During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, communities across the country find creative ways to fundraise and support the fight against breast cancer. This October, community partners are transforming familiar experiences into meaningful opportunities to make a difference, from adding loved ones’ names to a NASCAR race car to working out for a cause and creating ornaments for a holiday tree.
Each campaign reflects the community behind it while bringing people together to honor those impacted by breast cancer and help support Komen’s work to create a world where no one dies from breast cancer.
Adding Horsepower to the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Chicago-based Kryder Law Group is putting its support for Komen on the fast track. As a part of its DIY fundraising campaign, the firm is sponsoring veteran NASCAR driver Garrett Smithley. On Oct. 24, he’ll race in the Progress Group 250 at the Talladega Superspeedway in a Komen-themed pink car.
Each donor who contributes at least $100 to the fundraiser can submit the name of someone impacted by breast cancer. That name will be incorporated into the design of Garrett’s pink race car.
“We designed this campaign so every donor can be part of the race and carry someone’s name with them to Talladega,” said Andrew Kryder, founding partner of Kryder Law Group. “Garrett has a history of using his platform to support meaningful causes, and we’re proud to partner with him.”
Using his car to elevate important causes is familiar territory for Garrett. In 2025, he partnered with Hire Heroes USA, which helps service members, veterans and military spouses find success in the civilian workforce. He has also carried the Veteran’s Ranch and Vet the Vote on his cars. He also previously participated in other racing partnerships promoting breast cancer awareness.
Through Adding Horsepower and Racing for a Cure, Kryder Law Group hopes to raise $100,000 for Komen. The pink car will also bring greater visibility to the people at the heart of Komen’s mission.
“Every name on this car represents someone who matters,” Garrett said. “It’s an honor to carry those names with me at Talladega and use the platform racing has given me to bring the fans together in support of Komen.”
Eden Roc Miami Beach Goes Pink to End Breast Cancer
Every year, businesses and landmarks across Florida light up pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Eden Roc Miami Beach is taking its commitment further with Roc the Pink, a wellness experience with all proceeds benefiting Komen.
“It’s important for us to be involved in our community,” said Liz Segel, director of marketing for Eden Roc. “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer – usually breast cancer – and it’s something that everyone can relate to.”
Since 2023, the hotel has celebrated Pinktober by illuminating its iconic sign and front drive with pink lights. It also donates 10% of proceeds from a selection of pink-themed food, beverages and amenities to Komen.
“We’ve done this for a few years now,” Liz said. “Then, we realized we could do something even better and raise even more money.”
Roc the Pink offers supporters two opportunities to enjoy a morning workout led by local fitness influencers in the hotel’s spa garden.
Fitness coach and influencer Rachel Joy will lead the first event on Oct. 18. The second event, held on Oct. 31, will be led by Rachel Robinson, creator of Rachel Fitness and a three-time champion on MTV’s relative competition series “The Challenge.”
Following each workout, participants can visit the Pink Refreshments Bar for smoothies and fresh fruit. The hotel has also partnered with local businesses to enhance the experience, including Miami Beach Bum, which will provide sunscreen and skincare products for participants.
“Every year we do something a little bigger,” Liz said. “We are looking forward to continuing to build the momentum for years to come.”
Indiana’s Tree of Hope Honors Loved Ones During the Holidays
In Indiana, Komen is getting an early start on the holiday season with the Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees, a seven-week annual tradition featuring more than 80 elaborately decorated trees. For the second year, Komen’s Tree of Hope will be among them.
The idea began in 2024, when Stephen Hunt, development director for Komen in Indianapolis, attended the event with his family.
“I noticed several charities and nonprofits represented, and I thought a Komen tree could be a unique way to raise awareness,” he said. “I never imagined the idea would grow into a fundraiser that gives people a meaningful way to honor someone they love.”
For a $35 donation to Komen, supporters can dedicate a custom ornament in memory of someone who has died from breast cancer or in honor of a survivor, someone undergoing treatment or a person living with metastatic breast cancer. Festival visitors can also write a loved one’s name on a paper ornament and add it to the tree.
Each custom ornament is handmade by local Komen volunteer and breast cancer survivor Suzanne Engle, who has already recruited friends and family to help prepare for this year’s festival.
“I’ll invite them over for dinner, feed them and hand them a pair of scissors,” she said. “Last year, I made about 100-150 ornaments. The next day, I got a call from the museum saying they were out of ornaments and needed more. The tree ended up with about 1,500 ornaments. It was breathtaking to see.”
The Festival of Trees runs from Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027, at the Indiana Historical Society. After seeing the community embrace the Tree of Hope last year, Stephen is eager to see it take shape again.
“Last year, Suzanne took the idea and ran with it,” he said. “Seeing the tree filled with names showed how deeply breast cancer has affected our community. We hop even more people will add the names of those they love this year.”
Whether supporters see a loved one’s name carried around the track at Talladega, join a workout in Miami Beach or add an ornament to Indiana’s Tree of Hope, each campaign offers a personal way to help make a difference. Together, these community efforts show how one creative idea can unite a community and help create a world where no one dies from breast cancer.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
