The annual Race for the Cure MN takes place at Viking Lakes in Eagan. Photo: Matt Boom
Stillwater’s Alicia Gordon Macalus leads Susan G. Komen in Minnesota.
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, somewhere in this world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 14 seconds. The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer. With statistics like these, it’s difficult to find a person who hasn’t been affected by the disease in some way or another.
Stillwater resident Alicia Gordon Macalus has been working in the nonprofit sector since 2008 and is well versed in the ins and outs of fundraising events and community engagement. Since 2022, Gordon Macalus has served as Minnesota State executive director for Susan G. Komen, a national breast cancer organization.
Alicia Gordon Macalus walks beside Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the 2024 Race for the Cure. Photo: Susan G. Komen Events
“When it comes to women’s health initiatives, I’ve always been passionate about awareness and moving the needle with research,” Gordon Macalus says. Her role at the organization allows her to connect community donors, sponsors and volunteers in Minnesota to the cause.
The mission of the organization is to save lives with breakthrough research for preventing and curing breast cancer. Its vision is a world without breast cancer. In addition to research, Komen focuses on patients, survivors and their families as a whole—to provide care, community and action, too. Through fundraising efforts, like the annual Race for the Cure, the foundation continues to rally for the breast cancer community.
As a runner, hiker and community leader, Gordon Macalus thrives at events like Race for the Cure. Held at Viking Lakes in Eagan, thousands gather every May to support and honor. “It’s a great sense of community,” Gordon Macalus says. “We have a lot of survivors and their families, and when they come out, they’re surrounded by others who are experiencing similar things. They’re not alone.”
Swathed in shades of pink, participants walk or run the 3.1 mile course. Volunteers, visitors, coaches and more provide encouragement and generate excitement during the event. Everyone is welcome.
Strength in Community
Alicia Gordon Macalus credits much of her strength and success to her neighbors. “Stillwater is an amazing community. It has a small town feel with a lot of committed and passionate people,” she says. “This is a great philanthropic community, and people want to give back with their time and energy.”
The area also provides natural respite. “I love being out on the trails—it’s one of the reasons living in St. Croix Valley is so wonderful,” Gordon Macalus says.
Visit komen.org to volunteer, raise funds, donate or participate in the Race for the Cure on May 10—each step is a step toward a cancer-free world.
Susan G. Komen
agordonmacalus@komen.org
Facebook: Susan G. Komen
Instagram: @susangkomen
