A Legacy of Saving Lives

Libby Maynard was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2005 and endured a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Her attitude was amazing. She always had a smile on her face and the most positive outlook even in the face of her own diagnosis.

She made it through her initial treatments but was informed that the cancer was back in September. In January 2006, after more chemotherapy, the doctor said the average woman in her condition lived three to five years. He told her to go do all the things she ever wanted to do.

She didn’t accept this opinion, of course, and with a smile on her face, said, “Well, that’s the average woman, and there’s nothing average about me!”

When Libby’s daughters asked her what she always wanted to do but hadn’t yet, her response was to cruise to Alaska. The cruise was planned for May. She passed away six weeks later on February 28, 2006.

“Our mom was fun,” Libby’s daughter Robin Maynard says. “Our mom was strong. Our mom raised us to make a difference in this world, and that’s just what we intended to do.”

Robin and her sister founded Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of their mother in 2007. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide comprehensive health services to the underserved and uninsured Central Florida community through education, mammograms, follow up diagnostics and hope coaches on the journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Since its beginnings in 2007, Libby’s Legacy has provided over 6,000 breast health services, diagnosed 91 breast cancers through life saving diagnostics, and awarded nine LIVE BIG cruises to stage IV cancer survivors. As long as there is a need, Libby’s Legacy will step forward and lead the way in creating a spirit of not just surviving but of living.

How You Can Help:
1. Donate to Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation.
2. Register a team to fundraise for the Libby’s Legacy signature annual event, Scooters 4 Hooters, a charity ride and music festival on Oct. 22 at the Dr. Phillips Center.
3. Volunteer your time or services to the volunteer-driven organization.