All-Star Cure Weekend Drives Breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Research

In a powerful fusion of sports, science, and solidarity, 400 women came together on July 12-13, 2025, to donate healthy breast tissue at the All-Star Cure event. This unprecedented research initiative was hosted by the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (Komen Tissue Bank or KTB) and powered by the Catherine Peachey Fund. Hosted at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center, the All-Star Cure became a milestone in advancing breast cancer research and connecting with the community, coinciding with the excitement of Indianapolis’s first WNBA All-Star Game.

Unlike most tissue banks that collect samples from those already diagnosed with cancer, the Komen Tissue Bank is the only one in the world that collects healthy breast tissue from people with no signs of breast cancer. These samples are essential for researchers to understand how breast cancer begins, how it differs across populations, and how to develop more effective, personalized treatments.

Dr. Michele Côté, director of the KTB, emphasized the global significance –“We are thrilled that 400 women literally gave a piece of themselves to further breast cancer research here at Indiana University and across the globe.”

This year’s All-Star Cure focused on diversifying the tissue bank’s samples. Of the 400 donors, 40 percent were under age 40 and 34 percent were women of color—helping researchers better understand how breast cancer affects different communities and ensuring future breakthroughs are inclusive and equitable.

Behind every donor was a team of volunteers who made the experience seamless, safe, and empowering. Komen Tissue Bank staff, community members, and students guided participants through the donation process, answered questions, and offered comfort and encouragement. Their presence transformed a clinical procedure into a moment of connection and care.

Volunteers from Eli Lilly and Company, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, and other local organizations helped create a welcoming environment filled with thoughtful touches:

• Relaxation stations and heartfelt hospitality
• Refreshments from Tea’s Me Café, owned by Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever legend and 2011 WNBA MVP
• Photo booths and keepsakes to celebrate each donor’s contribution
• Event funding and sponsorship from The Catherine Peachey Fund, Eli Lilly and Company, the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, Republic Airways, Chu and Chan Foundation, IU Indianapolis, Azenta Life Sciences, Hologic, IU Health, Karen Gentleman & Michael McCarty 

Ms. Catchings, who first donated tissue during the 2012 Indy’s Super Cure initiative, returned to contribute once again. Reflecting on the experience, she shared that giving back felt just as meaningful this time, especially knowing the disproportionate impact breast cancer has on minoritized women and the importance of leading by example.

The All-Star Cure was designed as a legacy project by the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, demonstrating how major sporting events can drive lasting community impact. Leaders from Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the KTB emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for public participation in research and health equity.

Building on the momentum of past initiatives like Indy’s Super Cure, this year’s event reinforced Indianapolis’ reputation as a hub for innovative, community-centered research.

Tissue collected at All-Star Cure will be used by scientists across the globe to study how breast cancer develops, how it can be prevented, and how treatments can be targeted to different populations. For many donors, the experience was deeply personal—an act of hope, remembrance, and empowerment.

As one participant shared: “I came to honor my mom, who passed from breast cancer. It felt healing to know my tissue might help someone else’s mom survive.”

The All-Star Cure proved that when community, compassion, and research come together, the results are transformative. From every tissue sample to every volunteer smile, this event was a testament to the power of collective action, and a reminder that the fight against breast cancer is one we all share.

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