Breaking Barriers in the Fight Against Cancer
More than 70% of children with cancer now survive long term, and death rates among adults have fallen by one-third since 1991, avoiding an estimated 3.8 million deaths, thanks to prevention, early detection and new treatments. That’s according to the American Association for Cancer Research which recently presented its annual progress against cancer report in Washington, D.C. Scientific advances have dramatically improved outcomes for some cancer types: breast cancer deaths fell by 43% between 1989 and 2020, saving roughly 460,000 lives; lung cancer deaths declined just under 1% a year between 1995 and 2005 but fell 5% annually between 2014 and 2020, due, in part, to a decline in smoking and new treatments. Despite the advances, persistent challenges remain.
Ride 2 RosemarySM Cyclists Gearing Up for 525-Mile Trek
The Ride 2 Rosemary team of more than 60 cyclists are in the home stretch of training for their annual bicycle ride from Germantown, TN, to Rosemary Beach, FL, to raise money and awareness for cancer care in Memphis through West Cancer Foundation. On Saturday, Sept. 30, the team will depart from the West Cancer Center at 7945 Wolf River Boulevard in Germantown and ride more than 100 miles a day for five days before arriving at Rosemary Beach. Now in its 13th year, Ride 2 Rosemary is presented by International Paper. Help these inspirational athlete heroes reach their goal of $250,000.
Memphis Artist Brings Hope and Harmony to Those Suffering from Cancer
For Memphis artist Ken Lecco, giving back to local charities has been part of his art career since he first began more than 15 years ago. From the very beginning, he has donated his custom works of art to charitable auctions in order to raise money for great causes including March of Dimes, Hope House, Make a Wish and Hope Lodge. That’s why, when West Cancer Foundation moved into its new offices, he was more than willing to create and donate a beautiful one-of-a-kind work of art to grace the lobby.
“I’m so honored to be part of the West Cancer Foundation mission,” said Lecco. “My hope is that my art will bring peace and harmony to those who may be going through a tough time.”
DeAngelo Williams Takes West Fight On to the Next Level
More than 1300 participants, 51 sponsors, 85 volunteers, and countless friends and family supporters came together recently to celebrate survivors and honor those we’ve lost to cancer at West Fight On in Shelby Farms Park. The event, the largest fundraiser for West Cancer Foundation, raised more than $551,000, to help provide important cancer research and free cancer services to those in need in our community.
At the event, Memphis football superstar and West Cancer Foundation Board member DeAngelo Williams, along with his wife Risalyn, presented West Cancer Foundation with a grant to West Fight On for $21,200 to cover 106 mammography screenings for women in the Memphis area. Thank you DeAngelo and Risalyn for your continued support. And thank you to our sponsors, and especially our long-time presenting sponsor Sedgwick, as well as the many volunteers who make West Fight On possible.
Free Transportation to and from Cancer Appointments Was Life Changing for Carolyn
When Carolyn S. was diagnosed with kidney cancer, she was concerned about how she would get to and from her appointments and treatments. In addition to surgery, she had to undergo 30 radiation treatments over a six-week period. West Cancer Foundation stepped in to assist her with free transportation so that all she had to focus on was getting better. Her treatment required about 100 trips and, according to Carolyn, each one was a very positive experience. “It’s been a wonderful experience for me,” said Carolyn. “I know I can depend on them to pick me up on time and drop me off, and all of the drivers are very courteous and friendly. It’s meant the world to me.”
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.
