SURVIVING, BEAUTIFULLY In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Stories of strength, community and the passions that turn experience into action.
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from the publisher October is here, and you know what that means: Everything is pink. Pink ribbons. Pink sneakers. Pink coffee cups. Pink T-shirts proclaiming that we’re stronger together. And yes, we are. But after decades of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I think women deserve more than a month of pink. We deserve progress. We deserve better treatments. We deserve earlier answers. And we deserve to understand what all this talk about artificial intelligence actually means when it comes to our health. That’s why this month’s cover story matters. Breast cancer treatment is changing — and it is becoming increasingly personal. Researchers and doctors are learning that breast cancer is not one disease with one-size-fits-all answers. Tumor biology, hormone receptors, HER2 status, genetic changes and other factors can help determine which treatments may be appropriate. That means the question is increasingly not simply, “How do we treat breast cancer?” The question is: “How do we treat this breast cancer?” That shift is a big deal. And now AI is entering the room. Before anyone panics: No, your mammogram is not being read by a robot in a dark basement somewhere. AI is being studied and used as a tool to help health professionals detect patterns in medical images, assess risk and potentially improve the way breast cancer is found and diagnosed. That doesn’t mean AI is magic. It isn’t. It can make mistakes, and it needs testing. And it needs to work for women from different backgrounds and populations, not just the people represented in whatever data were used to trained the system. But imagine a technology that can help doctors spot subtle patterns, flag something worth a second look or help identify women who may need closer attention. That possibility is worth watching. And here’s the part I really want women to hear: Awareness should not mean anxiety. You do not need to spend October terrified of cancer. You need information, to know your family history and to know what screening recommendations apply to you. Talk to your health care provider. Ask questions. If something feels wrong, speak up. You are allowed to be an informed, persistent, slightly annoying patient. In fact, I highly recommend it. But also remember, your favorite AI tool that you ask everything from what shoe to wear or how to balance your budget is not a replacement for your doctor. Medicine is moving forward, and women should be moving with it — asking what’s new, what’s proven, what’s still being studied and what options might apply to them. So, yes, let’s all wear the pink. But this October, let’s make it about more than a ribbon. Let’s make it about women who are informed and able to ask better questions, research that keeps pushing boundaries and a future where a breast cancer diagnosis comes with more options, personalization and more hope. Pink is the color. Progress is the statement.
— Kelly MacLeod
VOLUME 21 / ISSUE 10
Bella Staff PUBLISHER / Kelly MacLeod ASSISTANT EDITOR / Courtney Hays DESIGN DIRECTOR / Elizabeth Meyer CONTRIUTING WRITERS Liz Biggs, Sharla Gorder, Jennifer Harrison, Allison McCrory, Chelsea Owens, Leslie Peck, Cynthia Reeves
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Toni Sparks, Kate Treick
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4 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
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November 1, 2026 Hosted at the beautiful Portofino Island Resort, this year’s event — presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships and themed Blooming with Hope — promises inspiring stories and an atmosphere of community and compassion. Join Honorary Chairs, The Bear Family, for this celebration of community support for Gulf Coast Kid's House. Brunch & Bubbles is an important fundraiser that supports child abuse intervention and recovery services for children and families impacted by abuse. Special THANK YOU to: Legacy Sponsor: Sandy Sansing Dealerships Signature Sponsor: Rob Babcock + Premier Island Management Group Champion Sponsors: Bear Family Foundation, Ascension Sacred Heart, Diane Appleyard + Appleyard Duncan McCall, Morette Company, Edward Jones- Cosentino Wealth Management Team, and ESA South Scan to reserve your seats or become a sponsor!
meet the team Liz Biggs, writer/columnist Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.
Chelsea Owens, writer Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.
Colette Boehm, writer Colette Boehm is a freelance writer and photographer and a native of coastal Alabama. She specializes in telling compelling stories of the people and places she encounters and also provides effective travel-related content and photography to a variety of clients, including destinations and marketing firms.
Cynthia Reeves, writer Long-time writer Cynthia Reeves spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist in the southeast, including 10 years as a reporter at WEAR-TV in Pensacola. As a high school teacher of journalism, TV production and English, she passed her skills down to young writers. She also served as District 1 director for the Florida Scholastic Press Association.
Gina Dickinson, advertising Gina is a sales and marketing professional with a background in design and digital media. She specializes in building relationships, identifying opportunities and developing solutions. She helps clients achieve their goals through creative problem-solving and exceptional customer service. Her ability to lead teams, coordinate projects and deliver results makes her a trusted partner for long-term success.
Justine Williams Roper, writer Justine Williams Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written women's health articles for publications like Essence and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.
Courtney Hays, administrator/assistant editor Courtney Hays, a West Virginia native, made Navarre her home in 2020 after purchasing her grandmother’s house. A former English teacher for eight years, she now enjoys her work with Bella Magazine. Newly married, Courtney loves traveling, practicing yoga, listening to podcasts and hosting game nights with friends. Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and “Crayon Dawn,” a coffee table book sold in stores throughout the Pensacola area and at her website, crayondawn.com. Jennifer Harrison, advertising Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, charitable food distributions, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more. Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook. Elizabeth Meyer, designer Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The Agency at Cardinal Media at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.
6 • Bella Magazine • August October 2026
Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week. Toni Sparks, photographer Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios, Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment. Kate Treick, photographer Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs. Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture, social media as well as community and public relations.
PRESENTED BY
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Two energizing days dedicated to leadership, innovation and investing in what matters most: people, business and community.
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inside this issue
PROFILE Tara Jane Davison Page26
PROFILE Angela Fox Page 38
OUT & ABOUT Rooted in Soul, Crowned in Excellence | Page 60
10 SPEND OR SAVE 12 FASHION: Falling into fashion 22 BEAUTY: The art of the peel 24 CAUSES: The Pensacola Breast Cancer Association 28 CAUSES: Keeping Abreast Foundation 30 COVER: 5 biggest breast cancer takeaways from ASCO 2026 34 CAUSES: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 42 PROFILE: Petland Pensacola 44 CAUSES: Landrum 5K supports Lakeview 46 WORTH THE TRIP: Scotland 50 OUT & ABOUT: Annabelle and the Sandman 54 OUT & ABOUT: Bands on the Bayou 56 OUT & ABOUT: Halfway 2 Mardi Gras Glow Ball 64 HER PERSPECTIVE: Flippy floppies and a fedora 66 HER PERSPECTIVE: Amnesia — Or why is my memory unreliable?
On the cover: Debbie Dotson, breast cancer survivor, embraces this season’s autumn tones while sharing the passions that shape her life. Read more on Page 16.
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
8 • Bella Magazine • September October 2026 2026
An Evening of Fashion Presented by
Friday, Oct. 23 Hilton Pensacola Beach • 12 Via De Luna Drive 5:30 p.m. Cocktails, Silent Auction and Hors D’oeuvres 6:30 p.m. Program and Live Auction 7 p.m. Fashion Show
Fashions provided by
Bluetique, Colette, Dillard’s and The Market & Mainly Shoes For sponsorship information, visit baptisthealthcarefoundation.org or call 448.227.8150.
Thank you to our current sponsors as of August 28, 2026.
