Up to 500 women will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking breast cancer research by donating healthy breast tissue during the All-Star Cure event on July 12 and 13.
The event at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center coincides with the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2025, using the platform to promote vital cancer research initiatives.
The All-Star Cure is a partnership between the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee and the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank, powered by the Catherine Peachey Fund. The event specifically encourages donations from women under 40 and women of color, who are often underrepresented in research.
“Using the global platform of WNBA All-Star to spotlight the need for healthy breast tissue donations can be a game changer for cancer research,” said Tamika Catchings, WNBA legend and event co-chair.
Healthy tissue donations allow researchers to study the differences between normal and cancerous cells, providing critical insights into breast cancer development. Samples from past donations have enabled significant breakthroughs, including the most comprehensive mapping of healthy breast cells to date. These findings have helped researchers better understand variations in breast tissue across different genetic ancestries, ultimately leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Participants in the All-Star Cure event will spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes completing the donation process. This includes filling out a questionnaire, undergoing height and weight measurements, providing a blood sample and receiving a local anesthetic before a small tissue sample, roughly the size of three peas is taken from one breast. Donors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being 18 or older, not having breast implants and not being allergic to local anesthetics.
The event builds on the success of Indy’s Super Cure, a similar initiative held in 2012 during the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. That event attracted nearly 700 women, significantly increasing minority participation, with African Americans comprising 36% of donors and Latinas 7%. Organizers hope to further expand diversity and representation among donors at this year’s event.
“All-Star Cure aims to increase participation from young women and minority populations to answer pressing scientific questions about breast cancer,” said Michele Coté, director of the Komen Tissue Bank.
Women interested in donating must register in advance by visiting the Komen Tissue Bank website or calling 866-763-0047. Confirmed appointments are required. The event will take place at the IU Simon Cancer Center, located at 1030 W. Michigan St. in Indianapolis.
Corporate sponsors such as Eli Lilly and Company have joined the effort to amplify awareness and ensure the success of the All-Star Cure. Coté expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the shared mission of improving patient outcomes.
The AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025, set for July 18 and 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marks the first time Indianapolis will host the league’s midseason showcase. Organizers hope the event’s global visibility will inspire widespread participation in the All-Star Cure, leaving a meaningful legacy beyond the basketball court.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
