August Spree was diagnosed at 27 years old with a rare but aggressive form of fatty tissue cancer while eight months pregnant with her second son. Shortly afterward, her grandmother—who had been like a mother to her—was also diagnosed with cancer. She spent nearly a year caring for her grandmother through treatment. These profound personal experiences with cancer and loss sparked a deep passion for giving back to the cancer community in meaningful ways.

She discovered Twist Out Cancer by chance in 2014 when she happened upon the Brushes with Cancer Chicago gala. The powerful use of art and human connection as tools for healing resonated deeply with her, and she knew immediately that she wanted to get involved. She began as a volunteer, later participated as an Inspiration matched with an artist, and found the experience more rewarding than she ever imagined. Her involvement grew from there—she was invited to join the Board of Directors and ultimately became the organization’s Director of Programs.

In her role, she has been honored to facilitate meaningful matches between participants, help bring Brushes with Cancer to Detroit and other cities, and lead the expansion of key program partnerships with organizations like General Motors, Wayne State University in Detroit, and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami.