Many know Barbara Allen for her 20 years of service in the Kansas Legislature. Others might fondly remember her mother, Marjorie Powell Allen, a civic leader and founder of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. But what few people know is that Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few years ago. Barbara turned to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston because it offered top-notch treatment. She participated in a clinical trial that she believes saved her life.

"I had the opportunity to travel for my treatment," Barbara said. "But not everybody is so fortunate. We need to ensure all breast cancer patients in Kansas City have access to world-class health care and to cutting edge clinical trials because everyone in our region deserves to receive the highest standard of cancer care possible."

Barbara already has quite a track record in the fight against breast cancer. From the "file and fight" Kansas income tax return check-off, to the Kansas breast cancer license plate program, to enabling legislation for a Johnson County research and education sales tax, Barbara's leadership has real traction. In 2007, she established the Driven to Cure Foundation Fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, paving the way for a healthier region.