Local nonprofit Blossom & Butterfly seeks city partnership for October breast-cancer awareness event

Nicole Miller, founder of the Gainesville-based nonprofit Blossom & Butterfly, described services for women undergoing breast, ovarian and uterine cancer treatment and asked the City Commission on July 28 to help publicize a Newberry event during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Miller, who said she lives in Newberry and runs the Bloomin' Retreat in Gainesville, described services her nonprofit provides—massage and esthetician services, wigs, lymphedema sleeves, retail items donated or purchased with grants, and assistance with basic needs such as rent, utilities and food. She said Blossom & Butterfly serves women in multiple counties but that the majority of clients are in Alachua County and that the organization has helped about 500 people since 2017.

Miller announced a Newberry event titled “Stepping for a Cause” scheduled for Oct. 11 at the Municipal Building from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a subsequent gala in Gainesville the following Friday. She said the University of Florida mobile mammography van could attend if at least 20 women sign up; she asked the commission to help publicize the event and to consider partnership opportunities. Commissioner Long referenced an upcoming Thrive Newberry health initiative and offered to explore partnership possibilities.

Why it matters: Miller’s nonprofit provides wraparound support for local cancer patients and is seeking municipal help to reach residents who may lack transportation or awareness of available services. The mobile mammography service could increase screening access if the required sign-ups occur.

Next steps: Miller asked the city to publicize event details and sign-up information; commissioners and staff said they would share information and explore partnership with the city’s Thrive Newberry initiative.