West Cancer Foundation tells Olive Branch board it provides free rides, screenings and counseling

Leanne Sowden, president of the West Cancer Foundation, described a suite of free services the nonprofit provides to cancer patients across the region, including nearly 7,000 rides for treatment last year, breast and prostate screenings, free mental-health counseling and a patient-facing wig boutique.

“Our mission is to break barriers to cancer care,” Sowden told the Olive Branch board. She said the foundation’s transportation program is life-saving because missing treatment appointments can harm outcomes, and that the group has provided more than 24,000 patient services since it began programs in 2021.

Sowden outlined several programs: a large transportation program; a breast-cancer screening effort that includes transportation for patients who cannot get to appointments; a prostate screening initiative; free counseling for patients and caregivers; post-mastectomy vouchers for prostheses and undergarments; and lymphedema compression garments, which she said cost “anywhere from 200 to $500 each” and are medically necessary for some patients.

Sowden described the foundation’s fundraising activities, including a signature event, West Fight On, and cycling and women’s events that raised significant funds last year. She said the foundation raised about $700,000 this past fundraising year from those activities and peer fundraising efforts.

Board members and staff offered to help publicize the foundation’s services. The mayor asked staff to post information on the city’s social media channels and to invite the foundation back to advisory and ministerial meetings so it can present to local churches and community groups. Sowden said the foundation would provide referral cards and welcome church and primary-care office referrals.

The board took a photograph with the foundation’s staff and approved outreach steps from staff to promote the programs in Olive Branch.