Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced a $30,000 donation to the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, a Black tech-based cancer charity dedicated to transforming how cancer is treated and improving outcomes for communities most affected by the disease. The contribution underscores a new national partnership focused on raising awareness and generating critical funding to combat a global health crisis that claims nearly 9 million lives each year.
In recognition of Giving Tuesday and to amplify the impact of the donation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will match new donations made through OraLee.org, including contributions made via custom fundraising pages such as OraLee.org/Alphas. The matching campaign ran through Dec. 2, 2025, with a total match cap of $30,000, offering supporters an opportunity to double their impact during this limited period.
The partnership was formally approved during the fraternity’s most recent Board of Directors meeting, where national leadership voted to support the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation’s mission to raise cancer awareness and fund human clinical trials. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing persistent health disparities and advancing innovative solutions that can save lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer continues to disproportionately affect Black communities. Black men experience a 67% higher incidence rate of prostate cancer compared to White men and are twice as likely to die from the disease. While Black and White women are diagnosed with breast cancer at similar rates, Black women are 40% more likely to die from it. These stark disparities highlight the urgent need for research and treatments designed to improve outcomes for underserved populations.
At the center of the foundation’s work is Laser-Activated Nano-Therapy (LANT), a groundbreaking cancer treatment developed by internationally recognized researcher Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green. LANT is designed to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed, offering a targeted approach that reduces side effects and preserves patient dignity. In preclinical studies, the therapy eliminated tumors in mice within 15 days after a single 10-minute treatment, with no observable side effects.
LANT is being developed as a multi-cancer platform therapy with potential applications for a range of solid tumors, including prostate, breast, colorectal, ovarian, skin, brain, and anal cancers. Dr. Green founded the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation to ensure that this innovative treatment remains accessible and affordable as it advances toward clinical trials.
Through this partnership, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. plans additional initiatives, including educational efforts and an upcoming informational webinar, to further support the foundation’s work. Supporters can learn more and contribute by visiting OraLee.org/Alphas.