Pink Pedals Not Required: How Malone’s Pitching In for the Cause

Malone Friedman is a research assistant in MCW’s Medical Scientist Training Program—a rigorous program that combines hands-on patient care and scientific research. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the program culminates in both an MD and a PhD, preparing a new generation of physician-scientists to bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic.

“I joined the program because I fell in love with research—and the best research is based in an understanding of patient care,” says Malone.

Committed to the cause

Malone is also a passionate fundraiser. As a member of the Pink Pedals Prevail team, she’s raised more than $1,600 for Audaxity—driven by her belief in the power of research to change lives.

“This ride is important to me because every dollar raised is directly funding cancer research,” she says. “Coming from a family with a high incidence of cancer, I have seen how new treatments have allowed family members to survive cancers that were once untreatable.”

The Pink Pedals Prevail team is led by Lubna Chaundhary, MD, a clinical collaborator of the Miller Lab where Malone is a graduate student. The team includes fellow lab members, breast cancer researchers, clinicians, and community partners. The Miller Lab is focused on understanding why breast cancer becomes resistant to treatment and finding more effective therapies—research that aligns with Malone’s own interests.

Every contact counts

Malone’s best fundraising advice? “Leverage your network,” she says.

“For me, the biggest secret to fundraising is the person who raised me!” says Malone. “My mom is an amazing fundraiser who helps nonprofits rethink their fundraising strategies and events. I spent more than 20 years volunteering at events, galas, and fundraising campaigns.”

Her mom recently launched a consulting firm, RaiseUpCollaborative, with a colleague—both breast cancer survivors. “They agreed to ‘sponsor’ our team with a large donation,” notes Malone.

Besides help from her mom, Malone pulled together two successful Pink Pedals Prevail events by reaching out to people she knew. “I wanted to host a trivia night, so I contacted a friend who runs these types of events, and she agreed to donate a percentage of sales to Audaxity,” says Malone. For another event held at a local bar, she reached out to a bartender she knew, and they offered to donate a portion of the night’s proceeds. “It’s all about random contacts,” she says.

Learn more about Pink Pedals Prevail and join an upcoming event.