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. For local and national program details, go to breastcancermarathon.com/training.

Registration is open for the 20th Running of DONNA Marathon Weekend, taking place Feb. 5-7, 2027. The milestone weekend will celebrate the power of choosing hope over fear and honors two decades of survivors, families, volunteers and runners. DONNA Marathon Weekend will feature the full marathon, half marathon and 5K distances, along with the DONNA Dash and Pete’s Bar DONNA Crawl, and special commemorative experiences honoring 20 impactful years. The DONNA Foundation will continue its partnership with the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic near Beaches, the official host hotel of DONNA Marathon Weekend, including the Health & Wellness Expo and pre- and post-race celebrations. 

Since its inception in 2003, The DONNA Foundation has served more than 22,000 breast cancer patients and their families, provided more than $7 million in financial services and debt relief through its DONNA CareLine and donated more than $3.3 million to groundbreaking breast cancer research.

Last year, the DONNA CareLine program served more than 900 patients, delivering $450,000 in financial services and debt relief, including $67,000 in direct financial aid.

“I’m so grateful for all the ways in which The Donna Foundation has shown up for families facing the hardships of a breast cancer diagnosis. Being there for those families, whether financially, or with an opportunity to joyfully cross a finish line, is a great honor,” said Donna Deegan, mayor of Jacksonville and founder of The DONNA Foundation.

While October is a special month for the foundation, its work continues year-round to raise funds and serve patients and families.

Registration for the DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass, the 110-Mile-A-Day Challenge and DONNA Marathon Weekend 2027 is now open at thedonnafoundation.org/events.