Delta kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month with its annual “Breast Cancer One” charter, bringing together 150 employees who have battled or are fighting the disease. Now in its 18th year, the flight celebrates the spirit and strength of employees and highlights Delta's 19-year partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
A sea of pink enveloped gates T1 and 2 at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport before the flight departed for San Diego, as hundreds gathered for a gatehouse celebration complete with dancing, giveaways from Delta partners, and remarks from Delta and BCRF leaders.
“Delta has made breast cancer awareness and research a part of who you are, a part of your company's culture — and that's really special,” said BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay. “Our partnership with Delta has had such a meaningful impact…It's this long-standing and sustained commitment that allows us to do the kind of research that we're seeing incredible results.”
The experience was extra special for Delta Captain Deborah Johnson, who was selected to fly this year’s charter and marked a major milestone in her cancer journey.
“It’s full circle that 10 years after my diagnosis, I'm still in remission and I get to fly this flight,” Captain Johnson said. “It’s such an honor that Delta is allowing me to do this, and I hope it's an example to all the people going through treatment that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The party continued on board the “pink plane” — one of Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs painted in a special BCRF pink ribbon livery — as laughs, tears and toasts were shared among the survivors and fighters. Lasting connections and friendships were formed as employees bonded over their struggles and triumphs.
“We have to advocate for each other, we have to support each other, we have to thrive together,” said flight attendant Barner Golumbfskie-Jones. “We can all come together, and we all have something to share.”
Also on board were Delta leaders, BCRF representatives, and a group of “unsung heroes” nominated and selected to attend for their unwavering support of an employee during their battle.
Team San Diego continued the celebration and created more memorable moments upon arrival, with a rolled-out pink carpet, pompoms and even a live band for the group before they headed to their hotel for a reception and dinner program.
Over the past 19 years, Delta has raised $28 million for BCRF, funding life-saving research and supporting 112 research projects. In October, 25% of proceeds from all on-board food and beverage purchases — including special pink drink offerings — will be donated to BCRF. Employees also wear pink uniforms throughout October, a tradition started by a Delta flight attendant and breast cancer survivor more than 15 years ago.
Support breast cancer research this October
Learn more about how you can support BCRF this October in flight and beyond.
Customers and employees can donate on board or online throughout the month and all year long at delta.com/BCRF and through SkyWish, the charitable arm of Delta's SkyMiles frequent flyer program, which allows Delta and its SkyMiles Members to donate miles to charitable organizations worldwide.
Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. By investing in the best minds in science to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis —and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration — BCRF is accelerating the entire field and moving us closer to the answers we urgently need to be the end of breast cancer.
