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![Against All Odds Foundation]()
Breast Cancer Awareness · Survivor Support · Community
Against All
Odds Foundation
"Survivors are Warriors that never quit fighting"
— Shirley M. Carter-Powell, Founder
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Lansing, MI and the Tri-county area since 1999.
501c3
Registered Nonprofit
Who We Are
Finding Hope
Against All Odds
Founded in May 1999, Against All Odds Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides an emotional safe haven for breast cancer and other cancer survivors. We do not believe a cancer diagnosis is a death sentence — it is a re-start of your life.
Our mission has expanded to include the underserved community — providing individuals and families with essential needs, personal care items, and up-to-date information on available programs and funding.
Learn More
"Cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence. Sometime God puts our life on pause so that we can re-start."
— Shirley M. Carter-Powell
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Events
Annual walks, luncheons, health fairs and more
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Photo Gallery
Priceless smiles of survivors and community moments
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Newsletter
Monthly updates, stories of hope & resources
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Volunteer
Share your skills and support the community
Featured Initiative
Lillian's "A Free Boutique"
Opened May 2021 at Lansing Mall (old Macy's wing). Free shopping for individuals and families in need. Personal and home essentials. Open by Appointment ONLY!
Request an Appointment
Community
Partners & Sponsors
We're proud to collaborate with these incredible organizations. Thank you for your continued support — together we make a difference!
Interested in becoming a sponsor or partner? Contact us today →
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with the Against All Odds community
Our Story
About Us
Founded May 1999 · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Lansing, Michigan
Founder & President
Meet Our Founder
Shirley M. Carter-Powell
Founder & President · Two-Time Survivor
I am a two-time survivor. Breast cancer has claimed many lives in my family — my grandmother, 2 aunts, and 5 first cousins. Survivors include 1 aunt and 2 first cousins. Now, today, I stand in the gap supporting other survivors in their fight for life — celebrating one day at a time.
Two sisters surviving against the odds. Breast Cancer claimed the lives of their mother and 4 sisters. Bobbie was a two-times breast cancer survivor and Katherine is also a breast cancer survivor — still smiling and encouraging others to never stop fighting.
"We at Against All Odds do not believe that a cancer diagnosis is a death sentence; it is a re-start of your life as you knew it."
Our Mission & History
Founded in May 1999, Against All Odds Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization initially founded to provide an emotional safe haven for breast cancer and other cancer survivors.
Our mission has expanded to include the underserved community. We provide support for their basic needs — providing individuals and families with their essential needs, personal care items, and more.
We serve the underserved population in the Tri-county area and partner with Health Care Providers through our "Passport to Better Health" Symposium, providing up-to-date information on cancer treatments and other diseases.
We support women of all ages, in all stages of breast cancer and other cancers, along with their families — encouraging them to reclaim their lives. There is life after a cancer diagnosis.
🎠 In Memory: Bobbie Jackson
With sadness we report that Bobbie lost her battle to cancer on 9/11/16, after her 4th round of cancer. Cancer of the Stomach claimed her life after 20 months of Chemo. Still we rise at Against All Odds to continue the support of the survivors.
In her honor, we launched the Bobbie Jackson Fund — supporting those still in the battle, for themselves or their children's needs.
The Bobbie Jackson Scholarship Fund
Supporting underserved, low-income cancer patients and survivors. Scholarships available as funding permits.
Funding provided for:
- Co-payment of prescription medication
- Phone bill assistance
- Groceries
- Rides to the doctor
- Clothing for women who lost or gained weight during treatment
Partnerships
Proud Partners & Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors and contributors for their continued support.
Follow Our Journey
Stay connected with our community
Annual Programs
Our Events
Raising awareness · Building community · Celebrating survivors
Against All Odds hosts events throughout the year to raise breast cancer awareness, support survivors, and strengthen our community.
May · Annual
Women of Vision Luncheon
Our signature annual luncheon celebrating women who have demonstrated vision, courage, and leadership in the face of adversity. Platform for the Bobbie Jackson Fund inaugural recipients.
Fundraiser · MayOctober · Annual
Pink & Purple Ride
Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors and Domestic Violence Survivors in a powerful, unified ride that brings the community together in awareness and solidarity.
Awareness · OctoberApril · Annual
Passport to Better Health
Minority Health Awareness Month Health Symposium. Health providers present the latest on cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, depression, lupus, and more.
Health Fair · AprilAnnual Fundraiser
Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Our community-wide annual fundraiser featuring Michigan's best chicken wings. Proceeds support our programs, scholarships, and the Bobbie Jackson Fund.
Fundraiser · AnnualAugust · Annual
Back to School Drive Thru Fest
Annual back-to-school supply drive helping children in our community. Serving underserved families across the Tri-county area.
Community · AugustOctober · ACS Walk
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
AAO Team walks in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Join our team to raise funds and awareness together.
Walk · OctoberDecember · Annual
Christmas Wish Gift Card Giveaway
Annual Christmas Wish providing gift cards to survivors and underserved families. A season of giving that brightens the holidays for those who need it most.
Community · DecemberOngoing · By Appointment
Lillian's Free Boutique
Free shopping for those in need — personal and home essentials. Open to homeless individuals, disabled cancer survivors, and those with basic needs.
By Appointment ONLY
Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Mall Walk
Join us for our signature mall walk honoring survivors. Pre-register now to secure your spot!
Pre-Register on Eventbrite
Stay Updated on Events
Follow us for the latest announcements
Community Moments
Photo Gallery
Priceless smiles of survivors and our community in action
WOV Luncheon Memories
Women of Vision Luncheon
Celebrating the strength, courage, and vision of survivors and community leaders.
Women of Vision Luncheon
Fashion Show
WOV 2014 — Speakers
Women of Vision Luncheon
WOV Luncheon — Community
Against All Odds Info Table
WOV Luncheon — Community Moments
WOV Luncheon — Speaker at MSU
WOV Luncheon — Group Photo
WOV Luncheon — Young Speaker
More Photos on Facebook & Instagram
Visit our social pages for full photo albums
Stay Connected
Monthly Newsletter
Join our community · Receive updates · Be inspired
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Event Updates
First to know about walks, luncheons, health fairs & events
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Survivor Stories
Inspiring stories from warriors in our community
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Health Resources
Latest on cancer treatment, support programs & funding
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Volunteer Calls
Ways to give back and make a real difference
Get in Touch
Contact & Donate
We'd love to hear from you — survivor, volunteer, or donor
