American Indian Cancer Foundation Announces New Board of Directors Members

The American Indian Cancer Foundation, a national nonprofit committed to eliminating cancer and its impact on American Indian families, has announced the new members that will join its board of directors in October 2014: Andrew Adams III, JD (Muscogee Nation), Bret R. Benally Thompson, MD (White Earth Ojibwe), Mary Fairbanks, DNP (White Earth Ojibwe), Mark Fox, JD (Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nations), Margo Gray (Osage Nation), Samuel A. Moose, MTAG (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Kalina Newmark (Sahtu Dene First Nations).  These individuals bring an impressive set of energy, passion, partnerships and skills to the board that will help the foundation advance its mission. In addition to their service with the American Indian Cancer Foundation, the new members serve in many professional and volunteer capacities devoted to improving and strengthening American Indian communities.

The AICAF Board of Directors is made up of 12 American Indian leaders from across the United States.  The seven founding board of directors who successfully launched this foundation have served their maximum terms.  The current board of directors led the process to identify and elect new board members to join the AICAF board of directors and guide the next phase of the organization’s development.

“We are so honored to welcome the new additions to the American Indian Cancer Foundation Board of Directors.  Their individual and combined dedication and service to serving American Indian communities are well known and respected across the nation.  Their drive is just what we need as we work to expand our capacity to address cancer issues in American Indian communities across the country” said Kristine Rhodes, executive director of the American Indian Cancer Foundation.

The US has celebrated declining rates of cancer mortality over the past two decades, yet American Indians face increasing cancer mortality compared to other populations.

Today, many American Indians face alarming inequities in cancer incidence and mortality. Cancer rates vary by tribe, region, and gender.  But according to a 2014 American Journal of Public Health special issue, cancer is now the No. 1 cause of death for American Indian men and women in many states and for all American Indian women in the United States.

The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to address the tremendous cancer burden faced by American Indians.  Its mission is to eliminate the cancer burdens on American Indian families through education, prevention, early detection, treatment and survivor support.  AICAF supports transformational interventions that engage communities in the discovery of best practices.  AICAF believes that communities possess the wisdom to discover the solutions to effectively address challenges but are often looking for resources and support.  The American Indian Cancer Foundation strives to be a partner trusted by tribes and organizations working toward effective and sustainable cancer solutions.

For more information: www.AmericanIndianCancer.org