Just for Women
HEALTH EDITION | 2026
Tampa Bay
BEACONS COVERING YOUR COMMUNITY
2 Just for Women
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
Sweet
S M A E R D Are you getting enough sleep? Here’s why it matters at every age.
By NANETTE WISER | Tampa Bay Beacons Correspondent
Counting sheep again? You’re not alone, and the stakes are higher than a groggy morning. Sleep is one of the most powerful tools a woman has for a healthy mind and body, and her needs shift at every stage of life. Most adults need seven to nine hours a night. Regularly getting fewer than seven has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and depression. Quality matters as much as quantity. If your sleep is frequently interrupted, talk to your doctor.
How sleep works
Sleep is a complex process in which several parts of the brain work together to signal the body that it’s time to rest. Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, sets the timing. When it gets dark, your body releases melatonin, a hormone that makes you drowsy. Meanwhile, adenosine, a chemical that builds up in the brain the longer you’re awake, increases the pressure to sleep. Your brain clears it away while you rest. Sleep also fuels your immune system. During sleep, the body produces proteins called cytokines. Some promote sleep, and others help the body respond to infection, inflammation and stress. Skimp on sleep, and you’re more likely to get sick after exposure to a virus. More isn’t always better, though. In a study published in BMC Public
Health, researchers found that people who slept six to eight hours a night had the lowest rates of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. People who slept 10 hours or more had higher odds.
What keeps you up
Every stage of a woman’s life brings changes in sleep. Pregnancy brings hormonal shifts and physical discomfort. Work, late nights with sick children and caring for aging parents can leave you chronically short on rest. Short naps can help, but they’re no substitute for a full night. During perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes can have you staring at the clock at 2 a.m. Older adults still need seven hours or more but tend to sleep more lightly and wake more often during the night. Physical ailments can also get in the way, including acid reflux, restless legs syndrome and hormonal changes. If you snore or feel foggy during the day, you may have sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during the night, pulling you out of deep sleep and straining your heart, lungs and brain. Your doctor can help sort out contributing health issues and recommend treatment, such as a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine or an implanted device. Then there’s the “monkey mind”
— racing thoughts about tomorrow’s to-do list, stress, anxiety and the constant stimulation of the news and our screens. Managing stress is key, whether through breathing exercises, meditation, an evening stroll, lavender or other calming scents, or a sound machine.
How to get a good night’s rest
Start with your primary care doctor, who can rule out underlying problems. Watch what and when you eat. Skip caffeine at dinner. Decaf green tea is a good alternative; save caffeinated matcha for earlier in the day. A Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats, such as the omega-3s in salmon, may reduce inflammation, help regulate the body’s natural release of melatonin and boost its “rest and digest” response, all of which may improve sleep. Regular exercise helps, too. Supplements such as melatonin
and magnesium are often promoted as sleep aids, but check with your doctor before taking anything new. Nicotine and alcohol both disrupt sleep. Avoid eating late, keep a regular bedtime routine and stay hydrated throughout the day. Feeling peckish before bed? A light snack such as warm milk, turkey, tart cherries, kiwi, bananas, nuts or seeds may help.
Create a sleep nest
A cool, dark room is the first step. Blackout curtains, a quiet ceiling fan and a clock that doesn’t tick or glow all help. Keep phones and other devices out of the bedroom, or at least silence the beeps and notifications, and try to stop scrolling two hours before bed. Bedding, pillows and mattresses matter, too. Side sleeper or back sleeper? There’s a pillow for that. Night sweats? Breathable cotton sheets and the right mattress can make a difference. Some people swear by a weighted blanket to ease anxiety, or socks to
keep their feet warm. An eye mask may also help. A study in China found that people who wore an eye mask along with foam earplugs got more REM sleep, the stage researchers have linked to memory, mood and overall brain function. As for your pets, cuddling may be tempting, but you’ll likely sleep better with your cat or dog in the next room. And if bad dreams disrupt your sleep, try soothing music instead of that gory horror movie before bed.
