U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation

Raising vital funds for cancer research

Events

U CAN-CER VIVE Funds $400K Cancer Research with Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Events, Foundation, News, Press Release

In March of 2024 U CAN-CER-VIVE Foundation awarded Suresh Balasubramanian, M.D., and his team of investigators a $405,315 grant for their continued research, titled “Biological Aging and Mutational/Immunological Signatures as Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Treatment of Hematological Malignancies.”

“Receiving such generous backing from the U CAN-CER VIVE foundation is truly significant. Their consistent support for Michigan Researchers over the past several years has been instrumental in advancing scientific research,” said Dr. Balasubramanian. “This grant will enable us to employ the latest scientific techniques to finetune and validate a new biomarker in different clinical settings, which has the potential to transform the care of our patients.”

Dr. Balasubramanian is a hematologist and medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of clonal hematopoiesis, myelodysplasia, leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. He’s also a member of the Hematology Oncology and Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Teams, and the Molecular Therapeutics (MT) Research Program at Karmanos. He and his team of investigators are exploring the idea of estimating biological age as a better surrogate to determine treatment decisions for certain cancers as opposed to chronological age. Chronological age takes into the number of birthdays a patient has, whereas biological age would help consider various changes that happen in a patient’s body at the tiny level of cells and their parts.

U CAN-CER VIVE is grateful to support cancer research here in Michigan. As a nonprofit that is 100% volunteer based, we are proud to donate 100% of profits raised directly to our cause. Our goal? A CANCER FREE WORLD. Click below to continue reading and to learn more about how our research dollars are in action at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute right here in Detroit, Michigan.

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Our 2023 At A Glance

Events, Foundation

Thank you for a beautiful 2023.

As we close out our 2023 year, we reflect on the strides and accomplishments we have made in the last 365 days. As a nonprofit, our hearts are full knowing that the support of our community continues to shine and provides us with the momentum to continue sharing our mission and vision for the future development in cancer research throughout Michigan and beyond.

This year, we are proud to share that, with your help, we have raised $1.5 Million. WOW. We cannot wait to put these dollars into action within our local Michigan hospitals to help further cancer research and continue making a difference in the world of cancer. Our Mission is to provide vital funds for cancer research to create a cancer free world. Check out what we’ve done this year and cheers to 2 0 2 4!

1,000 Gifts Delivered
The mission of U CAN-CER VIVE is to provide vital funds for cancer research to create a cancer free world. Throughout the year, we host events and opportunities to share the love and show support to those receiving care in our local Michigan hospitals. With the support of our community and through events such as UR My Valentine and Comfy for the Cure, we were able to deliver nearly 1,000 gifts to patients in 2023. Gifts included teddy bears, beanies, blankets, and heartfelt cards to brighten their days!

2024 EVENTS

300 Volunteers Participated
Our volunteers are so important to our foundation. With helping hands, we are able to fuel a bigger mission together. Throughout the year, our volunteers came together to show love and support throughout seven events, raising awareness, representing for a loved one, and coming together as a community to make an impact and a true difference in the world of cancer. Looking to do more in 2024? Become a volunteer with U CAN-CER VIVE!

VOLUNTEER WITH US

$1.5 Million Raised This Year
Upon becoming an official nonprofit foundation in 2016, we have raised over $5 million now, providing funds for cancer research grants annually here in the State of Michigan. This passion toward the fight against cancer stems from the heart and soul of the LaFontaine’s commitment to give back after experiencing the affliction of cancer firsthand… Aiming for a Million Dollar Year each year, we can say that in 2023 we exceeded that. We can’t thank YOU enough for your support, and look forward to putting those dollars into action for 2024!!

