AACR Volunteers and Ambassadors

Katie Coleman Supports Early-career Scientists

“Cancer research saved my life,” said Katie Coleman. As an ultra-rare kidney cancer survivor and a member of the American Association for Cancer Research® (AACR) Foundation Board of Trustees, Coleman noted that AACR bridges basic science and patient advocacy networks. “That’s what AACR represents and actually stands behind,” she said. 

Coleman witnessed the impact of the AACR’s Scholar-in-Training Awards (SITA), which provide financial support to early-career scientists to attend AACR conferences and meetings, when she participated in AACR’s Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP), a special educational program for patient advocates that is held during the AACR Annual Meeting. Coleman attended the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 as a participant in SSP and met with SITA recipients, other grantees, and professionals throughout the cancer continuum. She noted how AACR programs create opportunities to advance scientific discovery to improve treatment for rare cancers.

Coleman wanted to support scientists in the rare cancer space by helping ensure funding was available for their specific areas of research. “Where pretty much everywhere else I asked I got a ‘No,’ or ‘It’s impossible,’ I got a ‘Yeah, let’s figure this out and find a way to make it work’ when I got in touch with AACR,” she said. This willingness led to the development of 10 awards to fund early-career scientists focusing on rare cancer research through a collaborative group of kidney cancer organizations and AACR.

Cancer research saved my life.”
– Katie Coleman 

Coleman continues to support the pursuit of cures through cancer research funding, blazing a path to make it easier for patients who come after her. “I’m paying forward what other patients have done for me,” she said. “I hope to inspire others that they can make an impact.” Further proving her commitment to supporting cancer research, Coleman joined the AACR Foundation Board of Trustees in 2025.

Because of funding for AACR programs like SITA, researchers are able to make the groundbreaking developments needed to help people like Coleman not only survive but create their own lasting impact.

Tess Sands Runs Marine Corps Marathon in Father’s Honor

The 2025 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., held special meaning for Tess Sands and her father, Geoffrey Graham.

Sands was 12 years old when she started running with her father, who used the sport to care for his mental and physical health. The first marathon he completed was the Marine Corps Marathon in 1991. In 2009, the father-daughter duo set their sights on completing a marathon together—and they did.

“I think running was foundational to being as close to my dad as I was,” Sands said. “We spent hours running together, unplugged, every week. It was a cool opportunity to spend time alone with my dad and ask him questions about his life.” 

Graham was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in November 2023. Sands, a nurse who specializes in end-of-life care, immediately thought, “What do I need to do with my dad that I would really regret if I didn’t?” That’s when she decided to run the same marathon he proudly completed in his honor. She raised more than $3,000 for cancer research with the AACR Runners for Research team.

Sadly, Graham passed away on January 4, 2025. To Sands, her father was a true inspiration. “My dad would do anything to go running,” Sands said. “I’m not saying everyone has to run a marathon, but part of my goal is to inspire people to do something with their family, their dad, or for themselves.” Noting how his approach to running for joy instead of competition kept her engaged after years away from the sport, she said, “I truly believe I wouldn’t be a runner if it wasn’t for my dad.”

To learn more about how you can support  lifesaving research like Sands did, please visit our website at AACR.org/GetInvolved