At West Cancer Foundation, every ride to treatment, screening, and patient served represents something bigger: hope, dignity, and the power of a community supporting people through one of life’s hardest moments.

With the success of She to Sea, the excitement building around West Fight On, and our new board and team members, 2026 is already bringing incredible momentum.

We are also expanding ways for supporters to create lasting impact through planned giving and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)—helping ensure patients and families can continue to access critical cancer care services for years to come.

None of this happens without you. Thank you for every gift, partnership, volunteer hour, and act of support that helps remove barriers to care and reminds patients they are not facing cancer alone.

Leighanne Soden
President
West Cancer Foundation

This year’s She to Sea united 22 women who cycled more than 500 miles from Germantown, TN, to Seagrove Beach, FL, over five days—raising more than $139,000 to support West Cancer Foundation programs that improve access to care for patients and families facing cancer across the Mid-South.

She to Sea 2026 was made possible by our volunteer SAG crew, dedicated participants, and presenting sponsor Pinnacle Financial Partners | Fountain Financial Group.

For 14 years, West Fight On has united our community in support of patients and families facing cancer. Together, we have raised funds to provide free cancer support services to individuals across the Mid-South.

Whether you walk, run, ride, volunteer, or cheer others on, West Fight On helps remove barriers to care and reminds patients they are not alone.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor First Horizon and Gold Sponsors Highland Capital, Men Fighting Ovarian Cancer, and West Cancer Center & Research Institute for their continued support of cancer care in our community.

West Cancer Foundation’s board members advance our mission to break barriers to cancer care across the Mid-South through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.

We are proud to recognize our 2026 Board of Directors and extend a special welcome to our newest members, Christi Heacox and Michelle Whitlock.

West Cancer Foundation is proud to partner with local organizations to expand access to preventive health services and education.

On June 6, WCF will support the Men’s Community Health Fair focused on prostate cancer and mental health awareness. This free event will provide screenings, education, and resources that  encourage early detection and connect individuals with critical support services.

By working alongside community partners, WCF continues to meet people where they are and help increase access to care throughout
the Mid-South.

June 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church Gymnasium

In a recent interview with CityCURRENT, WCF President Leighanne Soden discussed the growing impact of WCF programs across the Mid-South, including transportation assistance, mental wellness counseling, and the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique.

The interview also emphasized the importance of collaboration with healthcare providers and community partners to improve outcomes and expand access to care in underserved communities.

What began as a school service project became a powerful example of community compassion. Lausanne Collegiate School students organized Planting Hope, a DIY fundraiser for West Cancer Foundation inspired by their teacher’s cancer diagnosis.

The event brought together more than 120 attendees, including families, survivors, and supporters to raise awareness and nearly $4,600 for breast health services.

Planting Hope serves as a meaningful reminder that people of all ages can make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.

Learn how you can make an impact through a West Cancer Foundation DIY fundraiser.

Transportation can be one of the biggest barriers to cancer treatment. West Cancer Foundation helps remove that burden by providing free rides to and from lifesaving appointments across the Mid-South.

The average patient ride costs approximately $60. As a monthly donor, your recurring gift helps ensure patients can stay connected to the care they need.

We are pleased to welcome Mary Grace Hunter and Chassia Taylor to the team. Both bring a strong passion for community engagement and a shared commitment to helping break barriers to cancer care across the Mid-South.

Mary Grace Hunter

Mary Grace Hunter joins WCF as Development Coordinator, supporting fundraising, outreach, and community engagement initiatives. With a background in communications, social media, and marketing, she is focused on strengthening supporter relationships and expanding awareness of the Foundation’s mission and impact.

Originally from Selmer, Tennessee, Mary Grace graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Communications.

Chassia Taylor

Chassia Taylor joins WCF with more than 14 years of nonprofit and community outreach experience serving individuals and families across Memphis. Her background includes leadership and service roles with organizations focused on legal services, education, senior support, and community care.

Known for her compassionate leadership and commitment to service, Chassia is deeply passionate about building stronger communities through connection, advocacy, and support for those in need.