West Cancer Foundation

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Leighanne Soden, President and Founder of West Cancer Foundation, who discusses the nonprofit organization's mission and efforts to break barriers to cancer care and provide access to free services for those in need, particularly in underserved areas of Memphis. Leighanne highlights that Memphis has some of the highest cancer mortality rates in the country, making it "Ground Zero" for cancer. She highlights the organization's growth from its inception in 2020 to its current state with 9 employees and a $4 million operational balance sheet. The foundation tracks patient data by zip code to understand and address disparities in cancer care. The foundation's largest program provides transportation for cancer patients, having arranged over 7,500 rides in 2025. Leighanne shares heartwarming statistics for their transportation program, reporting 658 rides provided to patients in need of treatment this month alone. The program primarily assists patients receiving radiation treatment, ensuring they don't miss appointments that could affect their outcome. The program works by connecting with medical providers like Regional One Health, West Cancer Center, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and St. Francis who refer patients, and a team handles online booking and tracking of rides including wheelchair-assisted transportation. Each round trip costs $120, with staff ensuring patients are safely transported to and from appointments. Leighanne also highlights their Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique, where patients can receive free wigs, hats, and scarves, noting that many find losing their hair to be one of the most challenging aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment. West Cancer Foundation also offers mental health counseling for patients and caregivers, and funding for oncology nursing research at UT Health Science Center. Leighanne talks about working closely with area hospitals to provide comprehensive cancer care, and expresses hope for the future in clinical trials and research, specifically mentioning a new blood test for colorectal cancer that could provide an alternative to colonoscopies. She emphasizes the importance of mental health counseling, which has helped over 200 patients and their caregivers in the past year through a partnership with Alliance Healthcare Services. Leighanne touches on the significance of these types of collaborative relationships in the community and the need for funding support through donations and upcoming events. The organization's signature fundraising event, West Fight On, will take place on September 12th at Shelby Farms Park, featuring a 5K run, cycling routes, and celebration of survivors and caregivers. She explains the foundation's other revenue streams including major gifts, planned giving, and corporate partnerships. Leighanne also describes the "Ride to Rosemary" cycling event, which began 16 years ago with 9 men and has since expanded to include an all-female team who raised $140,000 in March. She encourages listeners to visit westcancerfoundation.org or westfighton.org for more information and to support their programs. So, visit https://westcancerfoundation.org or https://westfighton.org/ to learn more and get involved with West Cancer Foundation.