About Cancer PALS Foundation
Cancer PALS Foundation exists so no one has to face cancer alone. We bring together patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers, mentors, healthcare neighbors, and community partners to reduce the burden of cancer and improve quality of life for families across Arkansas.
P.A.L.S. stands for Prevention, Advocacy, Lifestyle, and Support — the four pillars that guide our work.
Our mission
The mission of Cancer PALS Foundation is to reduce the burden of cancer on our communities through prevention, advocacy, and education while improving quality of life for patients and families impacted by cancer through compassionate community connections and enhanced access to supportive services and resources.
Our vision
Cancer PALS Foundation envisions a future where communities work together to reduce the burden of cancer through prevention, education, compassionate support, and improved quality of life for every individual and family impacted by cancer.
What P.A.L.S. means
Prevention
We promote education, healthy lifestyle choices, physical activity, screening awareness, and community outreach that help people understand cancer risks and take informed steps toward prevention.
Advocacy
We help connect individuals and families with resources, survivorship support, access-to-care information, workplace and navigation resources, and community partners who can help reduce barriers.
Lifestyle
We support wellness through nutrition education, movement, survivorship rehabilitation, integrative support, emotional wellness, and other quality-of-life resources.
Support
We provide compassionate connection for survivors, caregivers, and families through mentorship, volunteer coordination, resource referrals, caregiver support, and direct quality-of-life assistance when available.
Our core values
Human connection
No one should have to face cancer alone. We believe genuine human connection is one of the strongest sources of hope, comfort, and quality of life. Cancer PALS is committed to walking alongside individuals and families with compassion and dignity.
Empowerment through understanding
Knowledge can bring peace of mind and a greater sense of agency. We share clear, gentle, meaningful information to help people make informed choices about their health, prevention, and well-being.
Community partnerships
Cancer support is strongest when communities work together. We build relationships with local organizations, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, and service providers to create a stronger safety net for families impacted by cancer.
Volunteerism
Volunteers are the heart of Cancer PALS Foundation. Their generosity, time, and compassion turn our mission into practical support, encouragement, and connection.
Our story
Cancer PALS Foundation was founded in January 2026 by Virginia Laliberte, an oncology-certified Nurse Practitioner who saw a need for stronger social and emotional support for patients with advanced cancer.
The Foundation was created to help close that gap through community connection, education, mentorship, advocacy, and supportive services that improve quality of life for patients, survivors, caregivers, and families.
How we work
Cancer PALS Foundation is a community-driven nonprofit built on collaboration and volunteerism. Our work is supported by:
- Board leadership providing oversight, strategy, accountability, and mission guidance.
- Volunteers helping with events, outreach, fundraising, education, administrative support, and patient or caregiver support initiatives.
- Mentors offering peer encouragement, shared understanding, and compassionate connection.
- Community partners expanding access to resources, education, wellness services, referrals, sponsorships, and collaborative programs.
As the Foundation grows, our programs and structure may continue to evolve based on community needs, available resources, and partnership opportunities.
Be part of the mission
Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or are interested in partnering with us, Cancer PALS welcomes you.