NBC News correspondent Kristen Dahlgren has announced her departure from the network to launch the Pink Eraser Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a vaccine for breast cancer. Having battled breast cancer herself, Dahlgren, 50, is determined to make a difference in the fight against the disease.

The Pink Eraser Project will bring together experts from leading cancer institutes, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Cleveland Clinic, UW Medicine’s Cancer Vaccine Institute, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, to collaborate on developing a vaccine.

Dahlgren, who underwent chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer, emphasized the challenges of current treatments and their lasting impact on the body. She highlighted the physical limitations and pain she continues to endure as a survivor, underscoring the urgent need for more effective and less invasive solutions.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women under 50, as reported by the American Cancer Society. In her 2021 essay for Today, Dahlgren acknowledged the supportive and resilient community of women facing similar medical challenges, expressing her desire to unite and empower them through the Pink Eraser Project.

The project’s objectives include building a network of breast cancer survivors to advocate for clinical trial participation, collaborating with research institutions focused on breast cancer vaccine development, and partnering with established support organizations dedicated to uplifting patients and advancing research.

Dahlgren remains optimistic about the progress in breast cancer vaccine research, believing that the advancement of technology will soon offer safe, effective, and affordable vaccination options for those diagnosed with or at high risk of developing the disease.

As Kristen Dahlgren embarks on her mission to lead the Pink Eraser Project, her dedication to driving positive change in the fight against breast cancer is evident. Her decision to transition from journalism to advocacy reflects her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by the disease.