Funding the future
The people and partners behind The Cancer Bucket Mission.
The Cancer Bucket Foundation
Our Purpose
The Cancer Bucket is a non-profit organization based in Story County, IA, formed by stage 4 melanoma survivor Jordan Hauck, Dermatologist Dr. Leslie Christenson, and skin cancer survivor Megan Burt. Our mission is deeply rooted in the belief that focused research and awareness are critical for advancing treatment options for melanoma, one of the most prominent and potentially dangerous forms of cancer, while also promoting prevention of melanoma and skin cancer.
Since our beginning in 2022, the Cancer Bucket Foundation has raised over $28,000 to support research for new melanoma treatments through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement. A key part of our fundraising and awareness efforts is our annual Safe in the Sun 5K/10K run, held each spring in Ames, IA. This event bring our community together to raise funds and awareness for melanoma research and skin cancer prevention.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Cancer Bucket Foundation is governed by a dedicated volunteer board of directors, including a medical professional, and skin cancer and melanoma survivors. Together, we are committed to preventing and fighting melanoma, and to supporting research that can change the future of cancer treatment.
In addition to funding research for melanoma, we recognize the historic importance of medical breakthroughs that have stemmed from melanoma specifically. Many of the immunotherapies used today on multiple types of cancers, originated, and were first approved from clinical trials on metastatic melanoma. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy, such as Yervoy and Opdivo—first approved for metastatic melanoma—have revolutionized cancer treatment, increasing the life expectancy of cancer patients across various types of cancers. By supporting melanoma research, we are also contributing to the foundation of improved treatment options for many other cancers.
Leadership
Meet Jordan Hauck, Founder of the Cancer Bucket Foundation
Jordan Hauck is a two-time survivor of stage 4 melanoma, and his personal cancer journey serves as the foundation of his mission of giving and to make a difference. In 2013, melanoma entered Jordan’s life, first affecting his lymph nodes and later spreading to his lungs and liver. In 2023, melanoma returned when a lymph node in his back tested positive for the disease. Despite steep odds, Jordan triumphed thanks to a clinical trial at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, under the care of melanoma specialist, Dr. Mohammad Milhem.
Inspired by his firsthand experience, Jordan founded The Cancer Bucket Foundation to raise awareness and support for others experience similar challenges with melanoma and skin cancer. His mission includes promoting skin cancer prevention, raising funds for melanoma research, and helping others avoid the challenges he faced. Motivated by his experience, in 2019 Jordan established a sun-protective clothing line, Crown Cover, which also supports his mission to support individuals battling skin cancer.
To-date, Jordan and the other founders have organized two successful Safe in the Sun 5K/10K runs in Ames, IA, and raising over $28,000 for melanoma research through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.
Meet Dr. Leslie J. Christenson, MD
Dr. Leslie J. Christenson is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon. She completed her medical school and dermatology residency at the University of Iowa, followed by a skin cancer research fellowship and a procedural
dermatology and cutaneous oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. After several years on
staff at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Christenson went on to establish and develop the Mohs Surgery department at McFarland Clinic.
dermatology and cutaneous oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. After several years on
staff at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Christenson went on to establish and develop the Mohs Surgery department at McFarland Clinic.
Dr. Christenson has a strong passion for the science and medicine of all skin cancers, with a particular focus on melanoma. Her deep compassion for how skin cancer impacts patients drives her commitment to guiding them toward the best treatment plans to minimize the disease’s impact on their lives.
As one of the founders of the Safe in the Sun Run, Dr. Christenson saw the opportunity to combine her expertise in skin cancer with her desire to promote education on prevention and raise funds for melanoma research. She is dedicated to advancing prevention, detection, and treatment options for skin cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes.
Impact on others
Become the catalyst of change and connect with how your efforts support a new beginning.
We can embrace hope for our daughter and those that fight after and its all thanks to organizations like Cancer Bucket.
Annabelle G.
Funds like this are what gave me a second chance at life and a new meaning to be an ambassador for others.
Jordan H.
Knowing that people will be able to benefit and have a better quality of life because of this research is so heartwarming.
Stephanie M.
FILL SOMEONES BUCKET TODAY
Select an amount below and you will be connected with a donation link that allows you to Fill Someone’s Bucket today and help them on their cancer journey. This funding provides hope and is directly donated to research for new and alternative cures.