Hope Scarves rallies support as cancer research funding faces cuts, uncertainty

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Advocates say lives hang in the balance as federal cancer research funding faces an uncertain future, prompting local nonprofits to take action.

Lara MacGregor was 30 and seven months pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. A box of scarves sent by a friend of a friend — along with a simple note that read “you can do this” — inspired her to launch Hope Scarves, a nonprofit that has since sent more than 41,000 scarves to patients around the world.

Seven years after her initial diagnosis, MacGregor’s cancer returned and was deemed terminal. After her passing at age 45 in Jan. 2022, close friend Anna Laura Edwards became executive director of Hope Scarves.

“Lara showed us how to hold joy and fear in the same hand at the same time,” Edwards said.

Hope Scarves is hosting its Colors of Courage fundraiser at Mellwood Art Center on Sept. 19 to support breast cancer research. The organization helps women with terminal cancer receive treatment in Louisville, eliminating the need to travel to other cities.

“Research is so critical, and the cuts that our research institutions are facing right now affect and impact everybody,” Edwards said.

The Trump administration previously proposed an $18 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health. While Congress rejected the full cut, advocates say the threat to funding remains.

“We started with a cut of about 40% nationally for federal cancer research funding initiatives that goes through Congress,” said Doug Hogan with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Where we are now is we’re up almost to even levels over last year.”

He encourages people to sign an American Cancer Society's petition to tell Congress "cancer research funding isn't optional."

Still, Hogan said some projects have ended early or experienced delays in funding distribution.

Congress has just over a week to pass the 2026 budget. In the meantime, MacGregor’s legacy continues through the work of Hope Scarves.

“I hope she’s smiling down on us,” Edwards said.

Families can learn more about the organization and its mission at www.hopescarves.org.

Previous coverage:

Founder of Louisville nonprofit Hope Scarves dies at 45

Louisville cancer patient wants public to 'rethink pink' this October

UofL Health doctors highlight importance of FDA's updated mammogram regulations