Virginia Beach Community Planted Pinwheels for Cancer
Local residents and volunteers launched a fundraiser at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital to support breast cancer awareness.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you perform regular self-examinations as part of your monthly health routine?
Community members gathered at the Comprehensive Breast Center in Virginia Beach to plant pink pinwheels in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event coincides with the launch of the BraZazzle fundraiser, which collects money for uninsured women and local cancer patients.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to provide both emotional remembrance and tangible financial aid to residents affected by cancer. Proceeds from the effort are specifically earmarked to provide mammograms for uninsured women and wigs for patients undergoing treatment.
Each vote cast in the BraZazzle fundraiser costs $2.50. The event, organized by Alpha Kappa Alpha, supports specialized care for local patients.
The players
Alpha Kappa Alpha
This service-oriented sorority organized the community event in Virginia Beach.
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
This medical facility hosted the pinwheel planting and the BraZazzle fundraiser.
Cecelie Battilana
She is a local community member who has shared her experience following a cancer diagnosis.
Dawn Rudelt
She is a veteran mammogram technician who has provided breast health education for decades.
The details
Volunteers planted pink pinwheels outside the facility, while experienced technicians provided hands-on education using models to help residents identify potential health concerns. The ongoing fundraiser allows community members to vote on decorated bras to generate proceeds.
Timeline
Dawn Rudelt has served as a mammogram technician since 1989.
Cecelie Battilana received a cancer diagnosis on October 31, 2025.
Community members gathered to plant pinwheels on October 3, 2026.
Voting for the BraZazzle fundraiser closes on October 24, 2026.
Cecelie Battilana is scheduled for a second surgery in January 2027.
Market Landscape
This effort aligns with national trends where local organizations leverage Breast Cancer Awareness Month to drive community-based philanthropy. By targeting specific local needs like wigs and screening costs, the program differentiates its impact from broad-scale national charities.
Local residents can participate in the fundraiser by casting votes for $2.50 to support the purchase of medical wigs and mammogram services for uninsured women. The pinwheel display will remain at the hospital throughout October, serving as a visual resource for those seeking information.
The takeaway
Engaging with local health fundraisers provides immediate resources for neighbors who may otherwise face barriers to preventative care. Residents can participate throughout the month to support the specific goal of funding essential services for uninsured cancer patients.
What happens next
Voting for the BraZazzle fundraiser will conclude on October 24, 2026, and Cecelie Battilana is scheduled for a second surgical procedure in January 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local outreach, visit the Virginia Beach Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
Live Poll
Do you perform regular self-examinations as part of your monthly health routine?
