CCOLQ board members and officers, Left to right: 

Tracy Tinguee, Board Member, Edith Gee Jones, VP, CCOLQ, Nedra Jasper Alcorn, Board Member, LaKenya Collins, Treasurer, Beverly Joy Victorianne, Board Member, Kathleen McKinney Franks, Board Member, Linda Barry Sevalia, President, Taylor Collins, Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sven Davisson, LCRC CAO, Deborah Reeder, LCRC CFO, Seanne Falconer, Executive Director, Tulane Cancer Center, Ryan Graffagnini, LCRC Controller

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Everyone is affected by cancer either directly or indirectly, so when an organization embraces cancer research as a fundraising goal, its members rally in support. 

It is a simple and meaningful way to unite their membership around a cause that touches so many lives.

Organizations are expanding their commitment to the Louisiana Cancer  Research Center’s (LCRC) mission by undertaking fundraising drives that make it easy for members to donate. It offers a cause they believe in, raises the organization’s visibility, and sets a standard of civic-mindedness for future generations. 

For the past several years, The Crescent City OLQ Charitable Organization (CCOLQ), the non-profit foundation of the Omicron Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has raised thousands of dollars in support of the LCRC through member events and individual contributions. 

CCOLQ’s October 2025 fundraiser, “On the Heels of Hope: Strike Out Cancer Bowling Fundraiser,” raised $10,000 for the Louisiana Cancer Research Center.

“Our partnership with the Louisiana Cancer Research Center has allowed us to extend our impact in addressing critical health issues,” said Linda B. Sevalia, President of the CCOLQ Charitable Organization. “Cancer, in particular, has touched the lives of us all, and through our continued support, we hope to bring awareness, resources, and hope to those affected by this disease.”

LCRC Chief Administrative Officer Sven Davisson said that the funds will be utilized by the Center’s Office of Community Engagement to support cancer prevention events throughout Louisiana. “The Louisiana Cancer Research Center’s 300+ member scientists are doing vital work at institutions across the state to advance the fight against cancer, while our many community partners are in the field, educating Louisianans about cancer screenings, clinical trials, and resources by presenting town halls, webinars, and informational events.  The CCOLQ’s donation will go toward supporting these worthy efforts to raise individual awareness of cancer risk,” Davisson said.

CCOLQ’s efforts demonstrate the power of collective giving and set a strong example for the organization's younger members.  For example, Taylor Collins, a first-year MD MPH candidate at LSU Health Sciences Center, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) works at the LCRC building as a Clinical Trials Coordinator for the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center.  She supports the TMIST Study (EA1151) that aims to update the standard of care for breast cancer mammography screening to ensure all women have access to effective breast cancer prevention. In her role, Taylor obtains consent from women who enroll in the study, conveys the importance of early detection, and collects data from each of their mammogram visits. 

Taylor’s dedication to community service was influenced by her mother, LaKenya Collins, who is also a member of AKA and Treasurer for CCOLQ. “Growing up, I looked up to my mother and the women in her circle as inspirations and my biggest role models. A lot of those women happened to be in AKA and shared common values in professional success through education, civic responsibility, volunteerism, and fostering meaningful relationships to build strength in their community,” Taylor said.

Tuesday, December 2, is Giving Tuesday—a special day when organizations, employer groups, and individuals can unite to support the Louisiana Cancer Research Center’s work to reduce the burden of cancer in Louisiana. Join us in making a meaningful difference. Click here to make your donation.

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