Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique Giving Love and Laughter
Terri was devastated when she was diagnosed in June with triple negative stage 2 breast cancer. After losing her hair during treatment, she wasn’t sure she could afford a wig, but West Cancer Foundation’s new Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique was there for her. Here’s what Terri has to say about her experience: “I was thrilled and so excited when I learned about the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique. I didn’t know there were resources available that could provide free wigs to patients. It was fun and enlightening — what a fabulous offering. The spa music, the environment, the coordinator Davine — everything was fabulous.”
“I really didn’t know how I would react, whether I would cry or what. But we laughed and had a good time. Having West Cancer Foundation be part of my cancer care journey means everything to me. This experience made me feel fabulous and authentic. I was treated like the human I am. That’s the big thing because now I am more self-conscious about the looks that I get. I would rather someone ask me instead of giving me the sympathy look. I just want to be treated like a human.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, click here.
Breakthroughs in Cancer Research Can Come from Anywhere
…even from wolves in the Chernobyl Evacuation Zone (CEZ)! New research from biologists and ecotoxicologists at Princeton University is showing that wolves living in the CEZ are genetically different from their counterparts outside the region. The research showed that wolves in the CEZ are exposed to more than 11.28 millirem of radiation every single day for their entire lives – that’s over six times the legal limit for human workers.
The researchers also noted that the wolves have altered immune systems, similar to patients undergoing radiation treatment for cancer. Furthermore, genetic analysis suggests that parts of the wolves’ genome have developed some resilience to cancer. This research could have significant implications for human health as the researchers plan on using the findings to identify protective mutations that increase people’s odds of surviving cancer.
Raise Your Voice in Support of a Tax Incentive for Charitable Donations
Communities thrive when citizens are generous with their talent, time and treasure. Our lawmakers can motivate even more charitable giving with a simple income tax adjustment. On January 31, the U.S. House passed a comprehensive bill with tax breaks for families, businesses and individuals, but it does not include a charitable incentive for non-itemizers who use the standard deduction. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 should provide an incentive for non-itemizing donors. The bill, H.R. 7024, has been sent to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Please reach out to your U.S. Senators and insist on the inclusion of a universal deduction provision in the final version of this important legislation.
Read our blog about this important matter and let us know if you’d like a letter template to send to your Senators.
She to Sea
Orange you excited we only have 30 days until the She to Sea team takes off on their 500+ mile ride to Seagrove Beach, FL?! All proceeds from their ride will benefit West Cancer Foundation. Please consider joining the fight and supporting these ladies on their ride to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
Welcome New Board Members
West Cancer Foundation was founded thanks to the leadership and generosity of community volunteers, and we continue to benefit from the passion and commitment of our dedicated Board of Directors. We’re honored to welcome the following new members:
- Bo Allen, Regional President for First Horizon Bank
- Matt Johnson, Partner and Managing Director of Seacap Advisors
- Boo Mitchell, Owner, Royal Studios
- Carlton Sedberry, D.Ph., Chief Operating Officer, ImmunoBridge
We’re Growing
We couldn’t do the great work we do without our incredible team. Welcome to our newest staff members:
- Rhonda Causie, Director of Research, Grants & Strategy
- Virginia Pleasants, Administrative Assistant
We’re also hiring:
Save the Date: West Fight On September 7 at Shelby Farms Park
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.
