Empowering our employees to give back to their communities in unique and meaningful ways is just what our volunteer movement, Team Exact Sciences, is all about.
Move With Purpose, a Team Exact Sciences initiative, encourages team members to get physically active while getting involved. For select events throughout the year, Exact Sciences covers the entry fees for employees.
Over 160 Exact Sciences employees, along with their family and friends, participated in a Move With Purpose event in 2024. In total, the group raised over $4,500 in donations for Move With Purpose events.
“Our Move with Purpose initiative is a great way for our employees to come together to fight cancer in a way that is impacting our communities,” says Kelsey Hendrickson, Senior Personal Trainer at Exact Sciences. In the workplace, “it has increased engagement, strengthened our company culture, and has created a sense of ownership and accountability amongst employees.”
Looking ahead to 2025, “I am most excited about our growth and getting more and more teammates to participate and get out into our communities. This initiative started with one event and has grown into seven events across the US,” Hendrickson says.
In 2024, employees took part in Move With Purpose events in these Exact Sciences communities:
For: Susan G. Komen®
Recap: Collecting over $320,000 in donations, walkers gathered in October to explore the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens in support of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.
"The walk was an incredible experience,” says Jenn Sanchez, HR Advisor. “It was great to see so many people come together to support a great cause and feel empowered by the community spirit.”
For: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Recap: Helping the foundation reach their lifesaving goal of helping to advance a cure for cystic fibrosis, participants in this May 5K walk raised over $29,000.
“Participating allowed me to raise awareness and raise funds for this disorder that impacts a significant portion of our population,” says Connie Schultz, Senior Specialist Lab Genetic Counselor. “It was great to be out connecting with these people that are so important to me while hopefully making a difference and supporting the real stars: individuals and families who conquer cystic fibrosis every single day.”
For: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Recap: Walkers gathered at the start of a 2-mile route in August at Cancer Survivors Park to ”walk loud” in support of Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The over $50,000 donated will go towards the organization’s life-saving programs to screen, care, and cure colorectal cancer.
“I have someone very close to me that colorectal cancer has affected, which is why I chose to participate,” says Tammy Halloran, Guest Experience Specialist. “Just listening to patients’ stories and hearing how some of them used the Cologuard® test to screen makes me feel more connected to my team and our company mission.”
For: American Cancer Society
Recap: Nearly $1,000,000 was raised during this walk in Tempe Beach Park. Over 40,000 participants gathered to get active and support American Cancer Society’s lifesaving breast cancer research and commitment to advancing health equity through essential programs and services.
“I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event and have the chance to meet people,” says Louri Christie, Associate Director, Pre-Analytical Laboratory – Molecular Residual Disease. “It was amazing to see so many people come together on one mission and walk together. There were so many people dressed in pink!”
What: Walk to End Colon Cancer
For: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Recap: Walkers convened at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in November for a 3-mile stroll to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Participants raised over 3,000 to help Colorectal Cancer Alliance deliver support to patients, families, caregivers, and survivors of colorectal cancer.
“Walk to End Colon Cancer is directly tied to our mission at Exact Sciences, providing a fantastic venue to meet and talk with others who have been affected by colorectal cancer,” says Belinda Baron, Vice President, Laboratory Operations. “It's incredible how these walks bring together a diverse group of people to support such an amazing organization.”
Move With Purpose, a Team Exact Sciences initiative, encourages team members to get physically active while getting involved. For select events throughout the year, Exact Sciences covers the entry fees for employees.
Over 160 Exact Sciences employees, along with their family and friends, participated in a Move With Purpose event in 2024. In total, the group raised over $4,500 in donations for Move With Purpose events.
“Our Move with Purpose initiative is a great way for our employees to come together to fight cancer in a way that is impacting our communities,” says Kelsey Hendrickson, Senior Personal Trainer at Exact Sciences. In the workplace, “it has increased engagement, strengthened our company culture, and has created a sense of ownership and accountability amongst employees.”
