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.
Le travail de plaidoyer et de bénévolat de Mme Jackson s'est étendu bien au-delà de ses liens avec la Fondation : elle était une bénévole active dans la communauté de Washington DC, tant à l'intérieur qu'à l'extérieur du continuum des soins de santé. Elle a été présidente du conseil d'administration de Susan G. Komen for the Cure, la plus grande organisation mondiale de lutte contre le cancer du sein. Elle a également été présidente du Conseil interculturel du cancer, dont les efforts se sont concentrés sur l'éducation et la prévention du cancer des minorités. En dehors du domaine des soins de santé, Mme Jackson a été présidente du National Museum of Women in the Arts et présidente de Black Women's Agenda, pour lequel elle a reçu le Community Service Award en 2001 pour son travail visant à faire progresser, sécuriser et protéger la droits des femmes noires confrontées à la pauvreté et/ou au manque d’accès aux opportunités économiques et éducatives.
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.”