This October, the Department of Radiation Oncology is once again recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its annual UF-wide Pink Pumpkin Challenge and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Pink Pumpkin Challenge
UF Health Cancer Institute employees and UF College of Medicine faculty, staff, residents, and students – as individuals or teams – are invited to submit their best pink pumpkins for judging, dressing them up in sparkles, sequins, lace, inspirational messages and drawings.
Patients and employees alike will be able to vote for their favorite pumpkin daily October 27 through October 30. Pumpkins must be dropped off by Monday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m. Official Judging and Bake Sale benefiting the American Cancer Society will be Monday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Our 2025 guest judges include UF College of Medicine Interim Dean Dr. Jennifer Hunt and our new UF Health Cancer Institute Chief Nursing Officer, Leah Blackwell, M.S.N., M.B.A., R. N., NEA-BC, FAONL. Voting will take place October 27 – 30 for the People’s Choice award and the winner will be announced on Halloween. Pumpkins will be displayed October 30-31 in the UF Health Radiation Oncology – Davis Cancer Pavilion reception area, 1535 Gale Lemerand Dr, Gainesville.
Making Strides for Breast Cancer
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement working to end breast cancer as we know it. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Gainesville walk will take place October 25, 2025, 9:00 am – 11:00 am, at Celebration Pointe, 4949 Celebration Pointe Ave.
The event is hosted and managed by the American Cancer Society, with proceeds supporting UF Health’s breast cancer research and patient care. To learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Gainesville, visit the event registration page, or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
Download the Pink Pumpkin flyer here.
Download the UF Radiation Oncology Making Strides Against Breast Cancer flyer here.
