Komen South Florida is expanding to other parts of the state.
"We need more education, we need more resources I think it's going to be great, thrilled that they are coming to my area in Tampa," said Beverly Buss who used to live in South Florida.
She says her friends and family members diagnosed with breast cancer will be able to get the help they need. "I think it's awesome."
"Komen Florida will be state headquartered here in West Palm Beach and we will serve the entire state of Florida above West Palm Beach so 64 counties, including Naples, Sarasota area, St. Pete, in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and up through the Panhandle," said Komen South Florida Executive Director Kate Watt.
Watt said the organization will be taking what they've learned here to other communities around the state. "There's a need in our state to address breast health in a larger way. We have over 13,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer and we are losing over 2,700 to breast cancer every year. By becoming "Komen Florida" we will have a great opportunity to deliver our mission throughout the state and to help save lives."
She says local funding will not be affected. "Our commitment to our current South Florida service area remains the exact same. The money that is raised here will still remain in our community."
One of the priorities will be having a community breast health navigator like Melissa Dixon in other cities. She helps in the Delray Beach area. "The goal is to provide the same services through different community members and be able to make sure that they receive those services and get mammograms and screenings," Dean said.
Other Komen states that are unified include Utah, Louisiana, Colorado and the New England area.