Looking ahead to 2025, “I am most excited about our growth and getting more and more teammates to participate and get out into our communities. This initiative started with one event and has grown into seven events across the US,” Hendrickson says.
In 2024, employees took part in Move With Purpose events in these Exact Sciences communities:
Madison, Wis.
What: UW Carbone Race for Research
For: UW Health Carbone Cancer Center
Recap: Participants in this June 5K race raised over $40,000 to support the Carbone Cancer Center’s commitment to defeating cancer in Wisconsin and around the world through the rapid application of groundbreaking research, prevention, and treatment.
“I appreciate Exact Sciences’ commitment to employee well-being,” says Vice President, Genetics, Melanie Hayward. “This event raises money for an important cause, cancer research, and takes place in a beautiful setting, University Ridge Golf Course. An added bonus is you get to see Bucky and hear the UW Band!”
What: Gilda’s Run/Walk
For: Gilda’s Club Madison
Recap: Gilda’s Club Madison uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. In October, runners and walkers raised over $100,000 in support of Gilda’s Club’s mission.
“Exact Sciences and Gilda’s Club both have goals to positively impact those who could be or have been affected by cancer,” says Brittany Melah, Supervisor, Research Project Manager. “It was great to support both causes and to be included in Team Exact Sciences!”
Redwood City, Calif.
What: Bay Area More Than Pink WalkFor: Susan G. Komen®
Recap: Collecting over $320,000 in donations, walkers gathered in October to explore the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens in support of Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.
"The walk was an incredible experience,” says Jenn Sanchez, HR Advisor. “It was great to see so many people come together to support a great cause and feel empowered by the community spirit.”
Marshfield, Wis.
What: Great Strides WalkFor: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Recap: Helping the foundation reach their lifesaving goal of helping to advance a cure for cystic fibrosis, participants in this May 5K walk raised over $29,000.
“Participating allowed me to raise awareness and raise funds for this disorder that impacts a significant portion of our population,” says Connie Schultz, Senior Specialist Lab Genetic Counselor. “It was great to be out connecting with these people that are so important to me while hopefully making a difference and supporting the real stars: individuals and families who conquer cystic fibrosis every single day.”
San Diego, Calif.
What: Walk to End Colon CancerFor: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Recap: Walkers gathered at the start of a 2-mile route in August at Cancer Survivors Park to ”walk loud” in support of Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The over $50,000 donated will go towards the organization’s life-saving programs to screen, care, and cure colorectal cancer.
“I have someone very close to me that colorectal cancer has affected, which is why I chose to participate,” says Tammy Halloran, Guest Experience Specialist. “Just listening to patients’ stories and hearing how some of them used the Cologuard® test to screen makes me feel more connected to my team and our company mission.”
Phoenix, Ariz.
What: Making Strides Against Breast CancerFor: American Cancer Society
Recap: Nearly $1,000,000 was raised during this walk in Tempe Beach Park. Over 40,000 participants gathered to get active and support American Cancer Society’s lifesaving breast cancer research and commitment to advancing health equity through essential programs and services.
“I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event and have the chance to meet people,” says Louri Christie, Associate Director, Pre-Analytical Laboratory – Molecular Residual Disease. “It was amazing to see so many people come together on one mission and walk together. There were so many people dressed in pink!”
What: Walk to End Colon Cancer
For: Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Recap: Walkers convened at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in November for a 3-mile stroll to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Participants raised over 3,000 to help Colorectal Cancer Alliance deliver support to patients, families, caregivers, and survivors of colorectal cancer.
“Walk to End Colon Cancer is directly tied to our mission at Exact Sciences, providing a fantastic venue to meet and talk with others who have been affected by colorectal cancer,” says Belinda Baron, Vice President, Laboratory Operations. “It's incredible how these walks bring together a diverse group of people to support such an amazing organization.”
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