ACUMEN MEDICAL IMAGING + INTERVENTIONAL • THE AVERETT FAMILY • BERÉ JEWELERS • BRASFIELD & GORRIE, LLC COLETTE • CONCANNON BUSINESS CONSULTING • CORAL BAY AT PENSACOLA & HAVENS AT PENSACOLA CPC OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES • ESCAPE WELLNESS SPA • EVOLVE PODIATRY • FLORIDA BLUE • GENTIVA HOSPICE HANCOCK WHITNEY • RON & MARGARET JACKSON • JOHN KIZZIAH STATE FARM AGENCY • LIFENET HEALTH THE MARK LEE TEAM | LEVIN RINKE REALTY • THE MARKET & MAINLY SHOES • KLEIN & MARCY MILLER • TRISHA & ED MORRISON NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION • NORTH FLORIDA BONE & JOINT SPECIALISTS – DR. BRETT SMITH REALTY TRUST GROUP • REGIONS PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT PENSACOLA AIRPORT & HILTON GARDEN INN PENSACOLA AIRPORT/MEDICAL CENTER MONICA SHERMAN – RAYMOND JAMES • SPRINGHILL SUITES & TOWNEPLACE SUITES PENSACOLA • MARGARET STOPP MALLORY STUDER • VITAS HEALTHCARE • VOYA FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC. • WEAR 3 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CH606.
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 9
spendorsave BY CHELSEA OWENS / BELLAMAGAZINE.COM / PHOTOS PROVIDED
• Naomi handwoven clutch, $134, quince.com
• Medium leather pouch bag, $2,600, bergdorfgoodman.com
• Striped-pattern color-border square scarf, $15, target.com
• Printed silk scarf, $550, prada.com
• Mary Jane flats, $19.99, hm.com
• Suede ballerinas, $1,120, miumiu.com
where to shop
H&M: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 855-466-7467; hm.com Target: multiple area locations; target.com
10 • Bella Magazine • September 2026
OPERA COMES ALIVE Fashion meets stunning storytelling in a creative fusion of the visual and performing arts. Step inside the story as we transform the Saenger Theatre into a stunning spectacle where breathtaking larger-than-life projections, soaring opera voices, electrifying beats, ballet dancers, and runway models bring iconic operatic scenes to life through a vivid collision of music, movement, fashion, and bold artistic immersion.
November 4, 2026 7 PM | Saenger Theatre Tickets: $50 Learn more: PensacolaOpera.com
For the best price: 850.433.6737 | Buy tickets online: Ticketmaster.com
A
s October breezes blow in, so does an air of anticipation for a fashion shift to fall looks that promise to be classic, polished and feminine. “We’re seeing women gravitate toward timeless pieces with beautiful details,” reported Rylee Smith of Monkee’s of Pensacola. “Think tailored blazers, luxe knits, statement outerwear and rich textures. It’s a fun season because getting dressed feels special again.” Look for wide-leg trousers as well as midi skirts and dresses in saturated jewel tones. “Chocolate brown is everywhere. Burgundy, olive, deep navy, camel and plum are some of the biggest shades we’re loving. They mix beautifully together and feel classic without being boring,” said Smith. Other trends to look for are tailored denim, animal print and faux fur. “We’re also seeing classic plaids, velvet, bouclé and chunky knits that instantly make an outfit feel more elevated,” Smith added. Mirroring their clothing counterparts, accessories are leaning classic and polished. “Riding boots, loafers, ballet flats, structured handbags and bold gold jewelry are all trending,” said Smith. “The focus is on versatile pieces you’ll reach for year after year.”
Shopping list: Embrace autumn in this Kerisma Aja London Sweater in taupe, $96, paired with EsQualo merlot pants, $150. Accessories add a vintage vibe!
12 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
fashion
Falling into
FASHION Rich autumnal tones welcome the season By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 13
Shopping list: A great pair of jeans is the starting point for a plethora of looks. Elevate this denim by Paige, $249, with a soft-as-butter shimmering top by Jade, $130, and statement floral jacket by Tela Mercantile, $300.
14 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
Shopping list: Caftans like this one in a fierce cheetah print are having a moment. Comfortable and classy, this wearable art by Tela Mercantile, $425, is a one-act wonder
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 15
Debbie Dotson
Breast cancer survivor Debbie Dotson has many loves in life, but among her most treasured is the beach. “I grew up in a small town called Pemberton Borough, New Jersey. My family spent our vacations at the Jersey Shore, just about 45 minutes from our home, and that’s where my love for the beach began,” said the owner of the Gulf Breeze Hotworx. “I’ve always felt happiest near the water. One of the biggest reasons I chose to move to the Gulf Coast was being so close to the beautiful beaches … living just minutes from the beach has truly been a dream come true.” With an associate’s degree in nursing from Pensacola State College in hand, Dotson worked for years in that field. “Becoming a nurse gave me a deep appreciation for caring for others and has shaped the way I approach both life and the challenges I’ve faced.” Three years ago, she took a leap of faith and launched the Gulf Breeze Hotworx. “Owning the studio has allowed me to combine my passion for helping others with my belief that taking care of our bodies is one of the greatest investments we can make in life. That commitment to health and wellness has become even more meaningful throughout my own breast cancer journey.” Her journey with breast cancer began in the early 2000s when her daughter, now 28, was only two. After finding a painful lump in her breast, she underwent an ultrasound. “They saw it and said I was too young for it to be cancer and it was a cyst, probably,” Dotson recounted. An MRI and a needle biopsy followed, with doctors stating there was no cancer — only cysts. Yet the pain continued. Dotson was reassured that cancer does not hurt, but because of the discomfort, her doctor agreed to remove the mass. Two weeks later, after getting her stitches removed, Dotson heard words that rocked her world. “After the doctor took my stitches out, he snapped me up and said, ‘Sorry — you have cancer.’” Thankfully, the disease was in its early stages. Radiation, rounds of medication and, because of a family history, a hysterectomy, a double mastectomy, osteoporosis and a ruptured implant all followed. Despite years of medical struggle, there have been moments of hope. Like the technician who came in on her day off to scan Dotson, ultimately finding the ruptured implant. And the physician who used Dotson’s own belly tissue to create new breasts, a procedure called a DIEP flap. She feels better having her own tissue rather than an unnatural substance in her body. The bottom line for Dotson: “Listen to your gut” and be your own advocate. Besides working and beaching, Dotson fills her days with helping others in need. “I find the greatest fulfillment in helping others. Whether through my profession, my business or simply lending a hand to someone in need, serving others brings me the most joy.” Shopping list: Quirky color pairings are on point, so why not team this dress by Jade, $215, with an EsQualo jacket in cacao, $180?
16 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 17
Shopping list: This outfit features the tactile, textured fabrics that are blowing up runways and the chocolate brown that is leading the way this season. Add an accent sweater for warmth and fun. The lace long-sleeve top is $99 and brown leather skirt is $135. Both are by EsQualo.
About the Locations
Monkee’s of Pensacola and surrounding areas 192 N. Palafox St., Pensacola 850-266-5162; monkeesofpensacola.com
Clothes compliments of Monkee’s of Pensacola 192 N. Palafox St., Pensacola 850-266-5162; monkeesofpensacola.com
Hair & makeup compliments of
Emma Marcus Izzo Hair & Co 801-D N. 9th Ave., Pensacola 850-677-8017
18 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
start your weekend at jackson's!