Are you getting enough?
To find out, keep a sleep journal. Do you wake up refreshed? Are you tired during the day? Do you have trouble concentrating? For a closer look, a sleep tracker such as the Oura Ring 4 or the Bía Smart Sleep Mask can reveal patterns in how long and how well you sleep and what’s interrupting it, giving you a clearer picture of whether you’re getting truly restorative rest.
Just for Women 3
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
One mammogram at a time Doctor creates nonprofit that provides free breast cancer screenings after his wife died from the disease By CHRISTINE BRYANT | Tampa Bay Beacons Correspondent
Found early, everything changes — that’s the message a local doctor is helping to reinforce by making mammograms more accessible to women in Pasco County. For Dr. John Hanna, an internal medicine physician who practices in Hudson and Trinity, that message is personal. His wife, Vivian, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, HER2 positive, in March 2024, and died just three months later at the age of 52. “After her passing, I decided to bring positivity out of the greatest loss I’ve encountered in my life,” he said. “I realized that so many people don’t have access to mammograms due to not having insurance.” The Vivian Hanna Foundation is looking to change that, one mammogram at a time, by fully covering the life-saving screening test for uninsured and underinsured women, at no cost to the patient. The foundation partners with the MammoLink mobile mammography unit, known as the “pink bus,” to offer the screenings. In 2025,
during the first MammoLink bus event, the foundation served just under 75 people in the community, with nearly 10 of those tests detecting an abnormality. The MammoLink pink bus will once again be in Trinity Oct. 16 at Hanna’s medical office, Internal Medicine MD, 3633 Little Road. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and screenings are free for uninsured women ages 35 and older, with no physician prescription needed. Appointments take about 10 minutes, and results come back that day. For Hanna, the foundation is a way to further make a difference in Tampa Bay, as well as honor his wife who worked as a physical therapist assistant and was beloved in the community. While Hanna says his wife was married to a physician, and had access to care and expertise, her breast cancer was found too late. “My wife had every advantage a person could have, and it was still found too late,” he said. See HANNA, page 19
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Dr. John Hanna, an internal medicine physician who practices in Pasco County, has created the i ian anna oundation a nonprofit that ull o ers reast an er s reening or women who are uninsured and underinsured in honor o his wi e who passed awa three months a ter she was diagnosed with stage reast an er he oundation partners with ammo in mo ile mammograph unit to pro ide the ser i e
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4 Just for Women
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
When leaving domestic violence isn’t so simple Pinellas County advocates discuss the realities survivors face and the resources that are available to county citizens By KELAH LEHART | Tampa Bay Beacons Correspondent
Right now, there is someone experiencing domestic violence that others may not even know about. Maybe it is you, a friend, a family member, a neighbor, co-worker, or even an acquaintance you have crossed paths with, and it is not the first time they have endured the abuse. The solution may sound simple; pack a bag, walk out the door, and find a safe place to go, but advocates in Pinellas County say it is more complicated than that. For the survivors who do experience this kind of violence, escaping that reality can mean leaving behind a life that may have taken years to build, which can possibly mean losing a home, a job, and financial support. They may also have to go through the criminal justice system and navigate the legal options which can be difficult to understand. “No one enters a relationship knowing it’s going to be abusive,” said CASA Pinellas director of advancement Amber Valente. “It usually will start with things like coercive control and isolation.” Valente said that a survivor may leave and return multiple times because it is a situation of power and control. When an abuser feels that control slipping from them, that’s usually when they escalate, she said. “A lot of times when a survivor does escape, they leave with just the clothes on their back,” Valente said. “So, they may not have access to funds. They may not have a job. There’s a lot of rebuilding that has to go on.” Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) is the certified domestic violence center for Pinellas County, providing advocacy and support to people experiencing domestic violence. According to CASA, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men are victims of domestic violence and 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year. According to the Florida Department of Health data, Pinellas recorded 3,156 reported domestic violence offenses in 2025. The year prior, the county recorded 3,297 reported offenses and 3,525 in 2023. “Every survivor’s story is different and there’s not a one size fits all route,” Valente said. “We’ll never force a survivor to do anything that they’re not comfortable with. It’s just about listening, making a safety plan for whatever situation they’re in, and then letting them know what could happen next.” Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office victim advocates Sandra Olivares and Bobbie Hodson both said that after 25 years in the field, their experience has taught them to approach people with compassion rather than judgement because leaving doesn’t always happen in one attempt. “It’s important to not judge people based on
