Francesca LoPorto-Brandow Honored with Trailblazer Award and Certificate of Congressional Recognition at To Life! Pink Ball

October 24th, 2025— “Last night was a night I’ll never forget. I was deeply honored by To Life! with the Trailblazer Award at the annual Pink Ball, and presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for my work with The Flutter Express and Flutter Club, inc.

I am so thankful to Gina Sainato Tronco, Event Chair, for creating such a beautiful evening; to Allison Burton-Chase, Executive Director of To Life!, for her incredible support and leadership; and to the entire To Life! Board of Directors and team for choosing me for this honor.

I’m also so grateful to Jamie Brown, whose longstanding support and heartfelt introduction last night meant the world to me, and to everyone who continues to believe in and support this mission. To Life! has been part of the Flutter journey from the very beginning—helping ensure that breast cancer patients, and all those navigating healthcare journeys, can focus on healing instead of worrying about how to get to care. Together, through The Flutter Express and Flutter Club, we’re removing both the transportation and financial barriers to care.

A special thank you to my husband, family, and friends who joined me last night to celebrate this moment. Your love, strength, and encouragement mean everything to me.

Congratulations as well to my fellow honoree, Dr. Arsyl De Jesus, recipient of the Game Changer Award—it was such a privilege to share the stage with you!” -Francesca LoPorto-Brandow. Founder, The Flutter Express

Watch Francesca’s Speech: A reflection on how the hardest chapters of our lives can lead to our greatest purpose.

View photos from the To Life! Pink Ball here: Times Union SEEN Gallery 

Learn more about:
💖 To Life!
🦋 Flutter Club, Inc.
🚍 The Flutter Express

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