FRIDAY LUNCH EVERY FRIDAY FROM 11:00 AM TO 2:00 PM JACKSONSRESTAURANT.COM RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED 850-469-9898
850-542-7400
85 West Airport Blvd Pensacola
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 19
stylingtheshoot Photography: Kate Treick / Fashion styling: Allison McCrory Where to shop: Monkee’s of Pensacola
Pink, green and white marble earrings, $35
Krewe Bella sunglasses in silver chartreuse, $335
Gold hoop earrings, $35
Krewe sunglasses, $335
Monkee clutch, $66
Monkee scarf, $18
Freyrs Billie aviator sunglasses, $85
Gold hoop earrings, $25
Pink earrings, $35
20 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
Ellie Vail hoop earrings, $78
Magnetic gold necklace, $55
Circle orange and pink flower handbag, $135
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 21
By Leslie Peck / Photo by Getty Images
beauty
The Art
of the
PEEL
A guide to the season’s top chemical peels — and which one fits your skin
Fall is here, and it is officially chemical peel season! Time to shed some skin and give your sun-kissed dermis some love before the holidays. Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments for achieving results in a timely manner. They work by applying a controlled chemical exfoliant to the skin to remove damaged surface cells, stimulate the skin and speed up the renewal process. Depending on the type, ingredients and depth, peels can improve hyperpigmentation, acne, post-acne marks, fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, sun damage and overall radiance. Consult your aesthetician to determine which peel is best for your skin type, goals, tolerance for downtime and previous treatments. Some of the top med spa peels with great results are VI Peel, Perfect Derma Peel and PRX Derm Perfexion professional peels. They overlap in some benefits, but they offer different experiences. The VI and Perfect Derma Peel can be done in a series or as a standalone treatment every four to six weeks. The PRX Derm is typically performed as a series of four treatments followed by maintenance treatments every four to six weeks.
VI PEEL
VI Peel is a signature med spa peel for clients who want a noticeable improvement in pigmentation, acne, sun damage and overall skin quality. Treatment runs approximately $350 to $400. VI currently offers six different formulas: five for the face and one for the body. This allows the service provider to select the appropriate formula and customize the treatment 22 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
according to the client’s concerns. VI Peel can be used for melasma, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory pigmentation, acne, acne marks, fine lines, uneven texture and photodamage. The treatment is generally followed by a period of visible peeling, although the amount varies from person to person. Immediately following application, the skin may look flushed or slightly tan, and clients often describe a glow.
PERFECT DERMA PEEL
Perfect Derma Peel is a mediumdepth, medical-grade chemical peel for aging skin, blemishes, hyperpigmentation and other common skin concerns. Treatment runs approximately $350. The application itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and visible peeling normally lasts two to four days. One of its distinguishing features is its combination of exfoliating and brightening ingredients, including TCA, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, kojic acid, phenol and glutathione. These ingredients are best suited for clients concerned about dark spots, uneven tone, sun damage, acne, fine lines and dullness. One treatment can produce a smoother, brighter and more refreshed appearance. Clients with more significant melasma or acne may benefit from a series of two to three treatments approximately four weeks apart.
PRX DERM PERFEXION
PRX Derm Perfexion is quite different from the other peels. Instead of working like a traditional peel, it performs more like a needle-free biorejuvenation treatment. Treatment runs approximately $325. PRX is a professional treatment designed to improve the appearance of firmness, elasticity, hydration, fine lines and early signs of aging while providing an immediate, glass-like glow without traditional downtime. This makes PRX particularly appealing to clients who want their skin to look brighter, tighter, smoother and more refreshed without obvious peeling. It can be an excellent option for event preparation, bridal clients, mature skin, dull skin and clients who are unwilling or unable to commit to several days of downtime.
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 23
causes
The Pensacola Breast Cancer Association offers support close to home By Jennifer Harrison / Photo provided
•
When it comes to fighting breast cancer, early detection is the single most powerful tool available. Yet, for many uninsured and underinsured individuals in Northwest Florida, accessing routine and potentially life-saving screenings can feel financially out of reach. That is where the Pensacola Breast Cancer Association steps in. Guided by its core mission: “Giving Help, Giving Hope,” the PBCA is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer education, screening and diagnosis across the Florida Panhandle. Every dollar raised directly supports neighbors in need, ensuring that financial hardship never stands between a patient and a mammogram.
•
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND PARTNERS
The PBCA works by partnering directly with health care organizations and community programs to provide free diagnostic care and compassionate support services. COMMUNITY EVENTS • Free mammogram WANT TO GO? programs: Funds Sisterhood in Strength Support Group raised by the PBCA • When: 6 p.m., fourth Friday of every month are donated to local • Where: 4400 Bayou Blvd., Unit 52, upstairs, Pensacola nonprofit medical facilities to 16th Annual Ribbons of Hope Charity Ball • Where: Pensacola Yacht Club cover screening • When: 6 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3 and diagnostic • Info: $80 per person or $600 for a reserved table; mammograms contact Lynda Cavener, 850-619-1269, or Barbara for underinsured Dean, 850-380-4489 and uninsured WANT TO HELP? patients, • Contributions can be made through the PBCA website including or mailed to P.O. Box 10695, Pensacola, FL 32524. women and men. Volunteer opportunities are available to help coordinate events, distribute educational materials and support patient outreach. • Info: pensacolabreastcancerassociation.com; 850-7800468; thinkpinkpensacola@gmail.com
•
• •
Wig and mastectomy bra program: In partnership with The Boobie Boutique and Wellness, PBCA provides wigs, mastectomy bras and specialized prosthetics at no cost to patients undergoing treatment or facing financial hardship following surgery. Patients can schedule a private fitting with a fellow survivor by calling 850-384-0288 or emailing pcolabreastfriends@gmail.com. Sisterhood in Strength: A monthly peersupport group held on the fourth Friday of every month, offering a safe space for patients and survivors to connect. Holistic and Recovery Partners: PBCA collaborates with community allies including the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, Blue Meridian Acupuncture & Wellness and Living the Ribbon Life, which provides post-oncology fitness services. Baptist Health Care Foundation: Call 850-908-7500 (ext. 1) and mention the Foundation Mammogram Program. Community Health Northwest Florida: Call 850-436-4630 and request the Foundation Mammogram Program.
BENEFACTORS AND SPONSORS
The PBCA’s work is made possible by local businesses, civic partners and donors. Among its supporters is Anderson Subaru, which has partnered with the organization for more than a decade. Through its community initiatives, Anderson Subaru has contributed more than $264,000 to the PBCA — funds that translate into educational resources and mammograms for Panhandle residents. In addition to partners like Anderson Subaru, the PBCA relies on grassroots donations, corporate sponsorships and volunteer support from across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 25
WANT TO REACH OUT? • Facebook: Tara Jane Photo • Instagram: tara_jane_photo • Website: tarajanephoto.pixieset.com Imerman Angels • Info: imermanangels.org; 866-463-7626
26 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
profile
Resilience and courage:
Tara Jane’s story By Cynthia Reeves / Photo by Kate Treick
T
ara Jane Davison is no stranger to challenges, but she did not expect breast cancer to be one of her life’s biggest tests and trials. In 2021, Davison got a call to come into the doctor’s office following a routine mammogram. She had just returned from competing in a grueling three-day mountain-trail running event in Huntsville, Alabama, so the 44-year-old single mom was feeling fit and healthy. The Grand Viduta race took her through roughly 43 miles of rugged trails, complicated by mud and severe weather. At one point she got lost on the trail in the rain, but she pushed on and completed the race. Her first thought at the doctor’s office was that there had been a mix-up, but soon she was informed she had Stage 1A breast cancer — a small lump that she had never felt in her right breast. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have what?’” Davison recalled. When she was assigned a nurse navigator, reality hit. “They go in there, and they tell you, ‘You have cancer.’ And then after that, all you hear is — all I heard was literally, ‘wahwah, wah-wah-wah’ — muffled voices.” During genetic testing, she also learned she had Lynch syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that greatly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, often at a young age. It is caused by changes in genes that repair DNA. The most common cancers linked to this syndrome are colorectal and endometrial cancers, so her treatment included a lumpectomy, radiation and a full hysterectomy as well. “The hysterectomy was the hardest part of my journey and led to some very scary complications and emergency surgery.” Still, Davison is grateful she had the genetic testing done. “Everybody has a chance of getting cancer, but it just makes me, my chance of getting certain cancers more elevated than others. So that was a gut punch, but it’s good now because it’s good to have the information.” Her recovery from surgeries and radiation took more than a year. Five years later, Davison has screenings every six months. She is back to running and CrossFit; she eats healthy and stays active.