Photo Courtesy of CASA PINELLAS
their behavior because we don’t know what’s been happening to them behind the scenes,” Sandra Olivares said. “Sometimes it can take anywhere from seven to 10 times for a victim to finally say enough is enough, even if we have to keep saying the same thing over and over.” Olivares said that an abusive partner may not have always been harmful, and leaving can also mean grieving the loss of a relationship, and the life victims believed they were building together. “They fell in love with this individual for a reason,” Olivares said. “They created a life with this person and now they also are suffering a loss. It’s a form of grief. They have to go through the process of what happened. So, it’s a whole redefining moment for them, and for their families as well.” If survivors are not ready to report the abuse or involve law enforcement, they can just call the hotline to ask questions either through CASA Pinellas or the victim advocates at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The felony-level domestic violence cases handled by PCSO are assigned to victim advocates who help survivors understand the criminal justice system and legal options, such as protective injunctions, said Bobbie Hodson “We review reports and then contact the victim,” Hodson said. “We explain the process and why we’re calling. We make sure they understand the services that are available to them, assess the situation for safety, whether injunctions are necessary, and explain the criminal justice process and what’s expected.” But contacting an advocate or domestic violence center like CASA does not require a police report if survivors don’t want to involve law enforcement. If law enforcement does get involved, depu-
ties will respond to the report, whether the call came from a victim, family member, neighbor or someone else who witnessed the violence, said Hodson. “Law enforcement will separate a victim from the perpetrator and interview them so that there wouldn’t be any manipulation or coercion,” Hodson said. Deputies first assess the situation, gather information, and interview those about what happened. They investigate the allegations, compare accounts and evidence, determine who the primary aggressor is, and whether there is probable cause for an arrest. If deputies cannot find a probable cause, then no arrest is made. Florida law requires officers investigating alleged domestic violence to conduct a lethality assessment regardless of whether an arrest is made. Officers must advise victims that domestic violence centers are available to provide service and give them their legal rights and remedies. Olivares said that the criminal justice system can be a blessing but also a burden because the survivor is the primary witness in the case which may lead to court proceedings and other layers of legal process that they had no idea was coming. “Now she has to go meet with the prosecutor, possibly meet with DCF, go apply for an injunction, miss more time from work, and because of somebody else’s actions,” she said. “It’s not that they don’t want them held accountable, they just don’t want to be involved in the system because of all that. It puts their life in turmoil.” Even after protective measures are in place, survivors may remain hypervigilant after spending months or years living with the abuse. “They can’t let their guard down,” Olivares said. “They’re still looking all around because
Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) is the ertified domesti iolen e enter or inellas ount pro iding ad o a and support to people e perien ing domesti iolen e is lo ated at irst e t eters urg
Resources CASA 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (727) 895-4912 CASA is located at 1011 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg (second floor) PCSO victim advocates can be reached at 727-582-6259. For more information on CASA visit: https://casapinellas.org/ For more information on PCSO Victim Services visit: https://www.pinellassheriff.gov/victim-services
they have been living on these eggshells for so long.” For survivors who need a safe place to go, CASA provides emergency and transitional housing and rapid rehousing and financial assistance, legal advocacy, mental health resources and support groups. The Family Justice Center, which opened in 2022, offers multiple services together in one location. CASA’s emergency shelter has served 3,800 adults and children in FY 2025-2026 and provided 24,933 bed nights according to the organization’s annual impact report. Their 24-hour hotline has answered 7,568 calls, and they have provided 1,320 legal services. “It’s really important when you expect someone’s experiencing abuse to make sure they don’t feel judged or isolated,” Valente said. “If you think they’re in danger, the last thing you want to do is make them feel cornered. So be an active listener. Talk to an advocate so they can help.”
