Dr. Yolanda Sanchez, director and CEO of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, presented details about the upcoming Cancer Challenge Campaign to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on August 28. Board member Brian Rule introduced Sanchez and spoke about his family’s positive experiences with the center, noting their gratitude for its support and expertise.
Sanchez described the annual Cancer Challenge event, now in its ninth year, scheduled for September 20. The event features a bike ride, walk, run, and stair climbing activities that aim to bring the community together in support of the cancer center.
Sanchez emphasized the importance of community participation: "The center is urging the community to walk along, run along, and bike along with them, so that they can tell them about the great things that are going on in the cancer center."
She explained that participants in the Lobo Cancer Challenge—referred to as “Challengers”—can select which program they want their fundraising efforts to support. "100% of the funds that challengers raise go directly to the program that means the most to them in the fight against cancer," Sanchez said.
The Cancer Challenge supports 20 programs considered vital to providing quality cancer care across New Mexico. Examples include financial assistance for patients traveling from outside Albuquerque for treatment, funding pilot research projects focused on prevention and treatment strategies relevant to New Mexicans, organizing community outreach events on prevention and screening statewide, and supporting educational opportunities in cancer research for students at various levels.
In 2024, participation included 1,704 Challengers forming 83 teams alongside 72 sponsors. Together they raised $652,000—a record amount—to help unite against cancer in New Mexico.
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Chairman Peter Lorenz acknowledged these achievements: "GACC Chairman Peter Lorenz congratulated the UNM Comprehensive Center on its years of success with the Cancer Challenge Campaign and Dr. Sanchez on her impressive work since arriving at the Center two years ago."