“I really try to focus on exercise because it makes you feel good overall and it really reduces your risk. I don’t want to put any false information out there, but way above and beyond any pill that they can give you, exercise reduces your risk of recurrence.” As difficult as that season in her life was, Davison feels incredibly fortunate. “It reminded me how resilient I am. It introduced me to some amazing people and completely changed the way I look at life. I stopped waiting for the ‘right time’ to do the things I loved.” Photography was always something she wanted to pursue, so she started a photography business as a second career shooting beach photos, weddings and special occasions. “I just love to do things and live life. I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was just so worried that there was not going to be a life on the other side, or it was going to make me bitter or make me not want to be around people. And I was scared.” She remembers scouring the internet looking for people who had gone through cancer and were happy. “I remember seeing somebody out on her paddleboard. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. She got through it, and she’s out on her paddleboard doing things that she can enjoy.’ And that was like my first glimmer of hope that things would be OK.” One of her greatest fears was that cancer would change her and rob her of that sense of adventure that led her out on that onerous three-day run before cancer. “I was scared it was going to change me for whatever reason. Into somebody I didn’t want to be.” It didn’t. Cancer actually helped Davison discover new things about herself and gave her a renewed zest for life. “I try to live life as fully as I can. I also volunteer as a mentor with Imerman Angels, supporting people who are newly diagnosed with cancer. Being able to walk alongside someone during such a difficult time has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.” Through Imerman Angels, Davison has found a support system, new friendships and a profound sense of positivity. “Just stay positive. I know that sounds cheesy, but it really makes a difference.” October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 27
GET INVOLVED
Whether through participating in an upcoming event, spreading awareness or making a direct donation, your support helps ensure that no one in our community has to face breast cancer alone. • Info: keepingabreastfoundation.org; 850-382-2773
UPCOMING EVENTS
• One Stroke Closer to a Cure Scenic Hills Country Club on Oct. 2, 2026 • I Pink I Can Run: Flora-Bama on Feb. 27, 2027 • Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament Roger Scott Tennis Center on April 16-17, 2027
28 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
causes
Keeping Abreast Foundation inspires
HOPE, HEALTH AND HEALING By Jennifer Harrison / Photos by Kate Treick and provided
Every two minutes, a life is forever changed by a single phrase: “You have breast cancer.” It is a formidable diagnosis, but there is immense power in early detection, when survival rates soar above 90%. That single statistic underscores why community awareness and proactive support are so vital in the fight for women’s health. At the heart of this fight is the Krewe du YaYas Keeping Abreast Foundation. Grounded in a mission to inspire hope and enhance the lives of those affected by breast cancer through early detection, advocacy, education and support services, the organization serves as a beacon of light for patients and their families.
HALF A MILLION DOLLARS OF IMPACT
This summer marks a monumental moment for the volunteer-led foundation. As of Aug. 1, 2026, the Krewe du YaYas Keeping Abreast Foundation reached a major milestone: awarding more than $500,000 in funding to local individuals impacted by breast cancer through its breast health and grant assistance programs. Since opening its doors in 2010, the foundation’s dedication has translated into real, life-saving support: • 2,289 individuals have been assisted in navigating their journey. • 2,981 diagnostic services have been funded for community members in need. By taking on crucial financial burdens, the organization helps ease the strain of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, ensuring patients can focus on healing.
PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
The foundation tackles breast health through a comprehensive approach designed to close care gaps: • Breast health services: Ensures individuals who are underinsured or experiencing gaps in coverage have access to breast health imaging, diagnostics, and permanent makeup. • Breast cancer assistance: Provides direct financial assistance grants to individuals actively undergoing treatment and recovery. This life-changing work is made possible through strong local health care alliances. The foundation collaborates closely with trusted partners, including The Women’s Group, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Baldwin Health, Gulf Islands Medical Imaging and Pensacola PMU, to connect community members with the critical screening and diagnostic care they need.
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HUB STACEY’S AT THE POINT
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October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 29
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cover story
biggest breast cancer takeaways from ASCO 2026
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The year’s biggest oncology meeting brought encouraging news about personalized treatment, triple-negative breast cancer, hormonepositive disease and the growing role of artificial intelligence. By Kelly MacLeod / Photo illustration by Getty Images
F
or women following breast cancer research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting is one of the most important events of the year. The 2026 meeting, held May 29 through June 2 in Chicago, featured more than 7,000 abstracts and drew more than 20,000 attendees from around the world. The research covered everything from new drugs to artificial intelligence, immunotherapy and strategies for reducing treatment-related side effects. For breast cancer in particular, the meeting offered a striking combination of progress and personalization. Researchers presented evidence that some women with high-risk disease may be able to avoid chemotherapy, while new targeted treatments are expanding options for people with difficult-to-treat cancers. Other studies focused on detecting treatment resistance earlier and using artificial intelligence to make treatment decisions more precise. The biggest message from ASCO 2026 may be this: Breast cancer treatment is becoming less one-size-fits-all. Here are five of the most important takeaways.
1. MORE WOMEN MAY BE ABLE TO SAFELY AVOID CHEMOTHERAPY
One of the most consequential breast cancer findings came from the phase 3 OPTIMA trial. The study looked at people with clinically high-risk, estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive), HER2-negative early breast cancer — a group that has traditionally been considered likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Researchers wanted to know whether genomic testing could identify women whose tumors were actually less likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Researchers used a test that looks at the genes in a tumor to help determine which women were most likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Women whose results suggested a lower risk were able to skip chemotherapy and take hormone therapy instead, while those considered at higher risk received chemotherapy followed by hormone therapy. The results were encouraging: About 68% of women who initially appeared to be at high risk were found to have a lower-risk cancer and were able to avoid chemotherapy. Five years later, their outcomes were nearly as good as those of women who received chemotherapy. BCRF called the findings potentially practice-changing.
The study builds on years of research showing that genetic testing can help doctors make more personalized treatment decisions. What made OPTIMA especially notable was that it included women whose cancers appeared more serious based on traditional measures, including some with cancer in several lymph nodes or larger tumors. According to summaries from BCRF on the conference, this could mean that a diagnosis that looks high risk based on traditional measures may not necessarily mean chemotherapy is the best choice. That does not mean chemotherapy is becoming obsolete. It means doctors may have a better way to identify who is most likely to benefit from it. The distinction matters because chemotherapy can produce both short- and long-term side effects. If a woman’s tumor biology indicates that chemotherapy is unlikely to add meaningful benefit, avoiding it could spare her treatment without substantially compromising cancer control. OPTIMA also offered important information about premenopausal women age 40 and older receiving ovarian function suppression, a group in which genomic testing has historically been less established. BCRF says the larger trend is: Instead of automatically treating based on how threatening a cancer looks under a microscope or on a scan, doctors are increasingly asking what the cancer’s molecular characteristics reveal about its likely response to treatment.
2. TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER IS GETTING MORE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Triple-negative breast cancer has long been one of the more difficult forms of breast cancer to treat because it lacks some of the targets that treatments focus on. But research presented at ASCO 2026 offered encouraging signs that the treatment landscape is changing. Several studies showed that newer targeted drugs, particularly a class of treatments known as antibody-drug conjugates, can help slow the disease and, in some cases, extend survival for women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers also found that combining these newer drugs with immunotherapy may offer additional benefits for some patients. The progress isn’t limited to advanced disease. Longer-term results from a major clinical trial continued to show that adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy can improve outcomes for people with high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. The bigger takeaway: Women with triple-negative breast cancer have more treatment options than they did just a few years ago, and researchers are finding new ways to combine therapies to make them work better. October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 31
3. HORMONE-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER IS MORE PRECISELY TARGETED
Most breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. For these cancers, endocrine therapy has long been a cornerstone of treatment. But researchers are increasingly looking for ways to make hormone therapy more effective — and to stay one step ahead of resistance. One of the most interesting findings presented at ASCO came from the SERENA-6 trial, involving hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Researchers used circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA, to detect an emerging ESR1 mutation. ESR1 mutations can be a sign that a breast cancer is becoming resistant to certain endocrine therapies. Instead of waiting for the cancer to progress on scans, researchers switched patients to a newer oral estrogen receptor degrader, while continuing a CDK4/6 inhibitor. The approach helped keep the cancer from progressing for longer than standard treatment, giving patients an additional time before their disease worsened. After two years, about one-third of patients taking the newer treatment had no signs of their cancer progressing. The results suggest that monitoring the cancer at a molecular level may allow doctors to spot treatment resistance earlier and switch therapies before the disease becomes more difficult to control. The importance goes beyond one drug. It demonstrates the possibility of monitoring a cancer’s molecular evolution and changing treatment before a scan shows that the cancer has clearly progressed. That could represent an important change in the way metastatic breast cancer is managed. Another hormone-positive development came from the phase 3 lidERA trial. Researchers evaluated another nextgeneration oral estrogen receptor degrader in people with ER-positive, HER2negative early breast cancer after surgery. The study found a 30% reduction in the risk of invasive recurrence or death compared with standard endocrine therapy. BCRF reported that the benefit was seen regardless of menopausal status and that the risk of metastatic disease was reduced by 42% in premenopausal women and 24% in postmenopausal women. The treatment also appeared easier for some patients to remain on.
32 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
Musculoskeletal pain is one of the reasons people discontinue endocrine therapy, and BCRF reported that stopping treatment because of such pain was less than half as common than with standard endocrine therapy in the study. That could be meaningful for women facing years of endocrine treatment.
4. IMMUNOTHERAPY RESEARCH IS MOVING BEYOND ADDING A DRUG
Immunotherapy has already changed the treatment landscape for some breast cancers, particularly TNBC. But researchers at ASCO 2026 were asking a more sophisticated question: How can we make the immune system work better against breast cancer? One intriguing approach came from the P-RAD trial. Researchers tested whether giving radiation before immunotherapy could help “prime” the immune system. The trial examined two radiation doses before pembrolizumab and measured T-cell infiltration, an indication that the immune system had been activated within the tumor. Both radiation doses increased T-cell infiltration: 80% at the 9 Gy dose and 82% at the 24 Gy dose. BCRF described the results as encouraging evidence that radiation may help prime the immune system to respond more effectively to immunotherapy. The research is ongoing and this is still experimental, and women should not interpret it as evidence that radiation plus immunotherapy is appropriate for every breast cancer. But it represents an important direction for the field. Researchers are increasingly trying to understand not simply which drugs work, but how different treatments can be sequenced or combined to make each other more effective.
5. AI IS MOVING CLOSER TO THE CLINIC
Artificial intelligence may sound far removed from the day-to-day experience of breast cancer treatment, but ASCO 2026 offered examples of how it could eventually influence decisions made by doctors. BCRF highlighted two presentations involving AI and breast cancer. In one, a BCRF investigator demonstrated that AI could extract predictive information directly from pathology slides and clinical data. The goal is potentially to identify which patients are likely to need chemotherapy
without requiring additional testing. In another presentation, a researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering demonstrated an AI approach that could identify patients at particularly high risk of developing brain metastases before those metastases become clinically apparent. That could potentially allow doctors to intervene earlier. These are not yet reasons for patients to expect an AI-generated treatment plan at their next appointment. Rather, they illustrate where the technology is heading. The hope is significant: AI could potentially analyze information that is too complex or extensive for a human to process easily and identify patterns that help doctors make more informed decisions. But as with genomic testing and experimental drugs, validation matters. A promising research finding is not automatically a proven clinical tool.
WHAT IT ALL MEANS
If there was one overarching theme at ASCO 2026, it was personalization. For some women, that could mean less treatment. The OPTIMA findings suggest that genomic information may identify patients who can safely avoid
chemotherapy even when traditional clinical factors make their cancer appear high risk. For others, it could mean more sophisticated treatment. Women with metastatic TNBC now have an expanding collection of antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy strategies to consider. For women with hormone-positive disease, researchers are developing ways to detect treatment resistance earlier and switch therapies before obvious progression occurs. And across breast cancer, researchers are beginning to use AI to extract additional information from pathology and clinical records. Even the encouraging findings come with an important qualification: A promising clinical-trial result does not necessarily change standard treatment overnight. Some treatments discussed at ASCO remain experimental, and some findings require longer follow-up before researchers know whether they will ultimately improve overall survival. Still, the direction is unmistakable. Breast cancer treatment is moving away from the idea that every woman with the same stage of cancer should receive essentially the same treatment.
Instead, researchers are working toward a system in which treatment is determined by the tumor’s molecular characteristics, the patient’s individual risk and the likelihood that a particular therapy will actually help. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, that means conversations with their care teams are becoming more important — and potentially more detailed. Questions about genomic testing, hormone-receptor and HER2 status, mutations such as ESR1, eligibility for targeted therapies and participation in clinical trials may all be relevant depending on the diagnosis. The ultimate goal is not simply to develop more treatments. It is to determine which treatment each woman needs, when she needs it and when she can safely do without it. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Breast cancer is highly individual, so readers should talk with their doctor or qualified health care professional about their diagnosis, treatment options and any questions raised by this article.
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October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 33
causes
LACE UP IN PINK
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer returns to Pensacola
34 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
By Jennifer Harrison / Photo provided
Pensacola is turning vibrant pink for a cause that touches us all. The American Cancer Society is bringing the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement to Community Maritime Park on Saturday, Oct. 31. Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, celebrating your own survival story or stepping up to support future generations, every step counts. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the United States, with one in eight women facing a diagnosis in their lifetime. The Making Strides movement brings together survivors, thrivers living with metastatic breast cancer, caregivers, and community members to show that no one faces this journey alone. This year, Pensacola’s Making Strides event has set an ambitious goal to raise $250,000. These funds directly power the American Cancer Society’s mission to fund groundbreaking research, provide 24/7 support
WANT TO GO?
• When: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 • Where: Community Maritime Park, Pensacola • Info: Register at makingstrideswalk. org/pensacolafl or contact melanie.orr@ cancer.org for details
helplines, offer free rides to treatment and arrange lodging for patients traveling for care. Historically, this movement has helped fund research leading to gamechanging treatments like tamoxifen and Herceptin, contributing to a remarkable 44% decline in breast cancer death rates over recent decades. “Through Making Strides, we are funding critical research and life-saving programs that will ensure a brighter future for everyone who is impacted by breast cancer,” said event chair Lizzy Mabry.
