Inside the Rapid Growth of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida
by SHAYLYNN MARKS
photo provided by ASHLEY LLOYD
The Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida has come a long way since it first formed in 2017. Once run out of a spare room at Executive Director Ashley Lloyd’s home, the nonprofit is now an official 501(c)(3), supported by an active board of directors, community partners, and a growing network of survivors and volunteers. The transformation reflects both the growing need in the region and the foundation’s determination to meet it head on.
Early Days and Challenges
In its early days, the organization’s focus was on raising awareness of the foundation within the community.
“At that point, I just needed people to know we existed,” Lloyd says.
As applications poured in — sometimes 30 a month — she leaned on survivors and volunteers to step in.
“I realized the parts I hated doing or wasn’t good at, someone else could do in their sleep. That’s how we started to build the foundation that exists today.”
Gala Expansion and Partnerships
One of the clearest signs of growth has been the foundation’s annual gala. The event has outgrown its current venue.
“When I took over in 2021, we had about 150 guests,” Lloyd says. “Now we’re welcoming nearly 400, and this will be our last year at Bonnet Springs Park due to capacity.”
The event has also brought in significant sponsors. Watson Clinic and Dr. Elisabeth Dupont have supported the gala since 2017, and in the past two years the foundation has added partnerships with major healthcare systems including: Moffitt Cancer Center, Bayfront, BayCare, Orlando Health, Central Florida Health Care, and AdventHealth.
“I had never done fundraising before,” Lloyd admits. “I just walked into these hospitals. I wanted them to know who we are and how we help patients.”
Donations and Community Support
As the foundation expanded, local businesses and professionals began stepping up to donate their services, easing the burden of administrative costs.
In early September, the foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new office in Lakeland.
“Our office was donated, our accounting services were donated, even IT and payroll were donated,” Lloyd explains. “That means 93 percent of every dollar raised goes right back into Central Florida families.”
Community members have found creative ways to contribute as well, from schools hosting “pink days” to restaurants donating proceeds from specialty drinks. In addition, survivors often become ambassadors, organizing fundraisers and sharing their stories. Lloyd recalls one woman who auctioned a painting at the gala for $1,800.
“She thought it wasn’t worth much, but that single piece of art helped a woman pay her mortgage,” she says.
What Sets the Foundation Apart
The support the Foundation provides often covers mortgage payments, utilities, car payments, and other critical household expenses while patients undergo treatment.
“When you ask for this kind of help, you’re already at your lowest, most humble moment,” Lloyd adds. “Our goal is to lift that weight so patients can focus on getting better.”
On the Horizon
As October approaches, the foundation is preparing for a full calendar of events that rally both survivors and the broader community. Lloyd highlights a wellness festival in Brandon on Oct. 11, complete with food trucks, vendors, and a Mustang car show, as well as a fundraiser hosted by the Polk Association for Women Lawyers in Bartow on Oct. 23.
“Every dollar goes right back to helping patients here,” Lloyd says.
Also planned are golf tournaments, a Jeep rally, and the annual 5K — all designed to raise funds while building community awareness.
As the foundation builds on its momentum, Lloyd says the goal is long-term sustainability. Plans include expanding the monthly donor program, creating a donor wall of fame, and potentially covering mammograms for uninsured women.
“This is just the beginning,” Lloyd says. “I know the need is great, but seeing how far we’ve come in such a short time gives me so much hope for the future.”