REAL LOCAL | COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is often marked by pink ribbons and public campaigns, but in College Park, Georgia, the Motherless Daughters Foundation brought the community together to celebrate the women behind the cause—the survivors and warriors whose stories represent courage, resilience, faith and hope.
Motherless Daughters Foundation, Inc. held its 2nd Annual Zumbathon Fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex in College Park. The event brought together breast cancer survivors, community leaders, fitness enthusiasts and supporters for a day centered on wellness, community and recognition.
The celebration featured Zumba, Chair Zumba, a 1980s theme, health and wellness resources, community vendors and special recognitions as part of the organization’s observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Honoring the 2026 Breast Cancer Warrior
Fellow nominees Alexandria “Lexi” Francis, Faye Adams Taylor, Chantae Lenae Taylor and Rita Swain were also recognized for sharing their personal stories of strength, faith and hope.
The recognition placed the experiences of women affected by breast cancer at the center of the celebration while reminding attendees that awareness extends beyond statistics and campaigns. It is also about the women, families and communities living through the realities of the disease.
Fitness, Wellness and Community Come Together
The Zumbathon combined physical activity with a broader message of health, wellness and community support.
Jill Miller of Jill Miller Fitness Studio led the event’s warm-up, followed by a team of 10 Zumba instructors: Izzy Pinto, Verdella “Dell” Jenkins Tandy, Elaine Johnson, Winston Smith, Dwarttis Proctor, Laqueta Ladson, Cheryl Greene, Jazmine Brazier, Jazmin Villeda and Andrew Chen.
The Motherless Daughters Foundation gave special recognition to Zumba Directors Dell Tandy and Elaine Johnson for their leadership.
Phyllis Hendricks, MDF Board and Fundraising Chair, led the event alongside board members, volunteers, youth interns and community partners.
“Our Breast Cancer Awareness event was more than a fundraiser—it was a powerful celebration of hope, strength, and community unity,” Hendricks said. “As Board Chair and Fundraising Chair of the Motherless Daughters Foundation, I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Community Leaders Join the Celebration
The event also drew support from community leaders and organizations.
Emcee Richard D. Case helped lead the celebration, while Jacki Labat, founder of Positively Pink Foundation, participated in honoring the breast cancer warriors.
According to the Motherless Daughters Foundation, The Honorable Sylvia Dickens, First Mother of Atlanta and MDF Honorary Mother, supported the Chair Zumba experience.
Special recognition was also extended to former South Fulton Mayor Bill “William” Edwards, former College Park Councilwoman Tracey Wyatt, and Councilwoman Dr. Jamelle McKenzie.
The foundation acknowledged community supporters and partners including WAOK’s Dee in the Morning, V-103’s Greg Street, The Atlanta Voice, Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex, Georgia International Convention Center, Humana, JenCare, ATL Airport Chamber and Positively Pink Foundation.
A Mission That Extends Beyond One Event
For Dr. Rassalyn Rawls-Uter, Founder and Executive Director of Motherless Daughters Foundation, the celebration was about more than breast cancer awareness. It also reflected the organization’s larger commitment to families and the next generation.
“This event honored women who have faced breast cancer with courage, reminded families that they are not alone, and celebrated the power of love, faith, wellness, and community,” Rawls-Uter said.
She also expressed appreciation for the sponsors, supporters, community leaders and youth volunteers who helped make the event possible.
Founded in 2012, Motherless Daughters Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on empowering young people and families throughout metro Atlanta through education, mentorship and opportunity.
The organization said its fundraising efforts would continue throughout October to support youth mentorship, scholarships, leadership development and career exposure through its Youth in Aviation and STEAM programs. A portion of donations will also benefit community partner Positively Pink Foundation.
For the women recognized during the 2nd Annual Zumbathon, however, the celebration carried another important message:
Their courage deserves to be seen.
Their stories deserve to be heard.
And no woman facing breast cancer should feel that she has to walk the journey alone.
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Suggested Excerpt: Motherless Daughters Foundation brought survivors, community leaders and supporters together in College Park to honor breast cancer warriors and celebrate courage, wellness and community.
