SPOTLIGHT: Susan Ahlquist

Spotlight

Susan Ahlquist (right) with Kevin Conroy at the dedication of David’s memorial at the Exact Sciences office in Rochester, Minn.

Susan Ahlquist

The Ahlquist Family’s passion for prevention

BY SUSAN AHLQUIST

My passion for cancer prevention and early detection stems from many places. Diagnosed at stage 4, my sister Robin died of breast cancer at age 35. At that time, mammography did not pick it up—I’m grateful so much has changed with screening technology in the years since her death.

My late husband, Dr. David Ahlquist, spent his life working on early cancer detection, including his co-creation of Cologuard, an at-home option for colorectal cancer screening. My life has been immersed in his vision to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, and I have the privilege and good fortune of watching dedicated, smart people strive to make this a reality.

Philanthropy—in its many forms—gives us a chance to “do something.” Continuing my involvement with the Foundation has allowed me to personally honor David’s memory and work with an organization that responds to issues important to me, such as the unacceptable discrepancies and inequities in health justice that impede access to lifesaving care.

As donors, we have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the organizations we support—to be able to articulate their missions and priorities and to