Press Release
2008-05-28
CancerCare Joins "Stand up to Cancer" Initiative
Entertainment, broadcast industries to collaborate on unique telethon and online campaign to raise funds for cancer research
*May 28, 2008 *--CancerCare is joining the major television networks, entertainment industry executives, celebrities, and cancer research and patient advocacy leaders in a unique new initiative to raise funds for cancer research.
The initiative, "Stand Up To Cancer," will unite ABC, CBS and NBC in an unprecendented one-hour, commercial-free, prime time "telethon," to air live and simultaneously on all three networks, on September 5, 2008. Hosted by network evening news anchors Charles Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams, the TV special aims to focus public attention on supporting new research that will lead to ending cancer as a major cause of death. The special will feature filmed content about cancer and screening tests, and also include live performances by star entertainers.
Stand Up To Cancer is a non-profit organization created by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and a group of media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders whose lives have all been affected by cancer.
Funds raised from the Stand Up To Cancer telethon and from social networking and online efforts, including the initiative's website, www.standup2cancer.org, will be used to support "dream teams" of top researchers from leading US and international institutions. The teams will collaborate on pursuing the most promising research, advancing the discovery of new therapies and efforts in cancer prevention. Stand Up To Cancer funds will also be used for some high-risk, high-impact cancer research proposals, which are often not supported by conventional funding sources.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will conduct expert scientific review of the research projects and administer funds raised through the initiative under the direction of a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leaders in the cancer research and advocacy communities.
A series of TV, radio and print Public Service Announcements featuring celebrities and members of the general public to mobilize support for the campaign will be launched this summer.
CancerCare is among nearly two dozen cancer patient advocacy and support groups collaborating with the Stand Up To Cancer initiative. To learn more about Stand Up To Cancer, visit www.standup2cancer.org.