Just for Women 5
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
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6 Just for Women
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
Planned Parenthood: A safety net for men and women who need care Most of the organization’s work is routine care, Florida medical chief says. Centers add primary care and weight-loss treatment; free cancer screenings set for Pink Project Day. By LEA MANDEL | Tampa Bay Beacons Correspondent
Planned Parenthood is usually discussed in political terms. Inside its health centers in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Sarasota counties, the work looks more like a doctor’s office: birth control, cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted infections and, increasingly, primary care. The centers have added behavioral health care, weight-loss treatment and care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure. On Oct. 5, participating centers will offer free Pap tests and breast exams for the organization’s annual Pink Project Day. Dr. Robyn Schickler, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood of Florida, is a board-certified ob-gyn who completed a two-year subspecialty fellowship before choosing community health work. “I just felt it’s an area of need, not a ton of people are willing to do that kind of service work, and I really wanted to do it,” Schickler said. “It’s deeply rewarding. It’s really important on a public health scale.” The biggest misconception about Planned Parenthood, she said, is that abortion makes up most of its work. “When you actually look at all of the numbers, 90-something percent of what we do is actually, like, the birth control, the Paps, STI screening and testing,” Schickler said. “A lot of times when you’re out in the community, people will say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know Planned Parenthood did all of that stuff. I’ve been looking for someone to go to and just get my Pap.’” In the 12 months that ended June 30, Planned Parenthood of Florida recorded more than 120,000 patient visits statewide and served more than 70,000 people in person and through telehealth, according to figures provided by the organization. Its clinicians performed more than 100,000 STI and HIV tests, provided contraception to more than 35,000 patients and conducted more than 10,000 cancer screenings, including Pap tests, clinical breast exams and follow-up procedures. Schickler recommends that patients start seeing a provider once they begin having periods. Early visits let clinicians address painful periods, discuss birth control and make reproductive health a normal topic before problems develop. “It might be a very minimal visit, but kind of start getting used to talking about those things, and then you can catch anything earlier if there’s
Photos courtesy of PLANNED PARENTHOOD
any issues,” she said. For adults, annual well-person visits include pelvic exams, Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer and clinical breast exams. Clinicians order screening mammograms starting at 40, or earlier for patients at higher risk.
Patients who report a breast symptom, such as a lump, pain, a rash or a skin change, get an exam and imaging, and staff follow up to “get them where they need to go,” Schickler said. The Tampa Bay-area centers have also expanded beyond gynecology. They now offer
counseling and medication management for behavioral health conditions, early prenatal care in the first trimester, basic infertility services and primary care for conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Weight-loss treatment is the newest addition. Men are welcome, too, Schickler said. Most come for STI screening and testing, but men can also use the primary care and behavioral health services. That testing matters in Florida, where rates of sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis, have risen. The centers offer STI screening and treatment. They also offer PrEP, medication that lowers the risk of HIV infection, and post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, a course of medication started soon after a possible exposure. Cost and coverage are a growing concern, Schickler said. Many Floridians have lost health insurance or had more trouble getting it, she said, which leaves them with few options. “Having these services at a place like Planned Parenthood is a really important thing to have,” she said. “It serves basically as that safety net for people who can come when they really need it.” Centers offer sliding-scale fees, self-pay rates and donor-supported funds for patients who can’t afford care. Pink Project Day is held each Oct. 5 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It offers free Pap tests and breast exams, and any follow-up that’s needed is also free, Schickler said. “Patients who just can’t do the self-pay rate, maybe can’t get funding for some reason, they can come on that day and get that stuff done,” she said. Patients are encouraged to reserve a spot, though walk-ins are welcome. To find a participating health center, call 800-230-PLAN or visit plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-florida/pink-project. Schickler said the comments she hears most from patients are about the staff, which is made up almost entirely of female nurse practitioners and physicians. “Something that’s pretty unique with Planned Parenthood, and we hear from patients a lot, is just how kind everyone is, how nonjudgmental everyone is,” she said. “A lot of people say they’ve had bad experiences elsewhere and they were afraid to come in, and then they felt much better ... We just take care of people.”