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profile
Unshakeable faith and inner strength: Angela Fox’s journey through breast cancer By Jennifer Harrison / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
When Angela Fox received a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis in late 2018, she quickly decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, hoping to eliminate any chance of the disease returning. Due to holiday scheduling delays, her surgery was set for midJanuary. But in those weeks, the landscape shifted dramatically. What began as a 2.5-centimeter tumor had grown to 8 centimeters and spread to 10 lymph nodes, advancing her diagnosis to stage 3. When Fox woke from surgery, she learned doctors had to remove all remaining breast tissue and lymph nodes to save her life. “I felt like they cut everything and I lost everything that makes me feel beautiful … but I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world because I really understand the value of who I am on the inside,” Fox recalled. A lifelong educator, business owner of more than 20 years and co-pastor of Jubilee Church alongside her husband, Fox faced a daunting road ahead: eight months of chemotherapy and radiation. Initially hesitant to undergo treatment, a moment of deep prayer shifted her perspective. She realized that walking through the fire would strengthen her in ways that could help her encourage others facing their own trials. Fox’s story is not defined by loss, but by transformation. Navigating cancer reframed her perspective on confidence, gratitude and family. Her prior insecurities fell away, replaced by a deep security in who she was created to be. Everyday moments and relationships took on new meaning, shifting focus away from external validation. By being open with her two daughters and inviting them to stand and pray as a team, her family turned fear into shared resilience. Today, Fox actively gives back by serving on the Pensacola Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, offering hope to women in the trenches of diagnosis and recovery. Her advice for anyone facing the “C-word” is to take one day at a time. Focus on single decisions rather than letting the entire picture overwhelm you. Surround yourself with a team — family, friends and support groups — who will link arms with you through the good and bad days. Lean into faith: Look outside yourself to find strength bigger than your own understanding. Fox’s experience with breast cancer changed more than her understanding of her body. It deepened her understanding of identity and faith and what it means to give back to her community.
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profile
Petland Pensacola connects with
Paws, purpose
AND PASSION When you step into Petland Pensacola, you immediately notice a different kind of energy. It isn’t just a retail store — it’s an interactive, education-first community hub designed to foster genuine connections between people and animals. By Jennifer Harrison / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 41
Right: Peggy Davis, owner of Petland, has a passion for helping pets and the owners that love them. Below: Jennifer Harrison shares her personal experience working at Petland when the store opened in 1993.
42 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
EDUCATION AND FAMILY VALUES
Guided by family values, Mike and Peggy Davis — who also expanded operations to the Fort Walton store — run the business alongside their sons, daughters-in-law and young granddaughters. What truly sets Petland apart is its unique “pet counselor” model. Rather than just selling products, staff walk customers through specific care requirements, temperaments and lifestyle fits for every animal — whether it’s a high-energy Great Dane, a popular Dachshund or Chloe, the store’s resident Pied snake that is used to help visitors overcome common phobias. Customers are encouraged to handle pets and spend time in dedicated social rooms to ensure a lifelong match before committing. Petland’s commitment to the community extends beyond the store walls: • Rescue partnerships: Local cat adoptions in collaboration with the Pensacola Humane Society. • Youth education: Guided educational tours for local school groups across different animal departments. • Annual Canine Christmas: Personalized stockings and in-store demonstrations honoring Escambia County’s K-9 unit each December. • Interactive store events: Family-friendly educational days, including the “Jack the Tortoise” birthday bash and reptile showcase each September. Behind the scenes, that same care is put into Petland’s operations and staff. Puppies are sourced from USDA- and AKC-regulated breeders, adhering to standards developed in alignment with programs like Purdue University’s canine welfare initiatives. Operationally, the team consists largely of local college students who are given clear pathways for career progression — growing from cashiers into tech and management roles while learning leadership skills.
A PERSONAL FULL-CIRCLE JOURNEY
On Aug. 7, 1993, during my sophomore year of college, I walked through the doors of Petland in Pensacola on its very first day of business. The team quickly became my own family as we all grew up together from that opening day. Back then, I had no idea how deeply customer service, management, teamwork, sales and simple human kindness would shape my life. Retail is not for the faint of heart, but I firmly believe everyone should experience it at least once. Much like waiting tables, you never know who is about to walk through the door or what kind of mood they’ll bring with them. No two days are ever the same. Working at Petland added an extra layer of responsibility: caring for living creatures alongside the people who came to see them. Every day was an opportunity to educate customers, solve their problems and guide their decisions. I spent four and a half years at Petland throughout my undergraduate studies, starting as a pet counselor and working my way up to manager — leading a team, running departments, managing schedules and overseeing animal care. Now, my journey with Petland Pensacola has come full circle. Today, I partner with them as an advertiser through Bella Magazine, working alongside owners Mike and Peggy Davis and their son, Erik. What began as a transformative college job for me has evolved into a true family business that remains deeply rooted in and dedicated to the community I love.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEW HORIZONS
Petland is eager to deepen its local footprint. Plans are already underway to explore therapy-style puppy visits for local assisted living facilities, expand outreach to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and rekindle visits with area first responders. Whether you are looking to add a new furry family member, learn about exotic pet care or simply spend an hour connecting with animals, Petland remains dedicated to enriching the Pensacola community — one paw at a time. October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 43
causes
Moving together for mental health The 4th Annual Landrum 5K supports Lakeview Center By Jennifer Harrison
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the streets of downtown Pensacola will fill with local runners and walkers who share a commitment to wellness and community. The 4th Annual Landrum 5K Run/Walk will kick off with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at Landrum’s downtown office. But the race is about more than the clock or medals. It is an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for mental health services in Northwest Florida.
A LIFELINE IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA
WANT TO GO? •
What: Landrum 5K Run/Walk
•
When: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10
•
Where: Landrum’s downtown office, 219 E. Garden St., Pensacola
•
Info: Pre-register or learn more at eLakeViewCenter.org
At the heart of this event is Lakeview Center, Northwest Florida’s most comprehensive behavioral health care provider. Growing with the community since 1954, Lakeview Center serves as a pillar of hope and support across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. The need for mental health and substance misuse services in the area continues to grow. Every day, around 50 new people reach out to Lakeview Center looking for help. Annually, the organization cares for more than 29,000 children, adults and families who are navigating mental illness, trauma or addiction. Lakeview Center provides personalized care across more than 60 specialized programs, including: • Outpatient counseling and psychiatric services: Professional care tailored to individual mental health needs. • Residential and inpatient treatment: Safe, structured care for individuals navigating recovery from substance misuse or severe behavioral challenges. • 24/7 crisis support: Around-the-clock emergency mental health care when individuals and families need it most. “Support from partners like Landrum strengthens our ability to care for children, adults and families who are navigating mental illness or substance misuse. We’re incredibly grateful for this ongoing partnership and the difference it makes in our community,” said Allison Hill, CEO of LifeView Group (the parent company of Lakeview Center).
LANDRUM GIVES BACK
Landrum, a people-first organization with more than 55 years of experience in HR, talent and workforce solutions, has long held a philosophy that strong businesses require healthy communities. Through the Landrum 5K, the company brings the community together to highlight the connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that regular exercise reduces anxiety and depression while boosting mood and cognitive function. Over the course of the event’s history, the Landrum 5K has raised tens of thousands of dollars to support community needs, including more than $50,000 raised specifically for Lakeview Center’s behavioral health programs across its multiyear partnership. “We are proud of the good this event does for our community,” said Britt Landrum, III, CEO of Landrum. “Last year’s event raised $18,000 for behavioral health services at Lakeview Center, and that is a direct reflection of the generosity of everyone who participated and sponsored. We are grateful for their continued support.”
