The DONNA Foundation kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month recently, celebrating patients, survivors and their families through new partnerships, beloved races and raising funds for those living with the diagnosis.
Earlier this year, the organization announced a multi-year partnership with the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic, celebrating the new host hotel for DONNA Marathon Weekend 2026. The foundation, along with its founder, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, joined Hilton representatives for a ceremonial unveiling and dedication of its newest property on Sept. 30.
Building upon its partnership, the Hilton announced it has pledged a gift of $12,500 to the foundation’s Financial Aid Fund for Northeast Florida.
“Opening our doors was such an incredible and long-anticipated moment for Hilton Jacksonville, but what made it truly meaningful was the opportunity to celebrate alongside the community we are here to serve,” said Jayson Zimmer, general manager of the Hilton Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic. “Through our grand opening events, we were able to support the incredible work of our partners Hilton, Concord Hospitality, Whitman Peterson, the Mayo Clinic and The DONNA Foundation and give back in a way that reflects our values. The most memorable part of our celebrations was knowing that the excitement of our opening directly contributed to such an important cause. This milestone not only marks the beginning of welcoming guests, but also deepens our commitment to making a positive impact here in Jacksonville.”
Themed “Behind the Diagnosis,” this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month efforts aim to illuminate that behind every diagnosis is a real person: a story, a family, a job, a dream.
The DONNA Foundation’s efforts endeavor to stand behind the patients it serves, supporting them as individuals, each with a unique story.
October is playing host to many exciting events, including the organization’s DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass. The annual signature event, presented by Dream Finders Homes, was held on Oct. 11 and served as the final race in the DONNA 2025 Fearless Series. The race took runners, walkers, survivors and friends through the beautiful “back nine” of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and crowned many participants with their Fearless Series medals, sponsored by Wingard Marketing & Communications. As part of its philanthropic efforts, THE PLAYERS has issued a $10,000 matching gift challenge for fundraisers.
“This month is filled with both gratitude and hope,” said Amanda Napolitano, executive director of The DONNA Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of partners like THE PLAYERS and Hilton, we can ease the burdens patients and families face in the midst of a diagnosis. The DONNA 5K at TPC Sawgrass is more than a race. It’s a moving celebration of survivorship and unity, reminding us that every step brings us closer to the finish line of breast cancer.”
In alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation also began the following initiatives:
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to come together and to choose love every day,” said Deegan. “The DONNA Foundation’s efforts continue to be patient focused, helping to remind them that they are not alone. I know that during my own journey with breast cancer it was the love and support from so many that led me to choose love over fear, and I want every survivor to know that together we can not only survive, but thrive. I am proud of many accomplishments in my life, but the title of survivor still reigns among the top –– together, we can choose love, and we can take one step closer to ending breast cancer each day.”
Since its inception in 2003, The DONNA Foundation has served more than 21,000 breast cancer patients and their families, provided more than $6.7 million in financial services through its DONNA CareLine and donated more than $3.3 million to groundbreaking breast cancer research. Just last year, the DONNA CareLine program served more than 700 patients, delivering $204,819 in financial services and debt relief, with more than $55,000 in direct financial aid.
The need for financial assistance has continued to grow, while resources are shrinking. The DONNA Foundation believes no one should have to choose between paying rent or receiving necessary care. Now, more than ever, grant funds are critical to meeting the needs of patients and their families in our backyard and across the nation. The Hilton’s generous gift provides critical support, enabling the DONNA CareLine to stand ready to help ease the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis from the patients it serves.
While October is a special month for the foundation, its work continues year-round, raising funds and serving patients and families.
Registration for the 2026 DONNA Marathon Weekend is now open at thedonnafoundation.org/events.
