Inclusive Research, Life-Saving Results: How the All-Star Cure Project Is Creating Space for Every Voice in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
In the fight against breast cancer, inclusion is more than a goal—it’s a requirement for meaningful progress. And thanks to the work of the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis is once again leading the way in community-powered innovation. Their latest initiative, the All-Star Cure, serves as a powerful reminder that inclusive science drives better outcomes for all, and companies play a crucial role in this endeavor.
A Proven Model Returns with Urgency
In 2012, the Komen Tissue Bank partnered with Indianapolis’ Super Bowl Host Committee to collect healthy breast tissue samples from more than 660 women during Super Cure. This event became a national model for community-based research.
Now, with the WNBA All-Star Game bringing national attention to Indianapolis, the KTB is reviving that model with All-Star Cure—a two-day tissue collection event taking place July 12–13, 2025. The goal? To collect tissue from 500 women, with a particular focus on women under 40 and women of color.
For companies committed to creating more inclusive workplaces and healthier communities, this project is an opportunity to support medical research that reflects and responds to everyone, not just a narrow segment of the population.
The Data Behind the Disparity
The need for inclusive data is urgent:
- Black women are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having similar rates of diagnosis. They are also more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.
- Latina women often face delayed diagnosis and treatment due to access barriers and cultural factors, despite having lower overall rates of breast cancer.
- Asian American women experience rising breast cancer rates in the U.S., but due to cultural stigma and limited outreach, they are significantly underrepresented in both screening and research.
And yet, most clinical trials and research studies remain overwhelmingly white. Nationally, fewer than 10% of participants in breast cancer research come from women of color. That’s not just a gap—it’s a problem that limits scientific discovery and leaves too many people behind.
At the KTB, intentional outreach has helped improve the picture: currently, 18% of their participants are Black women, 8% are Latina, and 3% are Asian. It’s progress—but there’s more to do.
Inclusion in Practice
Building a diverse donor base isn’t just about recruitment. It’s about trust, understanding, and cultural responsiveness.
Dr. Kathi Ridley-Merriweather, who leads outreach efforts for the KTB, emphasizes the importance of working with communities rather than speaking at them. That means building relationships with trusted messengers, creating culturally relevant educational resources, and ensuring every participant knows they’re a valued partner, not just a statistic.
From community happy hours to multilingual learning sessions, the KTB’s approach is a model for how inclusive practices can unlock participation and impact.
“Each community we engage has its own history, its own hesitations, and its own strengths,” said Dr. Ridley-Merriweather. “Inclusion means we meet people where they are—with care, cultural competence, and a commitment to ongoing relationship-building.”
What Employers Can Do
For BEI’s network of executive leaders, HR professionals, and supplier development officers, the All-Star Cure Project is a practical and powerful way to support inclusive community engagement.
Here’s how your organization can get involved:
Encourage Participation
Let employees know about the opportunity to donate or volunteer. Although the event is scheduled for a weekend, some participants may require flexibility or encouragement to attend. Consider acknowledging this as part of your company’s community service efforts.
Host an Information Session
Invite the KTB team to speak to your employees through a lunch-and-learn session, an employee resource group event, or a community gathering. Education breaks down barriers and builds a shared sense of purpose.
Amplify the Message
Share the All-Star Cure opportunity across your communication channels. Promote it in newsletters, social media, supplier networks, and community groups. With a goal of 500 donors, every voice counts. You can find resources to do that below.
“We can’t do this alone,” said Jill Henry, program director for the Komen Tissue Bank. “We need community leaders and companies to share this opportunity with their teams, invite us in to speak, and help us build awareness. Every person reached matters and has the potential to save a life.”
To date, All-Star Cure has confirmed:
- 250 donor registrations.
- Over 700 volunteers.
- A need for 50 more medically trained volunteers (surgeon assistants).
- Just over 50% of the $400,000 funding goal has been raised.
Inclusion Is Innovation—And it Saves Lives
The All-Star Cure Project isn’t just about breast cancer—it’s about what’s possible when every voice, every body, and every experience is welcomed into the process of discovery. It’s about building a healthier, more responsive system for all.
If your company believes in inclusive workplaces, now is the time to support an inclusive approach to science.
“When someone donates their tissue, they’re not just helping science,” Ridley-Merriweather added. “They’re changing the future for women like them—and for generations to come.”
Visit the All-Star Cure website to learn more, register to donate or volunteer, or make a contribution.
