Highlighting Our Members
WCC is fortunate to have so many inspiring, hard-working member organizations. In this monthly series, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the important work folks are doing in cancer control and prevention across the state.
If you're interested in being featured, reach out to [email protected]!
This Month's Member Spotlight
Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin
The Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin (NPA) is a community-based alliance that encourages tobacco and nicotine free living in Marathon, Portage, and Wood counties through education and advocacy. Their alliance works with the Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program to address the burden of tobacco use and exposure. They strive to prevent the initiation of tobacco use by adults and youth, eliminate secondhand smoke exposure, promote the use of evidence-based strategies to treat tobacco dependence, and address tobacco-related disparities.
Over the last year, the NPA participated in a campaign called Unfiltered: Youth Voices Impacted by Nicotine. This campaign is taking place across Wisconsin and collects written stories from middle and high school students about how vaping and nicotine have impacted their lives. Prevention coordinators, youth organizations, and school staff have worked together to gather more than 2,000 stories statewide, with new stories continuing to be added.
After collecting more than 800 local stories, the NPA created a booklet compiling these anonymous youth voices, which shines a light on the impacts of vaping and nicotine on students’ physical and mental health, friendships, family dynamics, and school life. Then, in partnership with a local community artist and the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area, the stories were given new life when they were transformed into a one-of-a-kind art display. The artwork debuted at NAMI Northwoods’ Healing Minds Art Show and will soon be placed throughout the community to drive awareness.
Courtney Tvedten, Health Educator for the NPA, highlighted the importance of working with youth, saying, “Youth are increasingly exposed to vaping and nicotine products. By equipping our youth with the knowledge and advocacy skills they need, we can empower them to share their experiences and educate decision-makers about the urgent need for change.”
Learn more about the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin’s other projects and resources by visiting their website.
View the full Youth Voices Campaign booklet.
Member Spotlight Archive
Beyond Pink Foundation
Beyond Pink Foundation is a nonprofit breast cancer organization working for change. Their mission is to transform the breast cancer community through powerful programming that improves lives, shatters burdens, and empowers the fighter.
While based in the Greater Madison area, Beyond Pink Foundation serves the breast cancer community at large. They provide supportive and inspirational programming to elevate the breast cancer community.
Though a small organization, they have worked at launching several new programs, as they work to be “small but mighty.”
Beyond Pink Foundation recently launched a podcast, Thriving Starts Here, with inspirational stories and actionable tips that breast cancer patients and thrivers can apply immediately. Next up is the launch of a student advocate scholarship program for the breast cancer community, set to start later this year.
They have also found success through collaboration. Beyond Pink Foundation joined forces with Komen Wisconsin and Breast Cancer Recovery to offer Madison's first metastatic breast cancer conference. Several breast cancer fighters and thrivers attended the event to learn about the latest treatments and to hear from others fighting metastatic cancer who have walked in their shoes.
Beyond Pink Foundation is committed to continual growth and meeting the needs of the breast cancer community. If you're a breast cancer thriver, caregiver, or provider with a powerful story or message to share, consider joining them as a guest on their podcast. Beyond Pink Foundation is also continually seeking passionate individuals to join their volunteer committees and leadership board.
Learn more about Beyond Pink Foundation at www.BeyondPinkFoundation.org.
Engage online at Facebook.com/BeyondPinkFoundation and Instagram.com/BeyondPinkFoundation.
Blood Cancer United
Blood Cancer United, previously known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, recently underwent a name change to better represent all the patients and families they serve. The organization was founded in 1949, and supports patients, families, and caregivers affected by all blood cancers across Wisconsin and the country.
Blood Cancer United funds life-saving blood cancer research, provides free information and support services for patients and their families, and is a voice for those seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. It is the leading source of free education and support for people with blood cancer and their families. Its staff provides personalized, one-on-one support, including assistance with identifying and enrolling in a clinical trial. It is also the largest nonprofit funder of blood cancer research, investing more than $1.8 billion in the most pioneering science worldwide since 1949.
“We are seeing an increased need for blood cancer support services nationwide,” said Riley Menagh, Patient & Community Outreach Manager. “We've made tremendous strides since we started this work. Some blood cancers can now be cured and others that were once fatal can be managed as long-term chronic conditions. So, we measure our progress not just by cures, but by all those who can live long, active lives after a blood cancer diagnosis.”
