About the Foundation

The Betty T .Wooten Foundation is a non-profit foundation formed to honor the memory and legacy of Betty T. Wooten who died in January 2009 after a 13 year battle with breast cancer. Betty T. Wooten recognized the importance of education and had a passion for nursing since her early days as a child in Thomasville, NC. Therefore, the family has formed this foundation in memory of their beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Wife. Betty Wooten, BSN, RN, MSN dedicated her life to nursing, training student nurses, and educating the general public on health issues. Betty was an avid teacher, health advocate, role model, and a woman of God. As a founding member and President for over 20 years in the Ebenezer AME church’s Health Ministry, she worked tirelessly promoting health and well being in the congregation and the community. She loved and was loved by her Ebenezer church family.

The foundation began last year in April and May of 2009 when, we welcomed participants to the First Annual Betty T. Wooten Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament held at Glenn Dale Golf Club, in Prince George’s County, MD. Our Tournament resulted in contributions in excess of $8,000 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and it boosted awareness in the community about the disease and the importance of early detection, regular medical care and an overall healthy lifestyle. The inaugural Tournament was an overwhelming success as we had 75 attendees and we achieved our goal with regards to fundraising and community awareness with only three months of planning.

Prior to the Tournament, family and members of Ebenezer AME church participated in the two day, 40 mile, Avon Breast Cancer Walk (www.avonfoundation.org) in Washington DC where an additional $27,000 was raised. The objective of both the Tournament and my participation in the 40 mile walk was to raise $30,000 in funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and to heighten awareness within the community. There were long hours of phone calls, home and office visits and emails to spread the word for both events and the result was an unbelievable amount of support from the local media and the community.

Breast cancer is a deadly disease that must be fought by both men and women through education, healthcare and prevention. Betty T. Wooten has a surviving daughter, and two granddaughters all of whom are considered high risk as it relates to the probability they will develop breast cancer. Betty’s personal fight with breast cancer and for her family and community is what motivates our family to help find a cure, increase awareness, and improve overall healthcare for Americans. This disease is affecting men and women in epidemic proportions, but we know that through education, awareness and community support we can fight and win the battle.

Planning the Tournament and participating in the walk provided a sense of healing for all of us and it also provides an opportunity to continue Betty’s legacy. She practiced and taught nursing her entire career and she tirelessly gave of herself to our family, her church, her students, her friends and her community. Because of the Tournament, our participation in the walk, and the support of the community, her legacy will continue and her story will save lives.

You can help us make a difference by donating today, participating in the 2nd Annual Betty T Wooten Golf Tournament to be held on April 24, 2010, as well as other activities. We all can make a difference by heightening awareness and raising money for breast cancer research.