Dear Friends
My name is Doreen Kaplan, Co-Founder of the United Cancer Foundation and the wife of the original founder, Steve Kaplan. As I write this, I do so not only with profound love and pride, but with the responsibility of continuing a mission that was born out of Steve’s personal battle with cancer—and ultimately shaped by his vision, compassion, and unrelenting drive to help others.
Steve was a man of extraordinary strength and determination. At 62, despite a lifetime of health and fitness, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His story, which he so candidly shared with the world, reflected the shock, fear, and ultimately the resolve that came from facing cancer head-on. His experience led him to ask a simple but life-changing question: “What happens to the people who can’t afford to get screened?” The answer troubled him deeply—and from that moment, the United Cancer Foundation was born.
What followed was not just a recovery—it was a transformation. Steve dedicated himself to creating an organization that offered Health and Hope to those in need: free screenings, medical care, dental and vision services, and vital follow-up support for underserved communities. His dream was bold and compassionate—to bring together volunteers, medical professionals, and nonprofits in one united effort to change lives.
Tragically, in 2022, cancer claimed Steve’s life. He fought with the same courage he encouraged in others, and even in his final days, he remained focused on the mission he had started. His passing left an immeasurable void, but it also lit an enduring flame—one that I am proud to carry forward.
Today, I continue to lead the United Cancer Foundation in honor of Steve. Every initiative, every patient we help, every volunteer we train, and every life we touch is a tribute to him. His story is the foundation of our work, and his passion continues to guide us in every decision we make.
Our mission remains unchanged: to provide health and hope to those who need it most. And now, more than ever, we are committed to ensuring that no one fights cancer alone—because we’ve seen, firsthand, how powerful compassion, access, and early detection can be.
From my heart, thank you for supporting this cause and helping keep Steve’s legacy alive.
With gratitude,
Doreen Kaplan
Co-Founder
United Cancer Foundation