“Here in Wisconsin,” she added, “we are excited to be hosting 'Dinner with a Doctor: CAR T-Cell Therapy', a free patient education program in Madison on October 29. This event is open to any patients, families, healthcare providers, or other interested individuals and will be an evening of connection and learning. We also have our annual Light The Night events coming up; these are amazing celebrations of light aiming to drive out the darkness of cancer. Join us in Milwaukee on September 25 and Madison on October 9.”
Lee Hillstrom, Us TOO
Lee Hillstrom is the founder of the Us TOO Fox Cities chapter. The prostate cancer education and support group is coming up on a ten-year anniversary this November. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer.
“We meet monthly in Neenah and our membership comes from more than a 50-mile radius,” Lee said. “Membership is free, we have snacks and free literature. I have over 200 men on our mailing list. Our group only meets in-person, and we have had meetings with men and women attending in the 60's and 70's so far this year. Those are amazing numbers for a support group dealing with the challenges of prostate cancer.”
“Our main purpose is to educate and support men with prostate cancer,” he said. “We do this by bringing in speakers for a variety of topics, including treatment options, side effects and quality of life issues. Each year those speakers include a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist and a urologist.” Other topics have included counseling, diet & exercise, a pharmacist, the LIVESTRONG program, hospice, mindfulness and yoga, clinical trials, grief, palliative care, acupuncture and more.
“Every person who attends our meetings or contacts me has different need,” Lee said. “We try to do the impossible, which is be everything for everyone. Our members range from just being diagnosed to those in very advanced stages.
"Obviously, their needs are different, but we have a large group with members at all stages which allows them to talk with others who have already gone through what others are just starting," he said. "There is nowhere else they can get this type of support and help.”
Ashley Smith, Rural Outreach Specialist - UW Carbone Cancer Center's Cancer Disparities Health Initiative
Ashley Smith, RN works as the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center’s Rural Outreach Specialist. She is part of the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative (CHDI) team working on reducing barriers to rural cancer care. Through community education on cancer screening and prevention, the hope is to improve cancer screening and early detection rates in northern Wisconsin.
“I live and work in northern Wisconsin but collaborate with tribes and rural communities all over the state,” Ashley said. An example of her work is an initiative with the Bad River Tribe in Northern Wisconsin, where they have been working together for a year and a half.
“The UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) gave the Bad River Tribe a cancer screening and prevention grant to focus on breast and CRC cancers,” she said. “I partnered with Nona Crowe, the Well Woman Program (WWP) Tribal Liaison and Benefits Specialist, to create culturally tailored activities that focus on cancer screening and prevention efforts. With Carol Cameron's permission, we shared the Pink Shawls Initiative monthly meeting and create shawls to build awareness around the various cancers affecting the native community. Each month would feature a meal, storytelling, and education on various cancer-related topics.”
“Our goal is to increase breast and colorectal cancer screening,” Smith said. “We did this through a variety of methods. We also have a grant with Bad River focusing on radon mitigation and lung cancer awareness. We try to do at least one event per month focused on these topics and the work is ongoing. In the future, we hope to do another round of radon testing and mitigation in fall and winter.”
“It is a unique partnership,” she said. “It helps that I live and work in this community so I have been able to build trust and share resources that may not otherwise have been available while addressing the cancer burden that rural and tribal communities face. I have collaborated with other tribes as well, including Menominee and Stockbridge, and hope to be able to continue to grow this work. I hope to partner with other tribes and organizations moving forward!”
Kesem at UW-Madison
Kesem is the leading national nonprofit supporting children facing a parent’s cancer. Founded in 2000, the Kesem community consists of more than 4,700 volunteer college student leaders at more than 115 college chapters across the country, including one at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kesem at UW-Madison was founded in 2010 and serves children aged 6-18 throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Most of the children they serve are in the Madison and Milwaukee areas, but they are hoping to serve a larger population from northern Wisconsin. They provide free summer camps, day programs, and virtual meetups for youth and adolescents facing a parent’s cancer to connect with peers, process their experiences, and have fun.
The Wisconsin group is run by passionate college students hoping to make a difference for children affected by a parent’s cancer. They create experiences and connections for children to process, connect, heal, and thrive. They believe all children facing a parent’s cancer deserve the chance to fully experience the joys of childhood and be their best selves.
Their flagship project is a free summer camp, with three sessions offered each summer. For many children and volunteers, Kesem is a life-changing experience that spans far beyond a week at summer camp. It fosters bonds and understanding that builds resilience, confidence, and lasting feelings of hope and joy.
This year’s camp dates are June 22-27, July 20-25, and August 10-15. Kesem also offers kids events throughout the year, such as Virtual Cabin Chats, and a Friends and Family Day in the Spring and Fall.
