Prevent Cancer Foundation remembers board member emeritus Alexine Clement Jackson

Alexine Jackson and Dr. Aaron “Jack” Jackson at the 2006 Prevent Cancer Foundation (formerly the Cancer Research & Prevention Foundation) annual Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ian Wagreich)

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of cancer advocate, volunteer and Foundation board member emeritus Alexine C. Jackson. Ms. Jackson died on August 2, 2023.

A 23-year breast cancer survivor, Ms. Jackson was a firm believer in the power of cancer prevention, early detection and quality health care across all populations. Her relationship with the Foundation began in 1989, when she served as the national president of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of the USA. The Foundation and the “YW” collaborated on the Foundation’s first outreach program, Project Awareness. Ms. Jackson joined the Foundation’s board of directors in 1995.

Ms. Jackson’s advocacy and volunteer work extended far beyond her ties to the Foundation—she was an active volunteer in the Washington D.C. community both inside and outside the health care continuum. She was the chair of the board of directors of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. She also served as chairperson of the Intercultural Cancer Council, with efforts focused on minority cancer education and prevention. Outside of the health care space, Ms. Jackson was the former chair of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and president of Black Women’s Agenda, in which she was awarded the Community Service Award in 2001 for her work advancing, securing and protecting the rights of Black women facing poverty and/or a lack of access to economic and educational opportunity.

Ms. Jackson was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Aaron “Jack” Jackson, who was a physician, teacher and surgeon at Howard University Hospital. Dr. Jackson generously supported the Foundation’s efforts and the two attended our annual events together before he died of prostate cancer. Ms. Jackson’s dedication to the Foundation remained unwavering following his death—she continued to support the Foundation’s work through her role as an emeritus member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“Alexine Jackson exemplified what it meant to serve the community,” said Carolyn “Bo” Aldigé, Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, who forged the relationship with Ms. Jackson in the early 90s. “We will miss our dear friend and her spirit of generosity that inspired us all at the Foundation to work toward creating a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all.”