Changemaker Spotlight: Wendy CarpenterAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / April 24, 2026 Wendy Carpenter is a force of nature in Alaska’s health landscape — a Wisconsin transplant with a big laugh, an even bigger heart, and a mission to make preventive care fun, accessible, and judgment-free.Originally from Wisconsin, Wendy brings Midwest warmth and a Packers fan’s loyalty to everything she does (she proudly owns an actual share of the Green Bay Packers). She’s been in Alaska for 11 years, the… Changemaker Spotlight: Wendy Carpenter Read More
Changemaker Spotlight: Erin KusekAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / April 22, 2026 Erin Kusek is a licensed clinical social worker whose compassionate presence lights the way for cancer patients and their families in Juneau, Alaska. For the past decade, she has called Juneau home, dedicating nine years to Bartlett Regional Hospital. Her work spans inpatient discharge planning, oncology patient navigation, and—most recently—a split role that pairs oncology support with hospice and home health social work. In an… Changemaker Spotlight: Erin Kusek Read More
Changemaker Spotlight: Kelly LarsonAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / December 10, 2025 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… Changemaker Spotlight: Kelly Larson Read More
Changemaker Spotlight: Doug HogueAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / December 4, 2025 This quarter’s Changemaker Spotlight shines brightly on a man and business who has been monumental in supporting the mission of the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation (AIOF) and our community partners in cancer screening. He embodies the true Caregiver Spirit.From its humble beginnings in 2006, Kenai River Brewing (KRB) has always had a heart for serving its community. What started as a small dream among… Changemaker Spotlight: Doug Hogue Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Carey CarpenterAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / July 31, 2025 In the heart of Anchorage, Carey Carpenter is making waves by transforming her personal battle with cancer into a beacon of hope and community for others experiencing the same challenges. Her story, characterized by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering spirit, is the centerpiece of our Aurora Changemaker Spotlight—a series dedicated to honoring individuals making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.Carey’s life took… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Carey Carpenter Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Sheryl WeinbergAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / April 8, 2025 In this edition of our Changemaker Spotlight series by the Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation, we connect with Sheryl Weinberg, a formidable force and cancer survivor, now contributing her passion and skills to Cancer Connection in Juneau, Alaska. Founded in 1996, Cancer Connection was birthed from the vision of Mike Miller, a cherished swim coach whose own battle with cancer underscored the desperate need for local support and… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Sheryl Weinberg Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Erin AklestadAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / February 25, 2025 In this edition of the Aurora Changemaker Spotlight, we feature Erin Aklestad, who’s making waves (and lots of phone calls!) as a contract owner and quality improvement consultant here in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Erin operates a concert of contracts with the State’s Department of Health, spanning from chronic disease management to rural healthcare and preventative screenings. She’s a behind-the-scenes health hero who’s… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Erin Aklestad Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Jacyn DeBaunAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / January 14, 2025 Of all the places the Johnson family from Sweden could have chosen to homestead and settle in the 1800s, it was the lure of the Gold Rush and Fairbanks, Alaska that proved irresistible. Five generations of Alaskans later and with a humongous extended family in the Fairbanks Community, the Johnson family stars aligned to produce one very committed, shining light we’re featuring in this edition… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Jacyn DeBaun Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Caregiver EditionAll, Changemaker Spotlights, Featured News / December 23, 2024 Caregivers: The Unsung Heroes of Cancer CareAs we bid adieu to 2024 and step into the fresh canvas of the new year, Aurora Integrated Oncology Foundation is ready to celebrate those who are the heartbeats behind cancer care. We’re dedicating this Changemaker Spotlight to the caregivers—those unsung heroes who provide the love, support, and strength that cancer patients and their families need on this… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Caregiver Edition Read More
Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Roy BrowningAll, Changemaker Spotlights / November 1, 2024 As a fire chief, Roy Browning risks his life every day. With more than 30 years in fire safety, his career has led him through tough emergencies across the country. In 2019, Chief Browning was running the Command Post for a 170,000-acre wildfire on the Kenai Peninsula. While fighting the Swan Lake fire, those close to him were concerned about an unusual spot on his… Aurora Changemaker Spotlight: Roy Browning Read More
