New Flamingo Challenge: Bridge Walk for Breast Cancer added to events
The Flamingo Challenge is a partnership between Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and First Commerce Credit Union entering its second year in Bay County. In 2025, the inaugural month-long fundraising initiative raised $15,463. Throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the #FlamingoChallenge invites the community to purchase and display flocks of pink plastic flamingos at their homes and businesses. These vibrant displays serve as a playful yet powerful visual reminder of early detection and local support.
Why The Flamingo Challenge
- In the past three years, more than 400 women in Bay County were diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 30% of those cases were discovered at an advanced stage.
- Only 53% of women in Bay County currently follow the recommendation to receive an annual mammogram.
- The initiative helps eliminate the cost barrier of annual screening mammograms for women who do not have health insurance.
- Funds raised cover costs related to additional breast cancer diagnostics and treatment for local women who cannot afford to pay.
“With the success of the Flamingo Challenge overall, all uninsured women over 40 automatically qualify for a screening mammogram at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Women’s Diagnostic Center,” said Robin Godwin, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Bay. “This eliminates the burden of having to pay out of pocket for this annual screening, helping prevent financial barriers from delaying critical care.”
Flamingo Challenge: Bridge Walk for Breast Cancer
This year, Bay County residents are invited to step up and make a powerful difference this fall as the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, First Commerce Credit Union, and Gulf Coast State College join forces to host the inaugural Flamingo Challenge: Bridge Walk for Breast Cancer.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, at Carl Grey Park in Panama City, this inspiring community event unites residents, businesses, and breast cancer survivors behind a vital goal: providing lifesaving breast health services to local women. Most importantly, 100% of all funds raised from the event will support Bay County, directly benefiting women in need of breast cancer screening, diagnostics, and care, regardless of their ability to pay.
“From the beginning, the Flamingo Challenge has been about bringing people together in a way that is meaningful, visible, and makes a difference close to home,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “The Bridge Walk gives Bay County another way to rally around local women and families, while helping ensure more women have access to the breast cancer screenings, diagnostics and care they need. We’re proud to see this community embrace the Challenge and make it its own.”
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Location: Carl Grey Park, Panama City, with parking available at Gulf Coast State College
Schedule: Registration opens at 9 a.m. | The walk starts at 10 a.m.
Pre-registration: Participants can sign up in advance by visiting bit.ly/BridgeWalkforBreastCancer.
How to Flamingle
We encourage all readers, local businesses, and neighborhood groups to join the movement. You can register to walk, start a team, or host a flock of flamingos in your yard or storefront. To pre-register for the walk, visit bit.ly/BridgeWalkforBreastCancer. To learn more about the Flamingo Challenge or make a donation, visit bit.ly/BayFlamingoChallenge.
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