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Relay For Life 2011 Media Guide
American Cancer Society East Central Division Ohio
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Relay For Life 2011 Media Guide
American Cancer Society East Central Division
Table of Contents Page Introduction …………………………………………………………………………….…..4 ACS East Central Division Public Relations Staff …….. ……………………………. .5 ACS Ohio Division RFL Volunteer Public Relations Committee ..…………………....6 Communications Calendar/Checklist ……………………………………………………7 General Notes on Effective Communications ……………………………………….….9 Helpful Tips for Radio/Television Interviews ……………………………………………10 Media Interview Tips …………………………………………………………………….. .11 Relay For Life Talking Points ……………..……………………………………….……. 14 American Cancer Society Talking Points ……………………………….………………15 Generating Local Media Coverage …………………………………………………….. .20 Relay For Life Story & Promotional Ideas ……………………………….…………..….21 Social Media Marketing ……………………………………..………………………….. ..24 Cancer Survivors Day Promo (June 5, 2011) …………………………………………..30 Relay For Life Graphic Standards .……………………………………..…………….… 31 Press Kit Samples
Relay For Life Fact Sheet……………………………………………………….. .33 Society Saves Lives Release……………………………………………………..34 Relay Brings Programs to Community Release………………………………. .36 Relay Helps Research Release…………………………………………………..38 Relay Promotes Advocacy Release ……………………………………………..40 Society “More Birthdays” Release ………………………………………………..42 Society Points of Pride ……………………………………………………………..43
Public Service Announcement (PSA) Samples
PSA Pitch Letter ………………………………………………………………….. 46 Relay Event – Live Read Scripts ......……………………………………….……47 Relay Event – Locally-based Scripts ……………………………………….……50 Survivor Reception PSA Scripts ………………………………………………… 53
Relay PSA Scripts ………………………………………………………………… 54
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Media Samples Prior to Event Letter to the Editor ………………………………………………………………… 56 Relay Event Media Alert ………………………………………………………….. 58 Kick-off Rally Media Alert ………………………………………..………………. . 59 Luminaria Media Alert ……………………………………………………….……..60 Luminaria Ceremony Photo Opportunity Alert …………………………………..61 Calendar Listings …………………………………………………………………...62 General Relay For Life News Release …………………………..…………….. ..63 Volunteer Recruitment - Inaugural Event News Release ……………..….…… 65 Volunteer Committee Meeting News Release ………………………………….. 67
Relay For Life Event Announcement News Release …………………………...69 Honorary Chair Announcement News Release ……..………………………….. 71 Luminaria Ceremony News Release …………..…………….…………………. .72 Relay Anniversary News Release ……….………………………………………. 73 Seeking Teams News Release …………………………………………………. . 75 Seeking Sponsors News Release ……….………………………………………. 77 Deadline for Sponsors News Release …….…………………………………….. 79 Youth Relay News Release ………………………………………………………. 80
Relay Online News Release ……….………….…………………….……………. 81 Relay Web site News Release …………………………………………………… 83 Survivor Lap News Release ………………………………………………………. 85 Survivor Reception News Release ………………………………………………. 87
Cancer Survivors Day News Release …………………………….…….……….. 89 Survivors Lap and Reception News Release……………………………….…… 92 “This Weekend” News Release………………………………………...…….…… 93 Researcher Speaker News Release……………….…………….………………. 94 Queen of Relay News Release …………………………………………………… 96 Check Presentation News Release ……………………………………………….97 Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) News Release …………………………… 99
Media Samples Following the Event Letter to the Editor Wrap-up ……………………………………..………………. 102 Relay For Life Wrap-up News Release …………………………………………. 103 Volunteer Recognized News Release ……………………………..…………… 105 Letter to the Editor: Where the Money Goes …………………………………… 107
Other Documents
Sample Emcee/Disc Jockey Stage Announcements ……..……….…………… 110 Sample Government Relay Proclamation …………………………..…………… 113 Photo Consent ……………………………………………………………………… 114 Photo Consent Release Form ………………………………….…………………. 115 Photo Consent Sign ………………………………………………………………… 116
