October brings a familiar wash of pink to communities across Alabama, but behind the ribbons, shirts and fundraising events is a goal that reaches far beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month: supporting research that can lead to earlier detection, better treatments and improved outcomes for people facing breast cancer.
This year, businesses, schools, civic organizations and community groups across the state are partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) to raise money for breast cancer research throughout the month.
Supporting research close to home
(Mary-Gates Kennedy/Contributed)
The effort comes at a time when nearly 5,000 women in Alabama are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year. Nationally, one in eight women and one in 726 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
Research and advances in early detection have helped reduce breast cancer deaths by 44 percent over the past 35 years, according to BCRFA. The organization is focused on continuing that progress by funding research conducted in Alabama.
In 2025, BCRFA invested $1.2 million in 24 research projects at eight Alabama institutions. The organization plans to announce its 2026 grant awards in December.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the power of community action,” said Beth Davis, president and CEO of BCRFA. “The dedication and generosity of our partners help fuel life-saving research right here in Alabama while raising awareness about a disease that affects thousands of families each year.”
Events across Alabama
BCRFA’s own October events include the annual Bolt for Breast Cancer 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Mountain Brook on Sunday, Oct. 11. Presented by ABC 33/40 and Thrivent, the event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and includes refreshments and children’s activities following the race.
In Calera, the 16th annual Calera Goes Pink will include a golf tournament at Timberline Golf Club on Thursday, Oct. 8, followed by the Calera High School vs. Mountain Brook High School football game on Friday, Oct. 9.
BCRFA is also working with businesses and community organizations throughout the state on additional fundraising efforts during October.
Community partner events
Community partners across the state are also marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month with events, fundraisers and opportunities to support breast cancer research.
- ARC Realty “Blue Goes Pink” — ARC Realty will donate $25 for every new property listing in October and is also holding weekly fundraising activities to support BCRFA.
- Capstone Realty “Blue Goes Pink” — Capstone Realty will donate $25 for every new property listing in October and encourage employees and agents to raise funds and awareness.
- Charlotte Ann Dawson One-Mile Fun Run and Walk — The one-mile walk will take place Oct. 18 at Patriot Park in Alabaster, with proceeds benefiting BCRFA.
- CrossFit Trussville — CrossFit Trussville will host its 16th annual fundraiser on Oct. 24. This year’s competition, “19 Minutes That Matter: Strong for Her, Strong for All,” will raise funds for BCRFA.
- Evereve — The Summit location will host a fundraiser for BCRFA on Oct. 8, with a portion of sales benefiting the organization.
- Iron Angels Tuscaloosa County — The motorcycle club will host a benefit ride on Oct. 17.
- J. McLaughlin “Sip & Shop” — The Summit location will host a Sip & Shop fundraiser on Oct. 6, with a percentage of sales benefiting BCRFA.
- Penske Truck Leasing — The Mobile location will hold a Penske Pink Out throughout October, accepting donations and raising funds for BCRFA.
- Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery “Botox for Breast Cancer” — Dr. Raggio will host the annual fundraiser at the Homewood office on Oct. 23, with proceeds benefiting BCRFA.
- Renasant Bank — Renasant branches across Alabama will raise funds through community fundraisers and public donations.
- Rock Creek Golf Club — The Fairhope golf club will host a tournament on Oct. 9, with a portion of proceeds supporting BCRFA and Alabama breast cancer research.
- Ruby Slippers Restaurant Group — Ruby Slipper restaurants in Birmingham, Orange Beach and Mobile will invite guests to add donations to BCRFA to their checks throughout October.
- Tameron Automotive — Tameron Hyundai and Honda in Hoover will donate $100 to BCRFA for every vehicle sold during October.
- Wagners Run Walk — The Tuscaloosa event will take place Oct. 19 to raise funds for BCRFA.
- Wind Creek Casino & Hotel “Make a Change” — Guests at Wind Creek Wetumpka and Wind Creek Montgomery can donate unused gaming tickets throughout October, with proceeds benefiting BCRFA.
- Yellow Hammer Smokehouse — The Mobile restaurant will donate a portion of hot dog sales throughout October to BCRFA.
Together, these efforts offer Alabamians a chance to support breast cancer research while standing alongside the people and families whose lives it touches.
A month of community action
While the events differ — from running and golf to shopping, dining and workplace fundraisers — the goal is the same: turning local participation into support for research happening close to home.
“Every fundraising event, awareness campaign, and community partnership contributes to meaningful progress,” Davis said. “While investing in research remains at the heart of our mission, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a time to honor survivors, remember loved ones lost to this disease, and celebrate the collective impact we can make when communities across Alabama come together.”
Since its founding in 1996, BCRFA has invested $17 million in peer-reviewed breast cancer research conducted in Alabama. While the research is funded locally, its potential impact extends well beyond the state.
For those who want to participate beyond an October event, BCRFA also accepts donations, sells a breast cancer research specialty license plate and apparel, and offers opportunities to create individual fundraisers.
More information about breast cancer research in Alabama, October events and ways to support BCRFA is available at bcrfa.org.
