After 30 years with WFTV Channel 9, news anchor Vanessa Echols signed off for the final time on May 27th. She spent most of her time on the air alongside her co-anchor Greg Warmoth. Together, they became one of the most trusted news teams in Central Florida.
Besides being on-air, Echols was known as a passionate community advocate in the Orlando area, making quite an impact over the years. From aiding animals with the Pet Alliance to helping in the annual Toys For Tots drive, she has been at the forefront as a community ambassador.
Echols service to her community did not stop at the anchor desk. She used the role of anchor to impact many lives through her passion and dedication. However, she was called to a new mission in 2004.
Eighteen years ago, Echols received news that would forever change her life. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. However, she did not sit on the sidelines and wallow in sadness. Instead, Echols put all her efforts into battling the disease through surgery and chemotherapy.
“For me, my faith is what kept me going — just knowing that I was not alone on the journey,” Vanessa Echols told WFTV Channel 9. “When it was all said and done, I would get better.”
Echols realized the importance of being educated and aware of the illness. She shared her story with her viewers on WFTV and was inspired to help those still in the fight. Echols founded Compassionate Hands and Hearts Breast Cancer Outreach in October of 2007 to help cancer patients and their families every step of the way.
Her foundation has aided her to reach and help so many people. However, she has another way to help her community in its battle against cancer. Echols serves on the Orlando Sports Foundation Board as the communication chair, but most importantly, as a breast cancer survivor.
“What has impacted me the most is of course the Cure Bowl,” Vanessa Echols said. “It’s such an uplifting experience to see all the cancer survivors parade to the stadium and as we’ve done throughout the years, either take the field before the game or during halftime.”
According to WFTV.com, Echols is moving to Alabama to be closer to her family, specifically her parents. After serving the Central Florida community for three decades, Vanessa Echols will be missed both on the air and in action giving back and helping the community.