Just for Women 7
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
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8 Just for Women
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
Log off, look up:
Why women are going analog From knitting at the movies to social media-free Sundays, locals are trading screens for real life By NANETTE WISER | Tampa Bay Beacons Correspondent
A 20-something woman recently complimented my oversized L.L. Bean canvas tote, embroidered with my initials. “It’s so analog,” she said, showing off her own embellished bag. It was stuffed with a book, a crochet project, snacks and assorted flotsam, more diaper bag than chic accessory. She’s not alone. Worn down by endless scrolling, a nonstop news cycle and the rise of artificial intelligence, women of all ages are saying enough. Mindfulness, personal connection and cutting screen time (yes, there’s an app for that) are trending. The pull is easy to understand. The average internet user spends more than six hours a day online. Studies have linked heavy screen time to poor sleep, shorter attention spans, anxiety, depression, and neck and eye strain. Some experts also warn that AI chatbot “friends” can pull users further away from real people. So women are picking up grandma hobbies. They’re doing jigsaw puzzles and knitting through movies. Green Light Cinema in St. Petersburg offers a knitting-friendly screening once a month. They’re swapping streaming services for vinyl records, phone photos for candy-colored Polaroid instant cameras, and Kindles and audiobooks for paper books. They’re writing to-do lists by hand and trading the phone alarm for a bedside clock. “Grandma hobbies reconnect us to ourselves,” Cal Newport, a Georgetown University computer science professor who writes about technology, focus and productivity, told The New York Times. “These activities are hard, in that they require time and concentration to master. But they also offer clear and fulfilling rewards.” Anna Hummel, host of “The Homemade Broadcast,” hit her own limit and organized a Digital Detox Sunday in St. Petersburg. The rule: no social media for 24 hours. Participants started with an hourlong walk downtown and
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At left: Dawn Hunter, a motivational speaker, podcaster and author behind “Work Is Third,” unplugs over wine and a book. At right: Anna Hummel, host of “The Homemade Broadcast,” hit her own limit and organized a Digital Detox Sunday in St. Petersburg. spent the rest of the day meeting for coffee and exploring the city. The event, Hummel said, was “an effort to do what social media was originally presented as: a method of staying connected.” Social media can bring people together, she said, but it was never meant to be the main way we communicate. “Detoxing from our phones ... and reconnecting with our friends and community is one of the best things we can do for our mental well-being,” she said. Hummel said she is passionate about the ill effects of technology, especially how addictive devices and social media can be. She misses single-purpose devices such as flip phones and iPods, which she said “allowed us to stay connected but didn’t steal our attention for hours at a time.” “This technology is only moving in one direction, and it cannot be uninvented,” she said.
