The primary focus of the Alaska Run for Women’s fundraising efforts is to create awareness and decrease the impact of breast cancer on our Alaska communities through education, outreach, research, early detection and treatment.
Each year, the organization provides grant funds for special projects focusing on breast cancer issues. Funds are allotted annually through a set review process, which takes place in September. Grant applications are due August 15, 2027.
Breast cancer touches so many in so many different ways. Have you, a friend or family member been impacted by breast cancer? Do you have a project that furthers the message, broadens awareness or provides resources for breast cancer information? Link to 2026 Grant Application.
AWAIC will integrate breast cancer education into shelter and community outreach activities, focusing on breast self exams, risk factors, warning signs, breast self-awareness, recommended screening, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and available screening and health resources. They will also develop and distribute breast cancer informational posters and kits for shelter residents and for use during outreach events.
ACAT is an environmental action organization with a statewide focus. This year’s funding is a campaign to bring awareness to nurses and nursing students throughout the state concerning the association of toxic chemicals and plastics as a potential carcinogen for breast cancer
This funding will support continued development of a Peer Leader Navigator (PLN) project. The program will support purchase of inclusive breast cancer educational materials and will provide support fees for Peer Health Navigators. Program goals include participation at 3 health fairs and 40 referrals to primary care screening services.
Funding is in partial support of an ACA-sponsored clinical research project conducted by Dr. Zhao. The project aims to identify and understand the vulnerabilities in resistant breast cancer cells, which is critical for developing more effective treatments and improving outcomes for ER+ breast cancer patients who no longer respond to standard care.
AYCC is a group of young adult cancer survivors who recognize the need for connection and community among young people experiencing cancer. They accomplish this through media connectivity, group meetings and events with an aim to develop genuine friendships through shared experiences.
Funding supports the BCDC Mobile Mammography program based out of Fairbanks. This program travels to remote Alaska communities providing quality services for women in need regardless of ability to pay. BCDC aims to provide more than 500 screening mammograms and serve at least 17 rural and remote communities with limited access to mammography.
This organization works with more than 230 clinical researchers and maintains an A+ rating from Charity Watch. This grant will help support translational clinical research studies geared toward changing and improving breast cancer treatment.
Based in Juneau and serving communities throughout Southeast Alaska, Cancer Connection brings together health and wellness resources to help people affected by cancer make informed decisions, navigate challenging circumstances, and maintain the best possible quality of life.
KBFPC reaches a significant number of medically underserved women for outreach breast health education and no-cost early detection services on the Kenai Peninsula. Their range has expanded from Cooper Landing to Kachemak Bay. They continue their work this year with a three pronged approach of attending traditional community events, presenting high impact educational events, and with a digital outreach program.
This grant will provide scholarships for Breast Cancer Survivors to take part in the Extra Toughs program. This integrated team approach introduces healthy lifestyle changes including weekly physical, nutritional and mental health support to help members create integrative whole-body wellness
This project will provide free post-mastectomy supplies that are not reimbursable by insurance to breast cancer patients.
(Max Kullberg, UAA Research Professor)This lab is involved in developing therapies to activate immunological anti-tumor response in breast cancer patients. Their current research targets to improve means of delivering tumor antigens to antigen processing cells and thus produce a more robust and lasting immune response.
This organization has a goal to deliver a Care and Wellness Program to 10 new Alaska breast cancer patients in 2026 collaborating with Central Peninsula Hospital. They aim to assist new breast cancer patients in gaining access to services that address side effects of treatment such as nausea, pain and neuropathy, while improving emotional well-being, physical health and quality of life.
WomenLISTEN (Laugh, Inform, Support, Talk, Empower, and Network) is a grassroots organization founded in 2002 by a group of women cancer survivors. “Healing Beyond the Circle” makes individual psychotherapy accessible to breast cancer survivors by facilitating a warm hand off to established trusted mental health partners. Program Goals include: reducing psychological distress, improving quality of life, and strengthening the continuum of care by linking WL’s peer support to clinical treatment.
Funding will be used to support the YMCA’s flagship cancer support program, LIVESTRONG. The overall goal of this project is to improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors by increasing access to evidence-based wellness, strength-building, nutrition education, and long-term community connection. Grant funding will support direct program delivery, adaptive equipment and circuit materials, participant supplies, outreach, nutrition education, and evaluation.
