2023 Alison's Allies Project

WOW! The 2023 Alison’s Allies fundraising was an immense success!  Lots of people made it happen! Tshirt sponsor Harlan C. Parker State Farm Agency,  benefactor (Pumpkin Run), walkers, helpers, incentive contributors (Garmin, KC Current, Shop Beautiful, absorb-lumen), & 200+ donors.  The goal was $15,000. We SURPASSED our goal - $30,000+. Wow.  Total raised since 2010 = $235,000+! 

I am touched by such giving hearts! Together we are making a difference! 

CHECK OUT THE CHECK PRESENTATION PICTURES! 

2023 PILOT RESEARCH PROJECT:

Through this pilot research project, Drs. Sharma & Stecklein will further study triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that accounts for 20-25% of all diagnosed cases.  It occurs more frequently in younger women and is more prevalent in African American women. Unfortunately, African American women with TNBC are diagnosed at more advanced stages and have a 40% higher mortality rate compared to other racial groups.

This pilot project will involve Black and non-Black participants enrolled in a TNBC registry the researchers already maintain, with the goal to increase the number of Black and non-Black patients involved Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX).  PDX allows researchers to replicate a patient’s tumor so that these tumors response to various therapies can be studied, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The ultimate goal is to develop a personalized medicine approach for patients.  The goal is to complete this pilot study in one year and to use the data to apply for a large-scale grant.  This research project will enhance scientists understanding of TNBC leading to better detection, treatments, & cures!

$15,000 GOAL SURPRASSED!

The 2023 Alison’s Allies fundraising was an immense success!  In fact, the amount raised was DOUBLE the original $15,000 goal! Because of the generosity of 200+ donors, we SURPASSED our goal, raising nearly $30,000! Dr. Roy Jensen, Vice-Chancelor Director of the KU Cancer Center, suggested we apply this additional funding in the following way:

• Provide an additional $5,000 to the 2023 Sharma/Stecklein project on TNBC.  (total $20,000 vs. $15,000)

• Provide additional funds to the 2022 Dr. Joan Lewis-Wambi project ($15,000 + an additional $5,000).  

• Provide additional funds for the 2021 breast cancer screening of African American women project (original $15,000 + additional $5,000=$20,000).  These funds are managed by the Masonic Cancer Alliance and the events spearheaded by the KC Breast Cancer Health Equity Task Force which includes Alison).