Partners for Breast Cancer Care raised nearly $10,000 during a sold-out 5K race and one-mile walk on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Fort Myers. The Southwest Florida nonprofit funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for underserved women and men in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
Dressed in pink from head to toe, 378 breast cancer survivors and supporters raced through a winding path at the second annual Partners Pink Run at Bell Tower at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the first, second and third overall male and female racers, as well as the top three male and female racers in each age group. Following the race, participants enjoyed music, refreshments at Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar and games for all ages, like cornhole and Bra Pong.
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Partners Pink Run launched in 2024 with 175 participants as a celebration of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer. All funds raised in the record-breaking 2025 race will go directly toward funding breast care for uninsured women and men across Southwest Florida’s five-county region.
“One of my friends who asked me to run had breast cancer, and she’s a survivor,” said Katherine Powell, a Partners Pink Run participant. “So, this run was special to her, and it’s special to me.”
Since 2004, Partners for Breast Cancer Care has helped more than 14,000 residents by funding over 21,000 breast care procedures, with 406 breast cancer diagnoses identified through their efforts.
Partners for Breast Cancer Care does not receive government or federal funding, which makes fundraising efforts like the Partners Pink Run crucial to its operations. The organization partners with more than 100 healthcare professionals – including radiologists, surgeons, pathologists and anesthesiologists – who generously donate or discount their services to help clients access critical breast care.
These partnerships, along with grants and donations, allow the organization to operate without government funding, ensuring that every dollar raised remains local. As the only nonprofit in Southwest Florida that fully funds the care uninsured, low-income people need, Partners for Breast Cancer Care ensures that clients diagnosed with breast cancer never have to worry about a bill – they can prioritize getting well and continuing to live a fulfilling life.
Hosted in partnership with Apex Promoz, sponsors for this year’s race included presenting sponsor Worthington Realty, ServPro of North Naples, Redline Athletics Fort Myers, Brooks, Next Plumbing & Air, Apex Physical Therapy, Premiere Plus Realty Company, Lee Health, Fleet Feet Fort Myers, Bell Tower Fort Myers, Absolute Gains Personal Training, Redline Demolition Services, Inc., Precision Healthcare Specialists, GenesisCare, All “U” Need Pest Control and Grande Aire Services LLC.
To learn more about Partners for Breast Cancer Care, visit PFBCC.org.
About Partners for Breast Cancer Care
Partners for Breast Cancer Care (PFBCC) is a nonprofit and United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades partner agency that funds breast screening, diagnostic testing and treatment for underserved women and men in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. PFBCC’s mission is to rule out or diagnose breast cancer for uninsured and underserved women and men. Since 2004, PFBCC has helped more than 14,000 Southwest Florida residents and has funded more than 21,000 breast care procedures at no cost to the clients. PFBCC receives no federal, state, county or city funding – all funds are raised in the community. To learn more, visit PFBCC.org, call 239-454-8583 or email [email protected].