When Keen was 30 years old, she was diagnosed with BRCA2 mutation. She said her risk of breast cancer was 83%. So, she chose to do a preventative mastectomy. She has to get a breast MRI but they can range anywhere from $1000 to $1800 preventing her from getting them every year.

A charity walk is returning to Roanoke.

Susan G.

There’s a big shakeup for one of our area’s largest nonprofits. The Virginia Blue Ridge Chapter of Susan G. Komen announced its disaffiliating from the national organization, and that means it will be closing its doors permanently. This comes following headquarters’ decision to restructure from top to bottom. The local chapter leaves behind $500,000 to other local organizations fighting breast cancer. A release from the organization is below.

ROANOKE, Va. – This is breast cancer awareness month and Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge is holding its annual Pink Promise Luncheon. Usually hundreds of people gather in person for a luncheon and powerful program about breast cancer survivors and fighters. “I’m a 20-year breast cancer survivor this year. Also speaking is Roanoke Valley survivor Kristie Buchanan who credits Komen for saving her life. Because it’s virtual, you can watch the entire program on facebook Tuesday afternoon after the event happens.

ROANOKE, Va. - The annual Susan G. Komen Pink Promise luncheon was held at the Hotel Roanoke Tuesday. Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S. at 3.8 million people, and this event helps celebrate their stories. The 43-year-old mother of five was diagnosed with stage 3 and then stage 4 breast cancer. "Speaking at this event is because of that promise, my promise was to do everything in power to make sure my children were never walk in my shoes to make sure my children don't face breast cancer," said Fink. By 2026, Komen's goal is to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50%.

BLUE RIDGE, Va. - In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, a local farm raised money Sunday by showing off their pink pumpkins. Layman Family Farms grows these pumpkins that are actually pink. Every year, they donate $1 for each admission ticket sold to the local chapter of Susan G. Komen. Unfortunately, there weren't as many pink pumpkins this year due to the summer's extreme heat, but hundreds of people still came out to support the cause. Over the past seven years, the farm has been holding the event, they've raised $12,000 to $15,000.