West Fight On Needs You!
Early-Bird Registration Extended
West Fight On is set for Saturday, Sept 9, in Shelby Farms Park, and we need your help making this year’s event the best ever. Whether you want to join in and cycle, run or walk, or simply donate to show your support, you are making a difference in the fight against cancer! We’ve extended our early-bird registration fees to July 22, so please help us reach, and even surpass, our goal of $550,000 this year.
- Cycle for 20, 40 or 60 Miles: $45.00
- 5K Run/Walk: $25.00
- 1 Mile Walk: $20.00
Can’t attend? You can register as a Spirit Runner for $20.00, or pay it forward with a donation for any amount to support the life-giving services West Cancer Foundation provides. Your gift today will support cancer patients in need.
Support Group Spotlight: Man2Man Prostate Cancer Group
For patients undergoing cancer treatment and living as a survivor, having a solid “social” crew to support them is arguably just as important as the medical teams that take care of them. Cancer is a unique, and frequently frightening, experience that only those who are going through it can relate to. The Man2Man Prostate Cancer Group was started by a group of prostate cancer patients who were looking for a way to share information, stories and experiences. With the help of medical professionals and advocates, they organized their efforts to become a resource for men seeking knowledge and emotional support to manage prostate cancer. Too many men suffer in silence, and Man2Man’s goal is to break this cycle by providing life-altering awareness and resources about this type of cancer.
Learn more about how Man2Man is helping lots of men conquer prostate cancer.
Free Compression Garments Helped Save Doris from Lymphedema Pain
After a routine mammogram, Doris was called back in for a more thorough screening due to pre-cancerous calcifications that were detected. Her doctor scheduled a biopsy which then confirmed that she had cancerous calcifications in her milk ducts. Doris had a lumpectomy followed by radiation which caused lymphedema in her arm. Lymphedema, which can be very painful, is swelling in an arm or leg caused by a lymphatic system blockage. Doris couldn’t afford the lymphedema garments, but West Cancer Foundation stepped in to provide them at no cost to her. The foundation has provided thousands of free lymphedema garments to Mid-South cancer patients like Doris, thanks to generous donors who give from the heart. “You have been a blessing to me and my family. I was on a tight budget at the time of my therapy and couldn’t afford my garments. I thought I would have to wait but you came to my rescue!” Doris J.
Help patients like Doris with your generous donation.
More Studies Point to Benefits of Yoga in Cancer Recovery
For many, the stress and depression that come with fighting cancer can be more debilitating than the disease itself. And often, the physical side effects from chemotherapy and radiation intensify feelings of depression and anxiety. But more and more studies are showing the benefits of incorporating yoga during, and even after, cancer treatment to help improve mood and quality of life. Houston’s MD Anderson’s Integrative Health Center is leading the way on including yoga as part of a holistic approach to cancer recovery. In addition, it’s adding to the growing body of clinical research showing how yoga has a positive impact on cancer patients. According to the center’s director, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, “There is so much research on yoga and oncology now. In the past 25 years, yoga has moved into cancer care guidelines, and it’s all based on evidence and clinical trials.” Both the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend yoga as a way for cancer patients to address symptoms.
Young Professionals Advisory Board Expands Foundation Reach
West Cancer Foundation is expanding its reach into the community with the creation of its Young Professionals Advisory Board, bringing together bright, young professionals to help the foundation achieve its mission. Joining the inaugural West Cancer Foundation Young Professionals Advisory Board are:
- Chelsea Connor, Attorney with Gill Family Law
- Jessica Dougan, UTHSC Fellows Program Coordinator, West Cancer Center
- Dr. Briana Malone, Pharmacist
- Dr. Amal Masri, Gynecologic Oncology Fellow, UTHSC
- Sarah McConnico Rupiper, Senior Manager Merchandising, AutoZone
- Patrick Moore, Managing Director, Institutional Sales, with Hilltop Securities and 3rd year Ride 2 RosemarySM Rider
- Noor Obaji, Attorney, Lewis Thomason
- Dr. Meghan Taylor, Pre-Award Coordinator, University of Memphis
- Dr. Robin Terry, Director of Pharmacy Services, West Cancer Center
- Nicholas Vergos, CAA Financial, Sales and Business Development
Our Mission
West Cancer Foundation’s mission is to break through barriers to cancer care and improve patient outcomes by providing accessible patient resources, early detection and education, and community-based research.