“If we want to get our attention span back and connect with people in real life, we have to make a concerted effort to do so. That is often easier when we do it as a community and hold each other accountable.” Dawn Hunter, a motivational speaker, podcaster and author behind “Work Is Third,” unplugs over wine and a book at Book + Bottle or over breakfast with friends at Blush Tea. “People are rediscovering the importance of real human connection and pushing back against overstimulation,” Hunter said. “Among women, this is more prevalent because we are already carrying the mental load for everyone around us.” Going analog, she said, makes people more observant and more present, helps them connect more meaningfully and eases physical, mental and emotional strain. She said part of the move-
ment “is about craving tangibility, or things that feel permanent, real, ‘yours.’” That craving led Hunter to create her own affirmation cards. “They’re a physical, daily reminder to unplug — from work, your phone, the world — and to pour into yourself, because I genuinely believe that’s possible and necessary to live life well,” she said. For those who would rather unplug outdoors, author Richard Louv has long made the case for nature as an antidote to digital life in books such as “Last Child in the Woods” and “Vitamin N.” In his latest, “Noticing: Intimate Encounters in the Natural World,” Louv explores his own backyard in search of a deeper connection to nature in a time of eco-anxiety and upheaval. Through personal essays set in the California wilderness around his home, Louv draws on sources ranging from neuroscience and nature photography to Indigenous traditions and mindfulness. By tapping into what he describes as 30 or more human senses, he argues, readers can learn to experience the natural world more fully, a state he calls “bioenchantment.” Ready to break up with your screens? Silence notifications, block websites that eat your time and try going email-free for a weekend. Lock away or delete the biggest time-wasters, especially Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Then look for calm and community offline. Join a club, organize a weekly card game or take a lunchtime walk with friends or colleagues. Take a quilting class, go birdwatching, attend a live event or host a dinner party. Cook a new recipe from a cookbook, journal each morning, garden, send a postcard or volunteer. Plan a family game night, pick up needlepoint or mah-jongg, take a walk in the woods, or curl up with your cat in the sun and watch the mockingbirds. It’s that simple, and it just might cure what ails the soul.
Just for Women 9
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
HANNA, from page 13 “That is what keeps me up. If it happened to her, it is happening right now to women who have far less than she did.” According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 1 in 3 new cancers in women every year. The organization estimates in 2026, more than 320,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, with more than 42,000 women dying of the disease. When breast cancer is caught early, treatment is often more effective, and the chances of better outcomes increase. Yet the Brem Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving access to breast cancer screening, reports that nearly 30 million skip breast cancer screenings each year, with many attributing costs as the driving factor. “For some women a mammogram is a decision against groceries,” Hanna said. “No woman should have to make that decision, and here she does not have to.” Leading medical organizations generally recommend that women begin breast cancer screening at age 40, but those at higher risk due to family history should be screened earlier, typically
M E D I C A L A S S O C I AT E S
P R I M A R Y C A R E F O R A H E A LT H I E R T O M O R R O W
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Vivian Hanna was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, HER2 positive, in March 2024, and died just three months later at the age of 52. Her husband, Dr. John Hanna, created a nonprofit to help uninsured or under-insured women get mammograms in her honor. beginning at age 30. To make an appointment for
Quality Care for Every Chapter
a breast cancer screening on Oct. 16, call 727-997-1635.
Choosing a primary care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make especially as you get older.
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“My wife had every advantage a person could have, and it was still found too late. That is what keeps me up. If it happened to her, it is happening right now to women who have far less than she did.”
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10 Just for Women
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
Fundraisers planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month around Tampa Bay Compiled by LEE CLARK ZUMPE | Tampa Bay Beacons
In 2026, the National Breast Cancer Coalition reports that an estimated 321,910 women and 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and an additional 60,730 women will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. On its website, NBCC does the math: In 2026, an estimated 42,670 women in the U.S. will die of the disease. Breast cancer incidence increased rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s with the widespread adoption of screening, declined briefly in the early 2000s, and has risen steadily since 2012 by about 1% per year overall. For women in the United States, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer has increased since 1975, reflecting both changes in risk and increased detection over time. Each year in October, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign helps to educate the public about symptoms, risk factors and the importance of early detection as well as screenings and prevention. In addition to raising awareness, the campaign also celebrates breast cancer survivors and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. The American Cancer Society started Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks to unite communities in the fight against this deadly disease. The events are a celebration of survivorship and an occasion to express hope and the shared determination to make this breast cancer’s last century. Today, Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation. Funds raised through this campaign are used to support breast cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through every step of the journey — from groundbreaking breast cancer research to much-needed patient services such as free rides to chemo, free places to stay near treatment, and a live 24/7 cancer helpline. Hillsborough — Presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Making Strides of Tampa will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. The festival area will open at 7 a.m. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. To learn more about the Making Strides of Tampa or for other information, call 1-800-2272345. You can also contact Bethany Lynch, the local American Cancer Society representative, at TampaFLStrides@ cancer.org. Sarasota — Presented by Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Making Strides of Sarasota/ Manatee will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 a.m., at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. To learn more about the Making Strides of Tampa or for other information, call 1-800-227-2345. You can also contact Tammy Messercola at tammy.messercola@cancer.org. There are currently no Making Strides events scheduled for Pinellas or Pasco. Following is a list of other Tampa Bay area fundraisers and events promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and raising funds to support the fight against the disease.
