2024 Alison's Allies Project

Tremendous generosity! The 2024 Alison’s Allies fundraising was an immense success!  A goal of $15,000 was set.  The goal was TRIPLED!  $45,000 WAS RAISED! Total raised since 2010 = $280,000+! Lots of people made it happen! T-shirt sponsor Harlan C. Parker and Jason Parker State Farm Agencies,  the Jared Coones Pumpkin Run Foundation, team walkers, helpers, incentive contributors (Garmin, KC Current, Shop Beautiful, absorb-lumen), & 200+ donors.  

I am humbled by such generosity! Together we are making a difference! 

CHECK OUT THE CHECK PRESENTATION PICTURES BELOW! 

2024 PILOT RESEARCH PROJECT:

Through this pilot research project, Dr. Danny Welch and researchers in his lab will further study METASTATIC BREAST CANCER (mBC). The primary cause of breast cancer deaths and loss of quality of life is a process called metastasis. Metastatic breast cancer (mBC), also known as stage IV breast cancer, can be any size and occurs when cancer has spread outside the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, liver, or brain. While some women with mBC have never had breast cancer before, most have had early breast cancer. In fact, roughly 20%-30% of women who’ve had breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer. And it can develop regardless of treatment or preventative measures taken.

Dr. Welch’s laboratory is focused on determining the genetic causes of metastatic breast cancer (mBC).  The hypothesis of the study is that mitochondrial genetics contribute to the aggressiveness of breast cancer metastasis. To better understand the contributions of mitochondrial genes, Dr. Welch's lab proposes to continue their study into the cause of metastatic cancer disease.

$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).