Kesem and its services are available for children at any point in their caregivers' cancer journey. All their services are provided at no cost to families. Additionally, they provide extra support including assisting with transportation to and from camp, providing supplies and clothing, or any other accommodations that families need to reduce barriers to attending camp. Campers are also able to receive Kesem year-round support services without attending a week of camp in the summer.
Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation
The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) was founded in 1997 with a mission to innovate, impact, and improve women’s health.
Now in its 28th year, WWHF provides services to all people across the state of Wisconsin. WWHF employees come from and work in all regions of the state.
WWHF provides critical health services and education throughout Wisconsin through several key programs:
- First Breath provides support to pregnant and postpartum individuals to make positive changes in tobacco, alcohol, and other substances.
- GrapeVine connects women with trusted health information and resources to help prevent chronic disease.
- Well Badger Resource Center is a health information and referral service connecting people to social, health, and government programs available in their communities.
In their work, WWHF collaborates with other organizations on programs including Well Woman and Wise Woman.
WWHF is also a partner on two Community and Cancer Science Network projects - the Mammographic Quality Initiative (MQI) and the Collaborative Work Groups (CWG) Initiative. Both projects apply a transdisciplinary approach to improve cancer disparities.
The MQI includes team members from WWHF, the WI Cancer Collaborative, Medical College of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Well Woman Program, and Evaluation Plus. The project is gathering regional learning collaboratives of mammogram providers to understand where potential differences in the clinical screening process may be contributing to disparities, and direct quality improvement towards equity.
Immunize Wisconsin
The Immunize Wisconsin Coalition (IMWI) was founded in 2022 through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Stewarded by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization was developed to amplify the existing work being done by vaccination organizations and coalitions throughout Wisconsin.
The mission of Immunize Wisconsin is to create a healthier and more equitable Wisconsin through their commitment to supporting and amplifying the work of vaccination organizations. Their vision is to secure additional support to ensure the sustainability and longevity of IMWI, to maximize their impact, and to improve vaccination rates for children, adults, and families in all communities in the state.
Among the challenges the organization faces is vaccine hesitancy. Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy hampered the ability to keep our populations as safe from preventable disease as they would have liked. Since 2020, vaccination rates have plummeted and efforts to regain them have been incredibly challenging.
Previously eradicated, or nearly eradicated, diseases like measles, polio, and even mumps, have reappeared in U.S. populations. Flu rates have soared. One death from a preventable disease is too many. The charge for IMWI is to keep meeting people where they are, answer questions and stay the course. Facts are facts, but there are many barriers, especially from misinformation.
The IMWI annual conference, “Champions for Health: Boosting Vaccination Confidence in Uncertain Times,” will be held in Madison on May 14-15, 2025. Last year's attendance increased by 30%. Find out more at immunizewi.org/events/.
IMWI also holds a regular webinar series, and the recordings and presentation decks of those presentations can be found at immunizewi.org/events/#webinars.
As for the future, IMWI hopes to continue to create a strong vaccination ecosystem in the state, with dedicated partners and committed champions. Funding will be critical to the growth of the coalition. IMWI would like to provide a community platform for sharing best practices, collaboration among immunizers across the state, and continued support for up-to-date information and recommendations. They expect to need to fill ever-changing informational gaps that may be on the horizon in both the childhood and adult vaccination spaces.
To join the mailing list, and sign up for the Immunize Wisconsin listserv, visit their website at immunizewi.org. @immunizewi is up and running on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
American Indian Cancer Foundation
The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) was founded in 2010, with the goal of eliminating the cancer burdens faced by Indigenous peoples across the United States. Through culturally-specific initiatives, research, and community-driven solutions, they work to reduce health disparities and empower Indigenous communities to take control of their health.
AICAF works closely with Indigenous communities and partners, providing culturally-tailored tools and resources that respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and traditions throughout the cancer continuum. They recognize that data erasure and underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples hinder efforts to address health disparities. Without accurate data, it’s challenging to assess needs and provide effective support to tribal communities. AICAF is dedicated to working with Indigenous leaders, researchers, and communities to ensure Native voices are included in data collection and analysis.
The AICAF commitment to innovation and community-centered leadership is strong. They believe the best solutions arise from within and prioritize listening to and working alongside their communities to understand their unique needs and gaps. Together, they strive to improve access to cancer screening and enhance health literacy, empowering Indigenous people to live healthier, cancer-free lives.
