Partnering for a Cure

For over a century, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization that combats the disease through advocacy, research, as well as patient support and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. For over two decades, the AMETEK Foundation has supported ACS in its mission, whether through individual employee matches, corporate initiatives, or team volunteerism.

Toni-Lynn, Software Engineering Senior Manager for Zygo Corporation, an AMETEK business, recently became an Executive Ambassador for ACS after dedicating years toward fundraising and advocacy for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. In this new role, she has been more involved in reaching out to both corporate and personal sponsors as well as supporting other companies with their own kickoff events.

Check out the interview below to learn more about how Toni-Lynn is raising awareness for cancer research and patient support:

What inspired you to get involved in supporting the American Cancer Society?

I found a lump in February 2011 and within a week had my cancer diagnosed. The support of my Zygo family was very helpful in keeping a positive attitude throughout my journey that year.  I had never really put much thought (or donations) to ACS until I had completed my treatments. I joined ACS's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer the following year.

What does it mean to you that your company and colleagues support your work?

One of the things I've enjoyed most about sharing my story and fundraising has been to hear about how cancer, and especially breast cancer, has impacted SO SO many of my colleagues. I've heard about mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters.  I've walked with several coworkers through their journey when they were diagnosed after me. I'm especially proud that I've been able to offer support, encouragement, and information to many of the guys at Zygo whose wives received breast cancer diagnoses. The cancer fight, both for the patient and the caregiver, is all-consuming, and having the support of Zygo/AMETEK and your coworkers is extremely important and one less thing to worry about. I've been truly blessed with such generous friends, family, and local business support. 

What do you hope for in the future in terms of advancements and discoveries?

For me, personally, I am most excited about the research that is funded by ACS. Since 1993, ACS has invested more than $600 million into breast cancer research, with more than 150 grants currently active. Recent advances in genome knowledge and the ability to create targeted treatment plans is most amazing to me. The death rate from breast cancer dropped by 42% from 1989 to 2021 as a result of earlier detection through increased awareness and mammography screening, as well as advances in treatments.

I'm also excited to announce that in 2024, my team has raised over $100,000 for ACS' Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! The AMETEK Foundation support over the past few years has really been a wonderful part of achieving that milestone.

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The AMETEK Foundation aims to drive a greater purpose for our company while empowering employees like Tony-Lynn to create positive change in their communities.