Honoring Dr. Lee S. Schwartzberg, a True Cancer Hero
We’re proud to announce the launch of the Lee S. Schwartzberg Endowed Research Program, created to fund research projects focused on cancer treatments, patient-centered and value-based care, and factors that lead to disparities in outcomes.
As a principal oncologist and innovative leader of West Cancer Center for more than 30 years, Dr. Schwartzberg was at the helm of adult cancer research. He has been instrumental in developing internationally recognized clinical research and innovative treatment protocols including:
- Performing the first peripheral blood stem cell transplant in Memphis and one of the first in the nation.
- Establishing the Mid-South’s first comprehensive program for genetic counseling and testing.
- Founding the American Community Oncology Research Network (ACORN).
- Co-developing the first distributed system for digitally collecting patient symptoms.
“Dr. Schwartzberg has changed the face of cancer care, not only in Memphis but for patients from around the world,” said West Cancer Foundation President Leighanne Soden. “His advancements in clinical cancer research and patient care have saved countless lives by providing innovative treatment protocols. We are honored to carry on his legacy and investigative work with this initiative.”
The campaign has set an initial goal of $3 million, and grants from the program will be available beginning in early 2025. Please join us continuing Dr. Schwartzberg’s incredible legacy.
Community Impact Report
Thanks to the generous donors, sponsors, volunteers and our incredible staff, West Cancer Foundation has achieved remarkable results in just four years since our founding. The numbers tell the story of the thousands of people who’ve benefited from free cancer services and community-based research — more than 7,300 free rides to cancer appointments, more than 400 free mammograms, and more than 300 free post-surgery garments and prostheses, to name a few. Find out more in West Cancer Foundation’s Community Impact Report.
She to Sea Raises More Than $122,000 for West Cancer Foundation
Last week the incredible She to Sea team completed their five-day, 500+ mile journey from Memphis to Seagrove Beach, Fla. This team of 20 women rode through Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and then finally to Florida, raising more than $122,000 for West Cancer Foundation. We could not be more thankful for the amount of time and effort each and every one of these women put into this endeavor. Thank you to all the sponsors of this year’s event, especially to Presenting Sponsor, Pinnacle Financial Partners / Foundation Financial Group.
New Tests to Identify Early-Stage Cancers
A new blood test is showing significant promise in identifying 18 types of early-stage cancers. In a screening of 440 people already diagnosed with cancer, the test correctly identified 93% of stage 1 cancers in men and 84% in women. Researchers believe this test and its findings will “pave the way for a cost-effective, accurate, multi-cancer screening test” that can be implemented on a population-wide scale.” The test in its current form is more of “a starting point for developing a new generation of screening tests for the early detection of cancer.” And as we all know, early detection is key.
U of M Intern Brings Passion to Her Health Education
West Cancer Foundation partners with the University of Memphis in many ways, including awarding grants to its School of Public Heath for research on health equity and the disparity gap in breast cancer screenings. We are also proud to sponsor interns from the U of M, providing these bright young minds with hands-on experience in operating a community-based nonprofit. This Spring’s intern is Breonna Anderson, a native Memphian who is finishing her undergraduate degree in Health Studies with a concentration in Health Sciences. Her academic journey has equipped her with a passion for science and healthcare principles, and she has already been a valuable contributor to our team, assisting with health fairs, clerical and administrative tasks, project and program coordination, research, and grant writing. After graduation, Breonna plans to further her education and enroll into graduate school. Thanks Breonna for helping us achieve our mission.
We’re Hiring
We’re looking for a talented Development Coordinator who can work side by side with our VP of Development and the rest of the team to carry on the good work that we do. Please help us spread the word and learn more here: https://app.loxo.co/job/MTAyMDItcDhoaTZ1MGNpYWdzdjVqdg==?t=1706637081947
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.
