Broadcast journalist and wellness advocate Donna Deegan of Jacksonville, Florida was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 at the age of 38. After her diagnosis, she talked with many women who couldn’t make ends meet while they were undergoing treatment for the disease and as a result, she created The Donna Foundation. The foundation provides the necessary funds to meet the critical needs of women living with breast cancer in North Florida. To date, more than 5,000 women have been assisted by The Donna Foundation (www.thedonnafoundation.org).
An avid marathoner, Donna was inspired to establish 26.2 with Donna after discussing fundraising ideas with oncologist, friend and fellow running enthusiast, Dr. Edith Perez. Their mission — the only national marathon dedicated exclusively to raising funds for breast cancer research and care. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to bench top breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic and to women living with breast cancer through The Donna Foundation. Since that meeting in 2005, nearly $3 million has been directed toward those charities.
“We had a breakthrough year in both fundraising and growth. I look forward to leading us to the next level. I’ve said all along we will end breast cancer right here in Jacksonville, and I believe that is true,” Deegan said.
Donna is a published author of two books. Her first book, The Good Fight, chronicles her second bout with breast cancer and the online journal that she kept during that time. She has since survived and thrived through a third brush with the disease and spends much of her time encouraging others in their own journeys. Her second book, Through Rose Colored Glasses, A Marathon From Fear to Love, Donna takes the fight out of cancer. She combines the will of a three-time survivor, with the heart of a marathoner to change the view from fear to love.
During her 30-year career as a broadcast journalist in Florida, Donna has received many awards including the Jacksonville Business Journal Women of Influence Award in 2004, The Enterprising Women’s Leadership Award in 2005, The Florence Davis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and the prestigious Eve Award for volunteer service in 2008. Donna is also a Guest Expert for the International Association of Women Runners.
The 6th Annual 26.2 with Donna will be held on February 17, 2013 and is expected to draw 12,000 registered runners from all 50 states and more than 20 countries worldwide. For more information about the race, visit www.breastcancermarathon.com.