Pinellas County Paint in Pink
Paint in Pink, a special step-by-step paint class honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Joe’s Palette, 1915 East Bay Drive, Largo. Tickets are $31.72. While recreating a beautiful, pinkthemed piece of art, attendees will celebrate strength, hope, friendship, and the women impacted by breast cancer. No painting experience is needed — the artist will guide you from start to finish. “Come paint with purpose and create something beautiful in honor of a meaningful cause.” For tickets and information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
A Decade of Joy
Shear Joy Salon, at 2519 McMullen Booth Road, Suite 204, in Clearwater, will celebrate a decade of joy on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. As part of the celebration, the business will be offering haircuts for donations, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Wigs & Wishes. This incredible
organization provides free wigs to individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer, funded through salon partners and generous community donations. Visit https://shearjoyexperience.com/.
Breast Cancer Awareness
BayCare Faith Community Nursing will present an educational program on Friday, Oct. 9, 1 p.m., at the North Greenwood Branch of the Clearwater Public Library, 905 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Clearwater. The program will cover early detection, screening guidelines, and risk-reduction strategies. Patrons will gain a clearer understanding of breast health and learn how proactive care can save lives. The program is designed and intended for patrons ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Visit https://myclearwaterlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/faith-community-nursing-health-145780.
Broncos for Boobies
Broncos for Boobies will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, kicking off at noon at OCC Road House, 10575 49th St. N.,
Clearwater. This event is all about raising awareness and funds for breast cancer. They’ll have a raffle with amazing prizes, food, and live music to keep you entertained. Bring your friends and family along to support this great cause. For information, visit https://www. occroadhouse.com/event/broncos-for-boobies-2/.
Yachts & Yoga
Yachts & Yoga is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to noon, at MarineMax Clearwater, 18025 U.S 19 N., Clearwater. The program will begin with a relaxing, all-levels yoga class taught by Sae Kim. Event organizers explain that the class “has been designed to refresh your mind and body while connecting with other women who share a love for life on the water.” Following the class, attendees can explore additional vendors such as local coffee vendors, energy drinks, and food trucks. A complimentary boat ride aboard a MarineMax yacht follows. Yachts & Yoga is dedicated to wellness, See PINK, page 21
Just for Women 11
Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
PINK, from page 20
Classes, events & support groups
community, and supporting breast cancer awareness. It offers an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and honor the strength and resilience of those impacted by breast cancer. For tickets and information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
Women’s Cancer Support Group Tuesday, Sept. 29, 3-4 p.m., in the Oak Room, at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, 119 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/. Breast Cancer Support Group Thursday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m., in the Cafeteria Conference Room, at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/.
I Support the Girls will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson, 10525 49th St. N., Clearwater. Presented by Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson and Stilettos on Steel, the event will feature swag, vendors, the Fly Your Bra Game, a decorated bra fashion show, snacks, beer, and more. Riders can also join Stilettos on Steel for a short fun ride, with registration available throughout the day. The first 40 bikes signed up receive a goodie bag. Registration is $15 per rider/passenger, with proceeds benefiting I Support the Girls. The organization collects and distributes essential items — including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products — to social service organizations in the Tampa Bay area, benefitting women who are experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, breast cancer or distress. Visit https://www.facebook.com/bertsbarracuda.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk St. Pete
Colors of Courage and Joe’s Palette will host a small-scale, family-friendly Breast Cancer Awareness Walk St. Pete on Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m., at Lake Vista Recreation Center, 1401 62nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. This will be a 3.2K walk/run around the recreation center. Registration is free but required. Visit www.joespalette. com to register and reserve a spot.
