ABOUT US
Since its founding in April 2025, Cancer Can Suck a Cactus is creating a community that empowers and enables exercise to tell cancer it can suck a cactus.
OUR MISSION
At Cancer Can Suck a Cactus, we are creating a community that empowers and enables exercise—because research has shown that cancer hates exercise. We believe in supporting survivors, promoting participation, funding scientific research, and spreading awareness.
OUR VALUES
Participation
You don’t need to be the fastest or strongest—you just need to show up for yourself. Start slow, stay consistent—you’ve got this! To help you stay motivated, we’re launching a 12-week exercise raffle leading up to race day (November 2). Details coming soon!
Support
We’ve built a virtual community that connects people worldwide, offering encouragement and solidarity—no matter where you are. Cancer is expensive, and financial barriers shouldn’t stop survivors from joining our events. We offer free race registration to those that need a helping hand—just reach out to chemoday10k@gmail.com for a free registration code, no application required. Looking ahead, we aspire to provide athletic apparel for cancer survivors to further support their journey.
Scientific Funding & Research
We champion cancer research through fundraising while making it fun—expect exciting raffle prizes in the 8 weeks leading up to race day through September & October. Knowledge is power: We share evidence-based cancer exercise recommendations. Follow us on Instagram @cancercansuckacactus for bite-sized science insights, or check out the upcoming resources section on our website for deeper learning.
Rooted in Reality
Exercise alone won’t cure or prevent cancer—but it reduces cancer risk and helps manage side effects. Always follow your prescribed treatments and take your meds!

You can exercise and still get cancer. It happened to our founder. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and winning the cancer lottery is never fair. However, studies have associated being physically fit before diagnosis to reduced progression and mortality rates.

Didn't exercise before your diagnosis? Here’s the good news: You didn’t cause your cancer, AND starting now brings immense benefits—it’s never too late.
OUR FOUNDER
Erinn Needham

Erinn Needham, President, Founder, Executive Director, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer while breastfeeding her 10-month-old daughter on September 1, 2021. From September to December 2021, she received 6 rounds of chemo... (Read More)

OUR BOARD
  • Erinn Needham
    President, Founder, Executive Director
    Erinn is the voice and inspiration behind Cancer Can Suck a Cactus. As a cancer survivor, Erinn began distance running during her treatment to maintain both her mental and physical health. Turning a wild idea into reality, Erinn decided to run a 10k to her final scheduled chemo infusion in December 2022 - the start of Cancer Can Suck a Cactus' annual road race. Three years later, Erinn's growing exercise community and supporters inspired her to formalize her brand, and Cancer Can Suck A Cactus became an official non-profit.

    A self-proclaimed science nerd, she holds a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering—because she fell in love with research while studying breast cancer metastasis in the lab. Now, she spends her days in R&D, developing new diagnostic tests for pets. Most recently, she helped launch a first-of-its-kind early detection lymphoma blood test for dogs.

    Favorite running attire? Anything rainbow tie-dye!

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  • Anna Uretsky
    Treasurer, Founding Member
    Anna is a former D1 track and field athlete (sprinter) for UMass Amherst, where she met Cancer Can Suck a Cactus founder Erinn!!! She's a mom of 3 & a footwear aficionado, whose alter ego may be a mobster who slings shoes.... If you ever want a gait analysis or some footwear industry news, she's your girl!

    Fun Fact: Erinn & Anna bonded over their mutual dislike of long distance running in college, and NOW they bond over their mutual love of long distance running! Seriously, college Erinn & Anna would be shocked.

    Anna hopes to run a 50K by 40 years old would love people to join her on the journey!

    Favorite post-run treat? BEER! ...ideally a Hazy Ipa!
  • Elizabeth Miller
    Secretary, Founding Member
    Inspired by her lifelong friend and Cancer Can Suck a Cactus founder, Elizabeth was eager to join our board to help Erinn build our cancer fighting community and encourage more people to exercise. Elizabeth began running on her middle school's cross country team and has maintained her love of running into adulthood. As a mother of three young children, prioritizing her exercise is important, so Elizabeth usually gets her workout done first thing in the morning. Her greatest athletic achievement is climbing all of Colorado's 14ers in five years. Elizabeth studied public relations at Syracuse University and is a communications professional.

    Favorite running fuel? Pasta. Always pasta!


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