In the vibrant heart of the Alaska State Fair, where the air buzzes with excitement and the spirit of community thrives, there stands an exceptional Changemaker: Kelly Larson. Serving as the Senior Director of Community and Corporate Partnerships, Kelly has dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to weaving robust ties between the fair, community relations, and corporate partnerships. Her unwavering commitment to bringing meaningful events to life has made her indispensable, especially in the realm of health awareness and promotion.
Recently, Kelly played a pivotal role in orchestrating the first cancer screening day at the state fair in collaboration with the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation (AIOF). Fueled by a desire to normalize cancer screenings and make preventative care accessible and engaging, her efforts have set a new precedent in community health initiatives. Kelly’s vision went beyond screenings; it was about sparking conversations, raising awareness, and instilling a sense of normalcy around cancer screening. By removing barriers of cost and convenience and incorporating this vital health check into the fabric of a community event, Kelly helped create a ripple effect of awareness across Alaska.
Kelly’s personal connection to cancer, with several family members having battled various forms of the disease, fuels her passion. She understands, perhaps better than most, the heart-wrenching realities of cancer, and this drives her to make a tangible difference. The success of the screening day was measured not just in the number of attendees but in the conversations sparked, the lives potentially saved, and the normalization of cancer screenings in everyday settings.
Looking ahead, Kelly’s plans to enhance future events at the fair are ambitious. She envisions more screenings and partnerships, expanding the footprint of health awareness. Despite the exhaustive nature of such endeavors, Kelly finds solace and recharge in Alaska’s natural beauty, enjoying activities like hiking, boating, skiing, and spending quality time with her family.
Kelly Larson’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when passion and purpose align. Her work epitomizes the fair’s ethos of community and engagement, making a profound difference in the lives of Alaskans. Her efforts are not just about organizing events but about weaving hope, health, and happiness into the very fabric of community life.
