Supporting Afghan Refugee Efforts

In late summer 2021, an urgent humanitarian need arose during the United States military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. Tens of thousands of Afghans were evacuated to locations throughout the U.S. One of those places was Fort McCoy, in Exact Sciences’ home state of Wisconsin.

When the Wisconsin Red Cross reached out, the team at Exact Sciences joined a coalition of corporate, nonprofit and government organizations working to welcome the Afghan refugees and help make their transition a little easier.

Exact Sciences donated $25,000 to the Red Cross to support the refugee camp at Fort McCoy, near Tomah, Wisconsin. This effort, called “Operation Allies Welcome,” was organized through the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon to support basic functions and needs at the camp.

Many Afghans arrived with only the clothes on their back, absent items such as personal hygiene products or toys for the children. In response, Exact Sciences employees also donated toiletries, clothing and baby supplies.

A recent NPR report documented the optimism and challenges faced by the refugees as they look to make a new life for themselves.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and I'm looking forward to contribute to the society,” refugee Sameer Amini told the media outlet.

Farzana Mohammad, a refugee who escaped Kabul with the paralympic team said she hopes to play basketball and attend college to study psychology.

Resettlement efforts are ongoing. If you’d like to get involved, more information is  available on the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon websites.