OUR MISSION

$560K Research Dollars In Action
In 2023 alone, U CAN-CER VIVE provided nearly $560,000 to support vital cancer research here in our local Michigan hospitals. These dollars helped fund research to the following locations in which various cancer research studies have been conducted:
• Ascension Healthcare – Blood Cancer research
• Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute – Lung Cancer research
• Henry Ford Health System – Breast Cancer research

OUR IMPACT

Drive for the Cure

Events

Sunday, September 21, 2025
from 9 AM – 12 PM

U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation will be hosting another heartfelt and thrilling day for the fifth year in a row. This exclusive event is put on to show our support for the amazing, brave children and adults battling cancer here in Michigan. It’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience at M1 Concourse.

Drive for the Cure is exclusive to a select group of Michigan Cancer Families. Please click below to complete our form if you’re looking to get involved! We look forward to connecting!

INQUIRE TODAY

Here’s how U CAN Support this event. . .

Contribute to our cause. Your donation is greatly appreciated! As always, 100% of profits raised for U CAN-CER VIVE go directly to our cause of raising vital funds for cancer research to create a cancer free world.

MAKE A DONATION

U CAN-CER VIVE Receives Support through Partnership with Belle Isle New Year’s Eve Run

Events, News

U CAN-CER VIVE is proud to announce that through its partnership with the organizers of the Belle Isle New Year’s Even Run, was able to raise nearly $5,000. These funds are greatly needed as U CAN-CER VIVE remains focused on fulfilling our mission and granting much needed funds to our local hospitals and cancer researchers. 

“We are extremely grateful to the organizers for graciously allowing U CAN-CER VIVE to be the benefiting charity for this great Detroit tradition,” said Kelley LaFontaine, co-Founder, U CAN-CER VIVE. “Each dollar raised will go directly toward cancer research happening right in Michigan and allow these dedicated researchers the opportunity to move their research to the next level, ultimately getting closer to a cancer free world.”

The 51st Annual Belle Isle New Year’s Eve Run welcomed nearly 600 participants who chose between the traditional 5k run or a and one-mile option.

“Thanks to each and every one of you who participated, as we are able to use our resources and help this local, complete volunteer-based non-profit in providing grant money for cancer research. All funds and research opportunities stay within the State of Michigan,” said Belle Isle New Year’s Even event organizers. 

FIT FOR THE CURE

Events

7th Annual Fit for the Cure

Saturday, July 26, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00PM
Outdoor Grounds of the Freedom Center Church • Fenton, MI

This event is all about bringing people and businesses together to focus on fighting the war against cancer. Last year was a HUGE success with a *Fan Favorite* TUG-OF-WAR contest that will be expanding this year! With that being said, there will be TWO Adult Categories: Competitive & Just-for-Fun, with ONE kids category!

Create a team of 8 people. They can be from your business, family, friends, or gym! Each team will have an online campaign to raise funds before the event. TWO ways to earn bragging rights: The day of the event, show up in strength and joy to battle for the Tug-of-War trophy or just to have fun. There will also be a trophy awarded to the team who raises the most funds.

The proceeds of this event will go directly to UCANCERVIVE to help fund cancer research, along with supporting a local family affected by cancer.

We look forward to joining together to hear cancer survivor testimonies, engage in a tribute together for all those who have been affected by cancer, and to enjoy the day as one, knowing we are making a difference in the world of cancer. We look forward to uniting as a community!

ECO’s Mission:

Create connections and build relationships in the community as we love God, love people and love to serve. We appreciate their continued support year after year.
Join us for a fun day of raising vital funds for cancer research to create a cancer free world.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

ECO’s mission is to create connections and build relationships in the community as we love God, love people and love to serve. We appreciate their continued support year after year. Join us for a fun day of raising vital funds for cancer research to create a cancer free world.
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U CAN-CER VIVE Valentine’s Day Love Train Delivers Smiles and Support to Children at Hospitals Across Metro Detroit

Events, Foundation

Valentine’s Day is all about love and giving, and U CAN-CER VIVE delivered just that. Kelley and Ryan LaFontaine, founders of U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation, along with their fellow board and committee members, visited children currently receiving cancer treatment at four local hospitals.

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