No amount of words that I can string together can describe the thoughts nor feelings that I have for this organization. I have been a proud member of the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer family for 5 years now. Formally known as It's the Journey, Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GAABC) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that strives to support Georgia’s Breast Cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state. Since 2002 this organization has raised over $18.2 million for Breast Cancer solely in the state of Georgia.

When I first joined this organization I had just started university and a few months later the world was hit with Covid. Like everything else, Covid had a major impact on GAABC. Before Covid, GAABC held a 2-day 30 mile walk for Breast Cancer, later in the year. This is their biggest and their main event. However, due to Covid limitations, the walk could not be in person so it became virtual. They were able to have the walk in person in 2021, however it was not until the following year were things completely almost back to normal. 2022 was the first year they brought back all 30 miles and it was my third year as a walker, if you count the first year virtually.

2023 is special, for many reason, but specially because it was the first year I was not a walker, I was a crew member. To be more specific, I was a photographer for the GAABC 2-day 30 mile walk. 2023 was the year I started my documentary on GAABC. Earlier in the year they host a Giving Gala where their present the amount of money that was raised the previous year during the walk and give it away in grants to programs that provide not only education on Breast Cancer but screening, early detection, support services, and continuing care for Georgians. Not only was I able to photography the Giving Gala but 2023 was the year the Barbie movie came out. Barbie in itself is iconic but what makes it even more iconic is the creator of Barbie, Ruth Handler, is a breast cancer survivor herself. This is why GAABC partnered with Mattel and promoted the Barbie movie with a Barbie screening, which I was lucky enough to be part of. The most memorable experience will always be the 2-day 30 mile walk. It is not just a walk, it is a whole event. The past few year have been in downtown Atlanta and words can not do it justice, but maybe pictures can.

My journey with GAABC does not stop there. In early 2024, I was recruited to join the small but mighty staff team. I was brought on board as a part-time employee which quickly turned into me joining the team full time as their Marketing & Communication Coordinator. I was able to spread my talents of graphic design and photography even more. I also gained new skills relating to marketing campaigns, fundraising strategy, and more. I left the staff team at the end of the year, but GAABC will always have a place in my heart.

What’s raised in Georgia, stays in Georgia