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worth the trip
Enchanting Scotland:
SOULFUL, NATURAL, HISTORIC By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kendall McCrory
Scotland is a land of castles, lush green rolling hills, history-rich cities and lots and lots of sheep. Think Outlander scenes with stone buildings and walls, since the country historically relied on natural stone rather than wood. In urban areas, such as Edinburgh’s city center, preservation is paramount. The result is a visual, medieval-inspired feast. While in Edinburgh, don’t miss the castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano. Be sure to buy castle entry tickets weeks in advance, and if high tea in the Queen Anne Tea Room is calling, book the ticket for both. Check out the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, built in 1511 for King James VI, and the tiny room where Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI,
who united the monarchies of England and Scotland and commissioned the King James Bible. Be sure to stroll down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a history-laden, partly cobblestone road connecting the hilltop castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the king conducts official business. Along the way, check out St. Giles Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close, a maze of hidden streets below the city. Historical tours by costumed guides are a favorite for tourists. Harry Potter fans will drink in the inspirations for Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, just outside the Royal Mile. The Jacobite, the train that inspired the Hogwarts Express, can be found further north, running an 84-mile round-trip loop between two Highlands destinations with beautiful views along the way. For those looking for adventure near the city, hike
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Mother-daughter adventuring
Whispers of regal times long past emanate from the Scottish landscape. Castles and remnants of castles are scattered throughout the history-rich country. Sheep outnumber people and cows, including the country’s iconic Highland cattle, graze sweeping landscapes. Hikers flock to the Highland region, while Edinburgh is a bustling capital city.
48 • Bella Magazine • October 2026
Impulsivity isn’t my MO. But that changed this spring. Health issues prompted thoughts of “I wonder how long I’ll be able to handle traveling around the world?” My husband’s long golf trip and my California daughter’s spaces between work contracts spawned a thought: “What about a motherdaughter trip to Scotland?” After all, a whopping two well-traveled people mentioned it was the most beautiful place they’d ever visited. A call to my globe-trotting, former travel-agent friend for Scotland tour tips proved fruitful. “Rabbie’s is by far the best. The guides are excellent.” A perusal of the Rabbie’s website revealed June and July tours were discounted. Who can resist a sale? So voila! Just like that, Scotland here we come! Fast forward to mid-August: We met in Atlanta on Chik-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day. My daughter’s first job was at Chik-fil-A, so of course we donned our pink lined construction paper ears and black spots, redeemed our free meals and boarded a red-eye to Edinburgh. Our only luggage was a carry-on and backpack each since that was the Rabbie’s limit. “It’s kind of liberating” was my daughter’s cup-half-full assessment. Our trip was pretty magical — from the otherworldly Scottish relics, castles, fairy groves and landscapes to the Harry Potter inspirations, bringing back fond memories of my children’s youth with four bookmarks in one shared book. As my friend predicted, the guide was knowledgeable (and a bit eccentric) and the people of Scotland were hospitable and unassuming, going out of their way to help. And a week of uninterrupted time with my adult daughter — priceless!
Arthur’s Seat! Depart from Holyrood Park for a 30- to 45-minute hike to the top, which boasts 360-degree views of Edinburgh. The return trip only takes about 30 minutes. If heat-averse, be sure to book a hotel with air conditioning, as many in the United Kingdom don’t have it.
BREATHTAKING HIGHLANDS
For a completely different landscape from bustling Edinburgh, head north to the Highlands — where summer days can stretch from 4:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. and multipeaked massifs (mountain masses) break through carpets of green to create ideal hiking conditions. Freshwater lakes (or lochs, as the Scottish say) and saltwater coastlines are abundant, which means seafood is, too. There is much to see and do in this lost-in-time region of Scotland. Castles, castle ruins, colorful seafront buildings, fairy pools, waterfalls, close to 800 islands and even the annual Isle of Skye Highland Games are among the attractions. Some of the UK’s best hiking takes place from May through October in the Highlands. Scotland is a country steeped in history. It’s not unlikely that you’ll encounter a bagpipe player decked out in a kilt serenading pedestrians. Many Highlands pubs, some centuries old, host live folk music. The Gaelic language, with roots tracing back to the first millennium, is still spoken in parts of Scotland, with a recent effort to preserve the language. Wildlife is abundant in this country, where sheep outnumber people and shepherding is still a career path. Cattle are abundant as well, with Highland cattle, with their shaggy coats and distinctive horns, an iconic symbol of the region. Whales, seals and dolphins can be spotted in the waters surrounding Scotland. Fitting for such a magical place, the national animal of Scotland is the unicorn. Scottish dining is similar to American, but there are interesting twists and standout dishes. Don’t leave Scotland without partaking of Cullen skink, a delicious, smoky, creamy Scottish soup. Cranachan, typically considered Scotland’s national dessert, combines fresh raspberries, whipped cream, toasted oats, honey and a dash of Scotch. Haggis is a breakfast staple whose ingredients may be better left on the down low. Let’s just say the Scottish let nothing go to waste! A vegetarian option is typically available for more thin-skinned diners. Scottish pie is a hearty, savory entrée sure to fill you up. Restaurants all seem to feature a full Scottish breakfast, also known as a fry-up. While all seem to include eggs, beans, bacon and tomato slices, look for add-ons such as haggis, tatie scones (unleavened flatbread) and black pudding (like haggis, ingredients best left unspoken!). Porridge, made with the oats that have fueled generations of Scottish residents, is also a Scottish breakfast staple. Of course, Scotch is the country’s drink of choice, with tasting flights frequently available at whisky bars, hotels and historic pubs.
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out&about Annabelle and the Sandman
Annabelle and the Sandman is a modern-day musical fairytale that premiered on Aug. 14 at The Gordon Community Arts Center. The music and lyrics were written by local artist Mark Boos Benhard and is a delightful musical about embracing destiny and risking it all to discover friendship and true love.
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Lisa Sharp, Misty Waters, Tamra Chambers, Gray Chambers, Tori Chambers, Mike Turnipseed, Mark Boos Benhard
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Whitney Adams, Jen Wells Kathy Meehling, Val Russenberger, Ray Russenberger
Teresa Dos Santos, Sue Peabody, Kerry Anne O’Farrell
Josh Ward, Rebekah Ward
Melissa Lallas, Deirdre Jackson Bill Scott, Frances Scott, Troy Fancher, Terry Fancher
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 51
out&about Bands on the Bayou
On Aug. 7, Bands on the Bayou brought the community together for an evening of live music, featuring The New Cahoots. Its mission is to support local nonprofits and it is made possible by local sponsors and donations.
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Hannah Brown, Liz Biggs, Katin Davis, Lauren Gund, Joey Miller
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Eric Biggs, Nikki Bonsignore
Mathew Sines, Kristin Sines Lois Greeson, Kelly Smith
Jen McKeown, Kayla Parker, Jessica Bishop
Aryn Stinnett, Donna Dickey
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 53
The New Cahoots
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out&about Halfway 2 Mardi Gras Glow Ball On Aug. 8, the Krewe of Cheers brought guests together for a night of dancing, beads and carnival spirit. Voted Pensacola’s favorite Mardi Gras event for two consecutive years, the event also provides an opportunity to support local businesses and charitable efforts.
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Mike Rewenko, Michelle Rewenko, Stephanie Gilley, Lawrence Gilley, Chelsi Delacerda, Monica Love, Jason Martin, Nichole Martin, Debra Harris, Kristen Stewart, Lisa Palmer, Lamar Palmer
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Gina Sanchez, Louie Sanchez
Marty Stanovich, Jo Stanovich Tina Hernandez, Todd Polk, Lindsey Polk
Joan Setty, Jim Setty, Diana Harvey, Bobby Gilmard, Diane Fuqua, Carla Hardin, James Hardin, Debbie Mays, Bruce Mays
Moni Hudson
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 57
Jax Ducote, Billy Ducote
Bryan Cole, Abbey Cole, Melissa Weber, Scott Weber
Peggy Isserman, Crystal Long, Melissa Carter, Lorraine Trueter
Craig Schafer, Elaine Craft
Dr. Stephanie Flynn
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out&about
Rooted in Soul, Crowned in Excellence On Aug. 9, The Pensacola Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. hosted its 23rd annual Scholarship and Hat Show Luncheon. The event celebrated community investment in the next generation through scholarships, leadership and opportunities for student success.
Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Georgetta Smith, Colethia Lewis, Bernadette McCary, Phyllis Harris, Debrah Burgess, Demetrius Hale
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Katrina Wallace
Bernadette Riley, Gerry Salter, Tina Ratcliff Kay Mitchell
Sheree Roberts, Terri Marshall, Robyn Rease, Katrina Jackson
Christine McCrary, Denise Myrick
October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 61
Kenyetta Chambers, Minnie Savage, Demetrius Hale
62 • Bella Magazine • October September 2026 2026
Crystal Malden, Natasha Howard, Aaliyah Chambers
Gail Scott, Lisa Padgett-Hughes, Linda Presley Robinson, Robyn Rease
Katrina Jackson, Moni Hudson
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October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 63
her perspective By Sharla Gorder
Flippy floppies and a fedora KISS. Keep it simple … Sharla. My lesson du jour. I love a life that keeps offering me opportunities to grow. I have so much to learn. And, to quote poet Mark Nepo, “The quiet teachers are everywhere.” Sometimes they’re two years old. My classroom for this lesson was nothing less than idyllic. Every year since 1971, my husband’s family has gathered for a family reunion on the shores of a lovely little lake in eastern Washington. His sister Connie lives in a house that sits atop a grassy slope angling down to the crystal-clear waters of Diamond Lake. This year there were 30 of us — four generations of Gorders ranging in age from 2 to 92. We’d rented cabins, all in a row next to Connie’s, for the reunion festivities. My little grandnephew, Rio, and his parents were our next-door neighbors for the weekend, and every time I’m around that kid, I’m just smitten. I have never in my life met a more charming toddler. His mom, Hannah, and I have been friends since she was three. She is the youngest old soul I know. And watching her interact with Rio is like watching perfect parenting personified. She is genuinely fascinated and intrigued by her boy — as is everyone who meets him. He is unusually confident, curious and affable for a twoyear-old. The whole weekend he ran naked on the lawn — except for his beloved “flippy floppies” (a kid-sized pair of scuba fins) and, in the evenings, a tweed fedora. Quite a sight! He interacted easily and enthusiastically with everyone. He rarely fussed. The second night we were there, it was my turn to cook for the crowd. All 30 of us sat down around a long picnic table on the lawn as the sun set over the lake. Little Rio was
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in his own little chair in the grass, happily eating his gumbo. Hannah sat next to him eating hers. I looked over at them and heard her quietly say, “Rio, Sharla made the gumbo.” He took another bite, swallowed, made eye contact with me, and said, “Yum, Sharla.” My heart just melted. I don’t know if I’ve ever been complimented so sincerely, so sweetly and so succinctly. Two words — yum, Sharla. I carried that compliment with me for days. It really came in handy on the flights back home. Weather delays and canceled flights had us overnighting at the airport in Atlanta. To break me out of my crankiness at 2:00 a.m., I conjured Rio’s face, his spoonful of gumbo, and his sweet little voice. “Yum, Sharla” became my mantra. It still makes me smile. I shared this story with my yoga class last Thursday — a little “Dharma talk” of sorts — the point being that expressing appreciation to others doesn’t have to be an elaborate or contrived ordeal. We needn’t be shy about telling people why they matter to us, what they have contributed to our lives and how good their gumbo is. Be generous with your praise — and stingy with your criticism. Yoga was especially cushy that morning, slow and flowy all the way through to the final resting pose, “savasana,” where we all recline motionless on our mats and simply breathe for a few tranquil moments. At the very end, I suggested the group revisit their “intention” for their practice that morning. “How do you feel?” I quietly asked. From several corners of the dark room, sweet voices replied in unison. “Yum, Sharla.” I’m still smiling.
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October 2026 • Bella Magazine • 65
her perspective By Liz Biggs
Amnesia — Or why is my memory unreliable? How can a person live in one of the most amazing cities in the world for ten weeks and barely remember it? I was 21, so I can’t use youth as an excuse. Yes, there were drugs and alcohol, but not much — I was a broke college student and couldn’t afford either. I didn’t even realize I had forgotten London until my husband asked me to look into traveling there because he wants to go to Wimbledon. Siri says human memory is designed to encode information that assists one in perpetuating their own life; it is not designed as an audio or video recorder. So, it encodes information in the ways that it does for the purpose of the survival of the individual and the species. I guess that explains it — remembering my life in London was not necessary for survival, so my brain discarded it. But it is strange to research the top things to do in London and think, “Hmm, have I been there/ done that?” Our travel agent suggested going to Windsor Castle, and a friend said the British Museum is fantastic, go to a West End show and don’t miss the Changing of the Guard. I dug out my photo album from 1984, and there are pictures of me at Windsor Castle, on a Thames River cruise, posing next to a red-coated, furry-hatted guard, as well as ticket stubs from the British Museum and “Cats” at a theatre on Drury Lane. I close my eyes and try to recall those places, but I can’t. I have a vague memory of the Guard being uncomfortable that I got so close to him. And I remember the “Cats” costumes were cool. I remember the long weekend trips I took — to Switzerland, Paris, Amsterdam and Belgium. But is that because I took more pictures in those places? (My old camera was so rickety and bulky, I didn’t carry it around London daily. I packed it for the photo-album-worthy places only.) Here’s what I do remember: My first week in London, I let a shaved-headed Sinead O’Conner-ish Australian girl dye my hair platinum and cut it really short — a Billy Idol-ish pixie cut. (I had never colored my hair and always wore it long.) My dorm bathroom down the hall only had two showers, and the girls were always lined up, so I needed to save time. Also, I didn’t have a converter or a blow dryer. If I close my eyes, I can picture my London School of Economics dorm room as if I’m still there sitting at my
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desk — the window, always open, over my bed … the way it smelled, the sounds of the neighborhood in the mornings … the foggy, rainy days — wearing a raincoat to class every day. The cafeteria served stewed tomatoes and beans on toast for breakfast. I was so very hungry, I learned to like it. The nearest phone booth was down the street at Euston Station — I lost a lot of coins trying to call home — so I only called once. I remember checking my mailbox in the lobby every day after class and being super excited when I got a letter from home. I met plenty of fellow students, but they all seemed to want to drink beer, eat hamburgers and smoke clove cigarettes; I wanted to go out and see bands every night. I talked the girl across the hall, Emily, into going to see the Violent Femmes, but we got followed by skinheads on the way back to the Tube station at midnight, so she unfriended me for being too adventurous. Lucky for me, the mohawked, dogcollared gay mailman became my friend and accompanied me to many cool shows. He took me to the Hippodrome, and we danced all night. I remember my brother’s British friend, Dave Kidd, picked me up in his convertible sports car and drove me out into the beautiful countryside to his family’s home. It was the only home-made meal I had all summer, and I devoured it. I felt like Oliver Twist — “please sir, may I have some more?” We watched the 1984 Olympics on the telly, and it was strange to be cheering for the USA with a house full of passionate Britons. I remember going to the Dom Perignon vineyard in the Champagne region of France. It was my first time tasting champagne, and it tasted like nectar of the gods. A few years later, when working for Revlon, my boss ordered 12 bottles of Dom Perignon at a client dinner and instructed me to pay/put them on my expense account. I thought I’d be fired, but miraculously I was reimbursed. I wonder if Dom Perignon still tastes as good as it did in the ’80s? Memory is strange — so unreliable and selective. Sometimes my friends and family rib me for taking so many photos. Maybe I take them so I’ll be sure to remember. Obviously, I can’t trust my brain to do that for me. I hope I can find a way to make our trip to London memorable — without eating stewed tomatoes and beans on toast for breakfast!
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