AUTOMOTIVE GROUP FIGHTS AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Two Automotive Executives Become Co-Chairs of the 2021 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® Event in Broward

For the Craig Zinn Automotive Group, joining the fight against breast cancer hits close to home. That’s why two top executives from that organization have stepped up to co-chair this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Broward presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – Hollywood, scheduled for October 23, 2021. Fleet manager for Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Michele Alter, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor, and Brittany Zinn, assistant group general manager/CZAG, lost a maternal figure to breast cancer. The two plan to work closely with Trudy Spence, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society® Fort Lauderdale to make this year’s event a success.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® (MSABC) is a national movement. Fundraising events range from large-scale traditional walks to unique local experiences and celebrations. Making Strides has united communities, companies and individuals across the country in the fight to end breast cancer for more than two decades. The organization has known of Michele and her fight since 2002, when she first started participating in their events. Both Michele Alter and Brittany Zinn believe in MSABC’s commitment to create a future that’s free from breast cancer. “As we look to the road ahead, we are more determined and more inspired than ever before. It will unite Broward County communities to honor cancer survivors and caregivers touched by the disease and raise awareness and funds for a world without breast cancer,” said Trudy Spence. In years past, this event has raised over 700,000 dollars, which went towards funding breast cancer research and programs geared towards both men and women. At this time, the event will move forward in person, but it will keep federal, state, and local health guidelines in mind. As the fall season approaches, event-based decisions may be made to best meet the health and safety needs of everyone involved. Michele and Brittany hope to get as many people signed up to help raise funds. “Between now through October, people can fuel the fight against breast cancer by fundraising. It’s as easy as downloading the American Cancer Society FUNdraising App, which will allow you to register for the October event and ask for donations via email, text and social media,” said Michele Alter who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 32.

For many, being diagnosed is a life changing experience, and Michele believes that cancer lit a fire in her soul. Early during her treatment, she decided that she would not only beat cancer, but she would also volunteer and help The American Cancer Society fund a cure. “They were there for me when I needed them the most, so I feel blessed that I am here today ready and able to co-chair this year’s Making Strides/ Broward event.” Michele believes in the programs, because they were the only thing that helped her see the light during those moments of darkness. Brittany comes from an automotive family that happens to also be highly philanthropic. Her father, Craig Zinn, encourages everyone in his company to give back to the community. Despite wearing many hats, Brittany was eager to serve as co-chair for this year’s event to honor the memory of Ingrid, who was like a mother to her. “I’ve seen what breast cancer does to a person. Since I was young, Ingrid kept the true depth of her struggles from me. Had I known, I would have been there for her, much like The American Cancer Society was for Michele,” said Brittany.

According to the American Cancer Society journal, a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, there will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 and 608,570 cancer deaths in the United States. Given the pandemic, it’s believed that people with active cancer may be more susceptible to COVID-19, because of their impaired immune system. For that, the Broward chapter wants to ensure everyone that even if they cannot attend in person, the success of this event will depend on enthusiastic individuals who commit to raising funds, in addition to generous donors who will support those participants.

WHEN:

Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Huizenga Plaza, 32 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

REGISTRATION:

Click HERE to join the walk by signing up as an individual or team. Be sure to download the app to your phone and link the dashboard to Facebook. Fun Fact: Those that connect their fundraiser to FB, raise seven times more money.