Early morning thunderstorms didn’t stop committed runners, cyclists, walkers, volunteers and supporters from breaking through barriers to cancer care at West Fight On 2025, raising almost $600,000. Nearly 1,600 participants registered and almost 100 dedicated volunteers came together to make Memphis’ largest cancer survivor celebration a great success. But West Fight On wouldn’t be a success without its generous sponsors—in fact, West Fight On wouldn’t even be possible without sponsors.
Sponsors make the magic happen, and we’re lucky to have some of the most dedicated and generous sponsors Memphis has to offer. There’s so much that’s inspiring about West Fight On, but especially having more than 60 sponsors—businesses, healthcare providers and community leaders—come together each year to raise money for free cancer services in our community. It’s a beautiful demonstration of companies doing good things in our city in ways that make a lasting difference: providing transportation so that someone can get to their cancer treatment; providing life-saving, early detection cancer screenings to those without insurance; providing post-surgery prostheses to make someone feel whole again. These are the life changing results that sponsors make happen.
Some of our sponsors have been with us for years, like First Horizon Foundation, Highland Capital Management, iBank and Men Fighting Ovarian Cancer. And others, like SouthWorth Capital Management, are new to West Fight On. SouthWorth is a perfect example of the impact a sponsor’s support can have in the community.
Laura Presley, Director of Community Relations for SouthWorth, says the company looks for things that make a real difference in the community. Supporting even small causes can have an impact because there are needs all around. The company, for instance, stepped in to help Hope House when its food pantry was running out of food during the pandemic. “Being a family-owned business means we understand the importance of giving back and the difference we can make even in small ways,” said Presley.
When it came to considering a sponsorship with West Fight On, Presley says the name West and what it’s done for cancer patients in Memphis made the decision a no brainer. “West Cancer Foundation, like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, are the things that make Memphis great. Sometimes Memphis gets down on itself, but these organizations remind us what is unique and special about our community. We’re delighted to partner with West Cancer Foundation and support West Fight On to raise much needed funds for free cancer services to those in need,” she said.
Beyond the personal fulfillment that comes with being part of an event like West Fight On, there are also significant employee relations benefits. “It’s a great opportunity to interact with co-workers in a meaningful way that’s making things better for cancer patients. Every single one of us has been touched by cancer in some way, and it feels good to actually do something about it,” she said.
In addition to having 28 employees sign up, doing internal fundraising competitions and creating customized t-shirts for the event, employees also signed up to volunteer on event day. Presley herself showed up at 4:30 to begin pre-dawn setup. Now that’s dedication.
No matter if a sponsor has been with West Fight On from the start or is just starting their partnership with West Cancer Foundation, sponsors are the backbone of West Cancer Foundation’s signature fundraising event. “What’s great about West Fight On is that it’s a fun experience, but you’re also getting to do something that’s making a true and lasting difference,” said Presley.
If you want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities with West Fight On or West Cancer Foundation, contact Stephanie Dougles at sdouglas@westcancerfoundation.org or at 901-493-7907.
