Del Webb hosts Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk in east Bradenton

By Liz Ramos
| 5:00 p.m. October 7, 2023

Del Webb's Valerie Heyer was diagnosed in 2011 with stage four sarcoma. She says it means a lot to her that the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk is supporting people who are impacted by all types of cancer.

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Del Webb's Valerie Heyer had a smile on her face as she saw dozens of Del Webb residents and residents of other Lakewood Ranch-area communities dressed in pink.

Heyer loved seeing the support for those impacted by not only breast cancer but all types of cancer at the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk on Oct. 7.

"There is not a single person here who hasn't been touched by cancer in some way," Heyer said.

Heyer was diagnosed in 2011 with stage four sarcoma.

"When it hit me, I was shocked," Heyer said of the diagnosis. "I didn't know where life would turn."

After two surgeries and radiation, she was cancer free.

All proceeds from the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk will go to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Cancer Foundation.

Del Webb's Gail Hedy pins a ribbon in honor of her friend and Del Webb resident Susan Mullins, who is recovering from a double mastectomy.

Del Webb's Susan Batchelder, Gail Hedy and Anne Rath are decked out in pink for the walk.

Del Webb's Diane Cannon, Kathryn Ferullo and Deb DiStefano are ready for a fun walk to support those impacted by cancer.

Del Webb's Denise Langro welcomes participants to the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk. The walk this year is in support all people impacted by all types of cancer.

Del Webb residents and residents from other Lakewood Ranch-area communities participate in the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk.

Esplanade's Lindy Foster and Del Webb's Debbie Stoner dress for the occasion. They say the walk brings a great sense of camaraderie.

Del Webb's Roberta Mehrhof and Denise Cohen are on the move, dancing along to the music while warming up before the walk.

Del Webb's Roger Janczak and Cathy Janczak dance and groove along to the music to get pumped for the walk.

Del Webb's Teresa Morehead dances alongside her dog, Lola. Morehead was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. "I'm grateful to be able to be here to support this charitable effort," she says.

Del Webb's Sharon Crimmins loves the high-energy warm up. "I love getting out there and shaking it," Crimmins says.

Del Webb's Diane Feinberg dances along to the warm-up before the walk.

The Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk begins. This year, the walk is in honor of people impacted by all types of cancer.

Del Webb's Paul Roy and Sheila Fritts start their walk with a pep in their step.

Del Webb's Steve Calobong walks in honor of his mother, Lorraine Calobong, and Victoria Minni walks in honor of her father, Louis Minni. Lorraine Calobong and Louis Minni died of cancer.

Del Webb's Joe Mazzarese, Rob DiTommaso and Eddie Abdenour donate coffee and donuts to the Del Webb Breast Cancer and Beyond Walk.

Ribbons are decorated in honor of those impacted by cancer.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.