Philadelphia, PA — Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation announced today that it has been selected as a recipient of the American Cancer Society (ACS) VOICES Grant, supporting outreach and recruitment for the VOICES of Black Women study — the largest-ever national study of cancer risk and outcomes among Black women in the United States.
VOICES of Black Women is a long-term study led by the American Cancer Society, with a goal of recruiting 100,000 Black women ages 25–55 with no prior cancer diagnosis. The study seeks to gather critical data that will help address health disparities, improve cancer prevention and early detection, and create a more equitable future for Black women’s health.
Through the grant, Byrd Cancer Foundation will work to recruit 300 Black women in Philadelphia and beyond to join the study over the next six months. The Foundation will leverage community partnerships, digital outreach, and culturally relevant events to connect women with the opportunity to have their voices represented in national health research.
“Too often, the experiences of Black women are left out of research that informs cancer prevention and treatment,” said Trudean Haye, Founder & Executive Director of Byrd Cancer Foundation. “This grant allows us to ensure that Black women’s stories, health, and lived realities are included in the data shaping tomorrow’s care. It’s about making sure our voices matter in the fight against cancer.”
Byrd Cancer Foundation’s outreach efforts will include community pop-up events, digital campaigns, and a signature Sip & Sign-Up event planned for early 2026. Local ambassadors and community partners will play a key role in spreading awareness and encouraging eligible women to participate.
Eligible women can enroll by visiting voices.cancer.org and entering the Byrd Cancer Foundation referral code: 2102. After enrollment, participants will complete brief surveys online twice a year.
“This partnership reflects our mission to advance health equity by ensuring that underserved communities are not only reached, but truly represented,” Haye added.
About Byrd Cancer Foundation
Founded in 2023, Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation is a Black-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Philadelphia, PA, dedicated to advancing health equity through cancer education, advocacy, and community engagement. Created in honor of a loved one lost to cancer, the Foundation is committed to closing the gap in cancer health disparities for underserved populations, especially Black and Brown women. Through culturally competent programming and grassroots engagement, Byrd Cancer Foundation empowers communities with life-saving knowledge, advocacy, and support.
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Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation
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Website: www.byrdcancerfoundation.org