There are several exciting events on the AICAF calendar in 2025. In March, they will mark the 7th annual Blue Beads event for Colorectal Cancer Awareness, and in October, the 11th annual Indigenous Pink event for Breast Cancer Awareness. In November, they will host their inaugural conference to foster connection, knowledge sharing, and cultural engagement in addressing cancer disparities.
Collaboration is at the heart of their work, and they continually seek partnerships. Last year the Blue Beads event brought together two funders and 30 tribal and urban Indian clinics to create community-based colorectal cancer solutions, resulting in 444 people being screened.
Going forward, AICAF is committed to shaping the future of cancer care for Indigenous survivors and caregivers, while serving as a trusted resource for decision-makers and community partners. By fostering partnerships and advancing culturally-grounded solutions, they aim to lay a foundation for a future where cancer is no longer the leading cause of death for Indigenous people. Together, they will create a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.
Molly Collins, American Lung Association
Molly Collins, accepting her Policy Change Maker award at the 2024 Cancer Summit
Molly Collins is the Advocacy Director for Wisconsin and South Dakota at the American Lung Association, where she works to expand healthcare access, champion clean air for all, improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families, create a tobacco free future, and end lung cancer. The Lung Association works toward those goals through research, education, and advocacy.
Molly was recognized by the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative with the Policy Change Maker Award in 2024. Molly agreed to tell us about her work for our Member Spotlight feature. Here is her story:
I spend plenty of time in the state capitol, but since this is the beginning of a new legislative session, I’m scheduling introductory meetings with all 40 of the newly elected legislators. I want to make sure they know about the Lung Association’s policy priorities, and how I can be a resource to them as they make law and policy that impacts us all.
I’m sort of a one-person department in Wisconsin, so I rely on a lot of organizational partners and volunteers for my work. We know that facts and figures don’t move elected officials as much as you might want – they need to hear the stories of people who are impacted by the problems that we want to address. I bring people with me to testify, or work with them to share their stories in the media or in a letter to their representatives. Last legislative session, I worked with partners and volunteers to defeat a bill that would have opened a loophole in our state’s clean indoor air law that prevents people from smoking tobacco indoors. It was very impactful when I was sharing my testimony in the committee hearing that I was also carrying with me the testimony of many others who would be harmed by allowing smoking indoors again. Unfortunately, I expect that bill might return this session, so we will be fighting that if it is reintroduced. If you hate the idea of returning to the smoky tobacco bars of fifteen years ago, please feel free to reach out and work with me on that!
The Lung Association has several other advocacy priorities, but one other big area is extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum people from the two months they receive to 12 months. We also expect to be doing defensive work to ensure that people who need Medicaid coverage can access it.
I work closely with the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative on their policy committee, because that is a group of people who care about so many of the same issues as I do. People who want to stay connected to my work might want to sign up for our Lung Action Network to get Wisconsin alerts. You can also just send me an email to [email protected]. I’m quite passionate about connecting individuals to the levers of power and helping them to advocate for meaningful change, so I’m always up for a chat about whatever state policy issue you are thinking about!
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Radon Program
Color coded map of the 17 Radon Information Centers covering all of Wisconsin (DHS, 2025).
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Radon Program leads statewide outreach efforts to educate the residents of Wisconsin on the health risks associated with indoor radon gas. Their goal is to minimize and prevent radon-related lung cancer in Wisconsin.
The Radon Program has long been a member of the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative. They are the first organization to be featured in our new Member Spotlight, helping us know more about our fellow associates and the work they do to make progress against cancer in Wisconsin.
They encourage radon testing and mitigation among homeowners, business owners, renters, schools, and childcare centers; offer expert consultation on matters pertaining to radon and health; and provide leadership and financial support for radon outreach and education across Wisconsin.
The Radon Program has led radon outreach work in Wisconsin since 1989, and funds 17 regional Radon Information Centers (RICs) throughout the state. Each RIC has professionally trained staff in radon topics such as radon health risks and radon measurement. RICs offer radon test kits, usually at discounted prices, for residents in their region. Find your regional RIC by searching your county at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/infocenters.htm.
One of the challenges of radon work is that people don’t easily recognize radon as a health risk. Because you can't see radon gas or smell it, many people don't consider it a health risk until it's too late. While radon exposure doesn't cause health problems in the short-term, it can cause lung cancer after years of inhalation exposure at high levels. The radioactive particles from radon can damage lung cells over time, to the point where the cells become cancerous.
Radon testing generally increases during the winter, when doors and windows remain closed and provide optimal conditions for testing protocols. Additionally, National Radon Action Month is every January, and many regional RICs run awareness campaigns and offer free or discounted test kits to homeowners.