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Registration is now open for the inaugural AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic, a new community event aimed at raising funds to support lifesaving breast cancer screening in Polk County. The tournament, presented by Amy and Ed Laderer, is scheduled to be held Friday, April 10, at The Courts of Gary and Dr. Naomi Boyer in Polk City. Proceeds from the event will help purchase new 3D mammography equipment for the AdventHealth Heart of Florida campus, expanding access to advanced imaging technology and strengthening early detection close to home. The Centers for Disease Control said breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women, which is approximately 13% of the female population in the United States, will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Health experts say mammography is the single most effective method of early detection, since it can identify cancer several years before physical symptoms develop. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years or as advised by the women's physician. “This event is about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of those who call this area home,” said Leigh Ann Wynn, who serves as executive director of the AdventHealth Polk Foundation. “The AdventHealth Polk Foundation is grateful to community members for their support as we look to invest in this important technology that will lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for our neighbors, friends and families.” The tournament will feature open doubles play with two divisions based on a self-identified USA Pickleball Skill Level. The Community Division is open to teams with both players rated between 2.0 and 3.0, while the Champion Division includes teams with at least one player rated 3.5 or higher. Players of varying experience levels are encouraged to participate. Play with a Pro: 3 & Me will also be available after the tournament at 2pm. This high-energy, one-hour session pairs you and two other players with an All Florida Pro League athlete for an immersive, skill-building experience. With only three participants, you’ll enjoy a semi-private feel, nonstop play and real-time coaching tailored to your strengths. Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Polk County, making the event an opportunity for residents to stay active, connect with others and support a shared cause that impacts countless local families. Registration is now open. Community members, local businesses and pickleball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up early and help support access to advanced breast cancer screening in Polk County. For more information or to register, click here. The AdventHealth Polk Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that supports the mission and services of AdventHealth Lake Wales and AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Through philanthropy and community partnership, the Foundation funds critical patient care, lifesaving technology and programs that address the greatest health needs in Polk County, with every gift staying local to directly impact patients and families. # # # FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Lauren Rozyla-Wong AdventHealth West Florida Division Senior Manager of Media Communications m: 813-928-3526 | e: lauren.rozyla-wong@adventhealth.com Beth Tunis AdventHealth West Florida Division Media Communications Specialist AH Wesley Chapel, AH Zephyrhills/Dade City, AH North Pinellas m: 952-221-1753 | e: elizabeth.tunis@adventhealth.com John Luti, Jr. AdventHealth West Florida Division Media Communications Specialist AH Heart of Florida, AH Sebring, AH Lake Wales, AH Lake Placid and AH Wauchula m: 863-272-1585 | e: John.Lutijr@AdventHealth.com
Registration is now open for the inaugural AdventHealth Polk Foundation Paddles for a Purpose Pickleball Classic, a new community event aimed at raising funds to support lifesaving breast cancer screening in Polk County.
The tournament, presented by Amy and Ed Laderer, is scheduled to be held Friday, April 10, at The Courts of Gary and Dr. Naomi Boyer in Polk City. Proceeds from the event will help purchase new 3D mammography equipment for the AdventHealth Heart of Florida campus, expanding access to advanced imaging technology and strengthening early detection close to home.
The Centers for Disease Control said breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women, which is approximately 13% of the female population in the United States, will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Health experts say mammography is the single most effective method of early detection, since it can identify cancer several years before physical symptoms develop. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years or as advised by the women's physician.
“This event is about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of those who call this area home,” said Leigh Ann Wynn, who serves as executive director of the AdventHealth Polk Foundation. “The AdventHealth Polk Foundation is grateful to community members for their support as we look to invest in this important technology that will lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for our neighbors, friends and families.”
The tournament will feature open doubles play with two divisions based on a self-identified USA Pickleball Skill Level. The Community Division is open to teams with both players rated between 2.0 and 3.0, while the Champion Division includes teams with at least one player rated 3.5 or higher. Players of varying experience levels are encouraged to participate.
Play with a Pro: 3 & Me will also be available after the tournament at 2pm. This high-energy, one-hour session pairs you and two other players with an All Florida Pro League athlete for an immersive, skill-building experience. With only three participants, you’ll enjoy a semi-private feel, nonstop play and real-time coaching tailored to your strengths.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Polk County, making the event an opportunity for residents to stay active, connect with others and support a shared cause that impacts countless local families.
Registration is now open. Community members, local businesses and pickleball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up early and help support access to advanced breast cancer screening in Polk County. For more information or to register, click here.
The AdventHealth Polk Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that supports the mission and services of AdventHealth Lake Wales and AdventHealth Heart of Florida. Through philanthropy and community partnership, the Foundation funds critical patient care, lifesaving technology and programs that address the greatest health needs in Polk County, with every gift staying local to directly impact patients and families.
# # # FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Lauren Rozyla-Wong AdventHealth West Florida Division Senior Manager of Media Communications m: 813-928-3526 | e: lauren.rozyla-wong@adventhealth.com
Beth Tunis AdventHealth West Florida Division Media Communications Specialist AH Wesley Chapel, AH Zephyrhills/Dade City, AH North Pinellas m: 952-221-1753 | e: elizabeth.tunis@adventhealth.com
John Luti, Jr. AdventHealth West Florida Division Media Communications Specialist AH Heart of Florida, AH Sebring, AH Lake Wales, AH Lake Placid and AH Wauchula m: 863-272-1585 | e: John.Lutijr@AdventHealth.com