JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For breast cancer survivors along Florida’s “First Coast,” the battle can often be a costly one that few can afford.
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“More than half of the population are just paycheck to paycheck,” DONNA Foundation executive director Amanda Napolitano told Action News Jax Sunday morning. “So they’re really just one crisis away from being in financial ruin.”
That’s why the DONNA Foundation holds its annual DONNA Marathon - to raise money for research but also survivor support.
Runners were off to the races in Jacksonville Beach for the 18th annual edition Sunday morning, all put together by Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan – a three-time breast cancer survivor herself – for other survivors in need.
“You sort of feel like you’re alone when you’re going through something like cancer,” Mayor Deegan explained ahead of Sunday’s race. “So to be able to connect with other people who see you, and know how you’re feeling, and support you, and love, that’s pretty amazing.”
“I mean just look around, there’s so many people here and so many women who have beat this, so it’s just an amazing feeling,” added Jacksonville breast cancer survivor Sharla Whitehead.
While the event aims to let survivors know they aren’t alone in their breast cancer battle, it also serves to remind runners like Chris James – who came in first place in this year’s marathon, running it in 2 hours 43 minutes – that they’re running in the name of a lifesaving cause.
“I got into running about a year ago and to support a cause like this, and in Jacksonville, is awesome and a dream come true,” James told Action News Jax after his first-place finish.
Those interested in donating to the DONNA Foundation or looking for more information can find it by clicking the link HERE.
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