Hillsborough County Pink Party
Le Donne Italiane Women’s Program will host its inaugural Pink Party fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m., at the Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. Tickets start at $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers. The event will feature live entertainment, dancing, a full cash bar, and a 50/50 raffle. All event proceeds will benefit Moffitt Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Programming, supporting patient care, education, research, and vital support services. For tickets and information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
Fitness Meets the Fight
Tampa Girlies Fitness & Vibes will present Fitness Meets the Fight on Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Dick’s House of Sport, 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. This breast cancer awareness fit fest is described as an “empowering day of community, health and wellness.” Organizers have curated a Zen-filled, high-energy rotation of fitness practices led by local instructors. Spaces are limited to ensure a great experience for everyone. For tickets and information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
Pink with a Purpose
Posh by Poe will host Pink with a Purpose, a breast cancer awareness and wellness fair, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at DJC Medical Group, 15416 N. Florida Ave., Suite 204, Tampa. Whether you’re a breast cancer survivor, supporting someone you love, or simply committed to living a healthier life, this community event will be a day dedicated to hope, healing, prevention, and wellness. The event will include mammograms, wellness experiences, luxury wellness spa tours, an inspiring breast cancer survivor panel, health and wellness vendors, beauty and self-care demonstrations, and more. For tickets and information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
More Than Pink Walk
Susan G. Komen is a major breast cancer organization that funds scientific research, provides patient support services, and advocates for public policy. The organization hosts its More Than Pink Walks to raise funds and to provide participants the opportunity to come together and connect in meaningful ways. The 2026 Tampa Bay More Than Pink Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, at University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Register at www.
komen.org/tampabaywalk. More Than Pink Walks also are scheduled for Orlando and West Palm Beach. For more information, visit https://www. komen.org/how-to-help/attend-events/racefor-the-cure/.
Pasco County Rock ‘N Roll Bowling for Boobs
The West Pasco/Pinellas Business Association will present the 13th annual Rock ‘N Roll Bowling for Boobs on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Lane Glo Bowl, 8631 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey. The event promises a night of music, bowling, fun and fundraising. Local businesses, community leaders, families, friends and supporters come together for an evening centered around one important mission: helping local individuals and families impacted by cancer. Funds raised through Bowling for Boobs are intended to remain in the local community, providing assistance and support to cancer patients, survivors and families experiencing significant challenges related to their cancer journey. For tickets and information, visit https:// wpba.biz/Bowling-for-Boobs-2026.
Why Healthy Bones Matter for People with Breast Cancer Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. to noon, online. Presented by Suzan Mekler, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation Educator. Free. Registration is required. Visit https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/ classes-events. Mammos and Mocktails Thursday, Oct. 8, 4-7 p.m., at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, 6500 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/. Mammos and Mimosas Thursday, Oct. 8, 4-7 p.m., at HCA Florida South Shore Hospital, 4016 Sun City Center Blvd., Sun City Center. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/. Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, 201 14th St. SW, Largo. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/. Women’s Cancer Support Group Tuesday, Oct. 27, 3-4 p.m., in the Oak Room, at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, 119 Oakfield Drive, Brandon. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/. Breast Cancer Support Group Thursday, Nov. 5, 6-7 p.m., in the Cafeteria Conference Room, at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Registration is required. Visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/calendar/.
From Honey-Do to Honey Done!
Shine a Light on a Cure
Shine a Light on a Cure, a breast cancer awareness event, will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 3 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, 7979 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. This will be a day filled with fun, community, and compassion. Attendees will come together to raise awareness and support in the fight against breast cancer. This family-friendly event will feature vendors, raffles and contests, pumpkin painting, a blood donation bus and 3D mobile mammogram sign-ups. All proceeds benefit breast cancer awareness and support initiatives.
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Tampa Bay Beacons, September 24, 2026
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