Suncoast breast cancer survivors share stories ahead of Making Strides walk

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring survivors, remembering loved ones and highlighting the importance of early detection. For two Suncoast women, the month carries personal weight.Nicole Coyne, a breast cancer survivor, thought she had a cyst before her diagnosis in 2024.“He said breast cancer, and I was completely floored,” Coyne said.Coyne was in her 40s at the time of her diagnosis.“I think for me, raising awareness is important because in my case, there was no clue,” Coyne said. “Unfortunately, the number of cases is increasing, and it is a risk.”Coyne is now cancer-free after a double mastectomy, though she said concern for her family remains.“My immediate family, meaning my mother, my sister and my daughters, their chances double, so yes, that’s a big concern,” Coyne said.Coyne said she shares her story so other families might catch the cancer sooner.A promise made in 2010Marianne Sturm, a breast cancer survivor, made a similar promise to he