Health First Fuels Hope: Survivor Stanna Bobbitt Shines at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Survivor, Veteran, Mom, Advocate: Stanna Bobbitt continues Making Strides

WATCH: The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First video)

Decked out in pink, West Melbourne woman joins community and Health First in celebrating the strength of breast cancer warriors, thrivers and the memory of loved ones lost

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA —  As the Sia power anthem “Unstoppable” blasted from the speakers, Westanna Harvey Bobbitt couldn’t contain her gregarious smile – or her fist pumps.

Decked out in plenty of pink accoutrements, Bobbitt, affectionately known as “Stanna,” eagerly stood at the east end of the stage at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, waiting for her moment Saturday at The Avenue Viera. 

And she rocked it.

“Stanna!” Lite Rock 99.3 morning radio show host Mindy Levy shouted over the loudspeaker. “Four-year survivor! Family and friends, No. 1 Delta!”

For Bobbitt, this moment was pure elation. The 69-year-old West Melbourne woman cheered along with the crowd as she crossed the stage, where a medal was proudly placed around her neck. Bobbitt was one of 300 breast cancer survivors at the walk. More than 5,000 people attended the event. 

Bobbitt represented the strength and bravery shared by many women battling breast cancer, the unwavering hope and support united together. Her smile spoke volumes, just like the others around her.

I’m here. I survived. And I’m walking for you, too.

“When I was first walking, I was walking for someone who didn’t survive,” Bobbitt paused. “So, your heart gets full when you see these kind of things. It’s pretty emotional.”

The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera.

Three decades strong, the walk has united communities, companies and individuals, serving as the nation’s largest breast cancer movement. More than 319,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the ACS.

There are more than four million breast cancer survivors living in the nation today.

“This is wonderful,” Bobbitt said, adjusting a fan draped around her neck.

“It’s a beautiful walk. It’s so serene. And that, the serenity, I think, of the walk probably draws you in, too. When you’re looking at people who are going through breast cancer who have been lucky to survive like I have been, to be a warrior like my girlfriend was, it’s a pretty moving experience.”

Collectively, $165,000 was raised through the Space Coast event – but that’s not the final number. Donations are being accepted through the end of the year. Bobbitt’s sorority, Deltas of Brevard Family and Friends, led the teams with the largest amount raised – a whopping $7,202.82 for the group so far.

Diagnosed with Stage One breast cancer in November 2020 (yes, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic), Stanna faced what she calls the “trifecta” of treatment — chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who was stationed at the Pentagon on 9/11, Bobbitt has had her share of highs and lows – but there’s no getting her down. Bobbitt exudes what it means to be a source of strength, hope and positivity, for so many reasons.

“My Health First medical team was amazing,” she said, giving props to Health First breast surgeon Dr. Sharon Noori and oncologist Dr. David Hei.

Declared cancer-free in 2021, Bobbitt remains vigilant about her health and passionate about awareness. She’s an avid social media user, regularly posting reminders to others. Schedule those annual mammograms. Perform self-exams. And be your own health advocate.

“My success story with my Stage One Breast Cancer stems from early detection of a small mass that was aggressive in its growth,” Bobbitt shared.

“I am grateful for my Health First medical team, the best daughter and hubby team, most wonderful Prayer Warriors, and my sustained faith in God.”

And Bobbitt is all about the cause. She sported a pink bedazzled baseball cap, pink ribbon earrings, a “Survivor” sash, black leggings and a T-shirt that read “Had it. Beat it. Survived it. Stanna Strong.”

She sure did. And is. 

Saturday, survivors, thrivers and loved ones were emotional and triumphant as their names and years of survivorship were celebrated. Hearts stirred, tears dribbled down cheeks, and for one morning, a community came together, all in the name of one goal – eradicating the disease through advocacy, fundraising and research.

Health First breast surgeon Dr. Mustafa Amani opened the ceremony, telling the crowd they’re far from alone.

“We’re right here beside you, and we’re honored to be part of your story,” Dr. Amani said. “We’re inspired by your strength and in awe of your courage. So, let’s keep fighting together.”

Seeing over 1,000 people in support of the cause was “absolutely wonderful,” Stanna beamed.

“When I first started doing these walks, and I know I’ve been doing it at least four years, there wasn’t nearly these numbers,” Bobbitt said after completing the nearly three-mile walk.

“So the numbers have increased tremendously, and I think that’s great, because awareness is what we need. So getting the word out, I think, is a great thing.”

Bobbitt wasn’t done, though. After finishing the walk, she stationed herself at the finish line. She had to see her Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sisters do the same.

“Yeah, go Deltas, go Deltas!” she yelled as her sorority sisters finished the walk, some trekking over to give her a hug.

But her daughter, Jasmine. That’s where it was at.

“That’s the best part of all,” Stanna said, her stunning daughter at her side. “She wasn’t able to make the first one…It is absolutely the best part, to have her come here and support me.”

As the event wrapped up, people couldn’t help but notice all the smiles. 

“My heart is full when this kind of thing happens because it’s just tremendous,” Bobbitt warmly said. “Especially to see people at the start make it all the way to the finish. A lot of people want it for themselves, because they’re survivors.”

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