As we head into fall, West Cancer Foundation is reaching more people and providing more support for patients than ever before.
At the end of June, we reached an incredible milestone. West Cancer Foundation has provided nearly 30,000 patient services since our founding. That’s thousands of rides to treatment, cancer screenings, counseling sessions, wigs, compression garments, and post-mastectomy prostheses that have made the cancer journey a little easier for patients across the Mid-South. And that number grows every day.
Our momentum is fueled by partnerships with organizations who share our mission. Recently, we’ve been working with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing to make preventative care more accessible in our local communities. We also received a grant from AutoZone that is funding transportation for patients, so they can get to and from appointments they can’t afford to miss.
But as more people turn to us for help, we need even more resource to meet the growing demand. Every event registration, community partnership, volunteer hour, and donation helps us provide support at no cost to patients and their families.
Thank you for your support. Your generosity helps us ensure that a person’s ZIP code never determines whether they can access the care they need.
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Leighanne Soden President West Cancer Foundation
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The countdown is on! West Fight On returns to Shelby Farms Park next month on September 12. We’re bringing our community together once again to rally around cancer patients and survivors—and raise funds that help us provide free patient support programs across the Mid-South.
Registration is officially open and we have tons of new experiences in store for 2026! Sign up today to tackle a 20-, 40-, or 60-mile ride, run/walk the 5K, or join the one-mile tribute walk. If you prefer to participate by cheering, join us in Celebration Village. However you take part, you are helping local cancer patients beat the odds.
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Survivor Celebrations: President/CEO of Memphis Tourism Kevin Kane will be our Survivor Speaker, followed by a moment of silence and a bagpiper serenade to honor those we’ve lost and celebrate those still fighting.
Inaugural KOM/QOM Challenge: We’re introducing a brand-new King of the Mountain / Queen of the Mountain challenge exclusively for our 60-mile cycling route participants.
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All-Star Memphis Lineup: Fan-favorite emcee Stan Bell, “the Bell Ringer”, on the mic as our DJ, and The Voice standout Regan Strange will kick things off with the National Anthem and a performance during our Survivor Ceremony.
Ultimate Family-Friendly Fun: Bring your little warriors to enjoy the Kids Zone, face painting, bounce houses, and a special appearance by UofM’s Pouncer and Mane from the Memphis Hustle. Make sure you don’t miss our highly anticipated Kids Bike Parade!
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Virtual West Fight On: Can’t make it on race day? You can still participate virtually from September 13–20, 2026.
You can sign up for the virtual 1-Mile Walk or 5K Walk/Run to get your t-shirt and medal. Go to westfighton.org and click the Virtual West Fight On button on the right to learn more.
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Want to volunteer? We can use your help on the day of the event! To register, go to westfighton.org and click the Volunteer tab.
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At West Cancer Foundation, we know breaking barriers to cancer care takes collaboration. We are proud to partner with local organizations who help improve health equity and patient support across the Mid-South.
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Expanding Access with the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Nursing
Getting a cancer screening is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. That’s why West Cancer Foundation and University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Nursing are partnering to make preventative care more accessible across the Mid-South.
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Coming Soon: Binghampton Community Event | September 19
We are keeping the momentum going this fall by joining the Binghampton Festival! Stop by to connect with our team and learn more about our free cancer support services, including assistance connecting eligible individuals with free breast cancer screening referrals and mammogram resources.
We’re also excited to partner with the UT Health Science Center College of Nursing. Their mobile health unit will be onsite providing prostate cancer screenings —a simple blood test—as well as colorectal cancer take-home screening kits.
We’re looking forward to a great day in the Binghampton community! Stop by, say hello, and learn how West Cancer Foundation can help remove barriers to cancer care.
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Corporate Spotlight: AutoZone Grant Supports Transportation Program
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For many patients, getting to treatments can be the most difficult part of cancer care. When they struggle to find a ride, it can lead to missed appointments, added stress, and delayed care.
AutoZone has generously awarded West Cancer Foundation a grant to fund our Transportation Program and provide free rides for vulnerable patients.
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Ways You Can Help: Become a Monthly Barrier Breaker
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West Cancer Foundation’s free programs are fueled by the compassion of donors like you. One powerful way to make an ongoing impact is by becoming a Monthly Barrier Breaker.
Turning your donation into a recurring gift provides the reliable, year-round stability we need to plan for the future. It ensures vulnerable cancer patients receive support services exactly when they need them most.
Whether you give a little or a lot each month, your support directly sustains life-changing services:
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You can support care all year long by becoming a recurring donor with a monthly gift of only $25 or more.
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Looking Ahead: Fall Calendar of Events
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As the summer wraps up, our calendar is full of ways to come together and keep breaking barriers to cancer care. Save the date for these upcoming community events:
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West Fight On | September 12
Join us at Shelby Farms Park for Memphis’ largest annual cancer survivor event! Whether you choose to cycle, run or walk the 5K, or join the one-mile tribute walk, you’ll help fund cancer support services for our community. You can also simply enjoy the music, food, family-friendly activities, and more in Celebration Village.
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OneHamp Festival | September 19 12-4pm
We will be attending the Fourth Annual OneHamp Festival at Howze Park. The event is hosted by Binghampton Development Corporation. For additional details, please visit BDC’s Instagram page.
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Ride 2 Rosemary | October 10–14
Our cyclists are back in the saddle for the 16th year! More than 70 riders will take on an incredible 5-day, 525-mile journey from Germantown, TN all the way down to Rosemary Beach, FL. This challenging but beautiful ride is about hope, endurance, and community. Cheer them on as they pedal to raise awareness and funds for our free patient programs right here in the Mid-South!
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Know a local changemaker? We’re hiring!
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We’re looking for a talented Events and Donor Engagement Specialist who can work side by side with our President and Vice President of Development to support our growing fundraising efforts. Please help us spread the word if you know someone who thrives on:
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- Planning and executing
fundraising events
- Cultivating donor and
sponsor relationships
- Stewarding corporate partners
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- Serving as an ambassador
in their community
- Bringing people together
around a meaningful cause
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Learn more about how our Events and Donor Engagement Specialist will help generate the resources we need to serve cancer patients across the region.
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