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Introduction to the Media Guide Communities throughout Ohio support the American Cancer Society‟s Relay For Life to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and fight back against cancer. In 2011, Ohio expects to raise $17.2 million through 225 events. The development of an energized media relations or communications plan can help boost the success of Relay events. This guide should serve as an additional resource to materials and best practices already used by your Region, such as flyers, posters, banners, and direct mail pieces. In this guide you will find sample media templates designed for you to simply insert your local information. You will also find talking points, interview tips, and ideas to get the Relay story out there. According to a 2007 image study by Harris Interactive Inc., cancer is still viewed as the most important health problem among Americans. The American Cancer Society is recognized as the single most trusted source of information about cancer. When prompted, 96% of respondents recall the Society. Yet 42% of adults report that they don’t know much at all about the American Cancer Society. To help inform the public about what we do, the Society created a values proposition to include on our media releases and materials: “We save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.” Look for more information about the values proposition on page 15. The same image study shows that the majority of Americans know Relay For Life, which is great news. However, among them, only 20% correctly associate it with the Society. It is worth noting that those who are aware of and correctly identify Relay with the Society are significantly more likely to trust us as a source of cancer information, make a donation, and volunteer. Therefore, we want to make sure everyone knows that Relay is an American Cancer Society event! One way to accomplish this is through maintaining brand standards on our materials (see page 31), and when talking with the media, always referring to Relay For Life using its full name: American Cancer Society Relay For Life of XYZ County. We say that Relay For Life is about being a community that takes up the fight. Let‟s show our communities what they are fighting for! Relay presents one of the best opportunities to use community contacts to educate our fellow citizens about important lifesaving cancer information and the many programs the Society offers to help prevent cancer and assist those who are dealing with the disease. The fight against cancer happens on all kinds of levels, and Relay brings them all together.
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East Central Division Public Relations Staff
Alexandra Houser Vukoder Director, Media Relations and Income Development Communications 1-888-227-6446, ext. 1600 [email protected] Wendy Simpkins Director, Media Relations and Mission Communications 1-888-227-6446, ext. 8604 [email protected] Lynne Ayres Director, Research Communications 1-888-227-6446, ext. 8420 [email protected] Jessica Berlin Director, Creative Services 215-985-5346 [email protected] Sandy Wilcox Director, Customer Experience 1-888-227-6446, ext. 8509 [email protected] Colleen Fitzwater Vice President, Communications and Marketing 215-985-5357 [email protected] Alyssa Dingwall Communications Coordinator 215-985-5338 [email protected]
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American Cancer Society Ohio Relay For Life
Volunteer Public Relations Committee
Chairperson Donna Shaw Phone: 330-847-6267 or 330-883-1520 Email: [email protected] Relay: Warren, Trumbull County Vice-chair Bruce Willis Phone: 330-938-6277 or 330-206-2949 Email: [email protected] Relay: Sebring, Mahoning County Committee Members Michele M. Arend Phone: 419-399-9609 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Relay: Paulding, Paulding County Duane Bachman Phone: 937-773-7473 or 937-214-2424 Email: [email protected] Relay: Miami, Miami County
Kelly Carder Phone: 419-529-2175 Email: [email protected] Relay: Mansfield, Richland County Tara Stubbs-Figurski Phone: 614-204-3271 Email: [email protected] Relay: Reporter of ThisWeek Community Newspaper, Franklin County Tom Graser Phone: 740-361-0653 Email: [email protected] Relay: Marion, Marion County Joan Lowry Phone: 440-871-3911 Email: [email protected] Relay: Elyria, Lorain County Mark Luke Phone: 330-518-6088 Email: [email protected] Relay: Boardman, Mahoning County
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Communications Calendar
The following checklist can be used as a guideline for communicating with the media. YEAR- ROUND OPPORTUNITIES
Identify great human interest stories with a timely angle to pitch to local media year-round. Great stories would include the following: a family Relaying in memory of a breast cancer survivor during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month); a childhood cancer survivor during September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month); etc.
THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Send an event announcement to all media outlets, including daily and weekly newspapers, television, cable stations, and radio stations. Do not overlook alternative publications such as high school and college papers and publications of local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and other large employers in the area.
Announce Relay Rally events in your local community calendar listings.
Announce chair/honorary chair of event.
TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Send a press release out each week with a different angle. These could include a release on a survivor, a team/participant, a corporate sponsor, current Society research, or a general Society program or service.
Send public service announcements to your contacts at local television,
cable, and radio stations.
Propose a different angle to each newspaper, promoting more in-depth feature stories. See pages 21-23 for ideas.
ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Hand-deliver full-event press kits to each media outlet.
Send Op-Ed pieces or letters to the editor that might give a first-person account of the significance of Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society‟s programs.
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Communications Calendar con’t. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Follow up with local editors and directors for feature stories. Schedule a photographer to come out for your opening ceremonies or luminaria ceremony.
WEEK OF EVENT
Contact local media once more, reminding them of event time, date, place, etc. Make sure they have directions to the site and that your designated media staff/volunteer are clearly identifiable to members of the media.
ONE WEEK AFTER THE EVENT
Send “Letter to the Editor” as thank you.
Send wrap-up news release and photos with captions to newspapers.
Evaluate media coverage for Relay and determine what went well and what additional efforts can be made for next year. Document these observations for the organizers of the next event.
Need a publicity chair or similar support?
Go to ProBonoLink.org, a Web site that connects
local marketing and communications experts
with service projects like Relay For Life!
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General Notes on Effective Communications
Requires two things: an appealing, attention-catching message and repetition.
Should ideally create “background noise” – the general awareness of the American Cancer Society, or specifically a Relay For Life event, that creates excitement and anticipation.
Must take advantage of every opportunity to be positively noticed by the public by consistently emitting a basic message that will help our communities better understand who we are, what we do, and why we‟re worthy of their support. Where opportunities don‟t exist, we must create them!
Uses communications committees to be effective as a team, pulling toward a common goal and using each other‟s media resources and contacts.
Delivers what is promised, following through in a timely manner (within the hour).
Maintains the balance between fulfilling the reporter‟s request while sticking to the American Cancer Society agenda (making sure the 1-800-227-2345 and www.cancer.org are included in ALL materials).
Is familiar with each media outlet‟s needs and requirements, including the preferred format, the assignment deadline, and the graphic requests.
Always spell out acronyms on first reference! Don‟t leave them wondering about the “ACS‟ RFL to raise money for local LGFB programs.” We know “ACS” means the American Cancer Society, but the general public may confuse it with the American Chemical Society or other groups with the same acronym. Tell them that “the American Cancer Society‟s Relay For Life of such and such county supports local cancer survivors by funding the local Look Good…Feel Better program, which helps women dealing with hair loss and skin changes learn to wear a wig, draw in eyebrows, and feel feminine and beautiful during a grueling time.”
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Helpful Tips for Radio/Television Interviews
Contact producer/host of show to get scheduled.
Send a bio sheet or introduction if requested.
Promptly return any requested information. If television, suggest inclusion of pictures or videos.
You might mention key points you want brought out.
Arrive on time or a bit early at radio station or television studio.
Know your mission, your message, and material – especially key points. Speak from the heart.
Let host lead with questions.
Be enthusiastic and communicate well.
Be prepared to pack a lot in a short time.
Try to give key points in the best possible order.
Stick to the subject.
Try not to answer JUST yes or no, but include comments and interpretation.
If you don‟t know an answer, say so. Don‟t make something up.
If host asks a non-related question, try to lead back to subject.
Be prepared for wrap-up time and a short recap of material.
DO NOT USE “uh huh” or vocalized pauses like “er,” “uh,” or “duh.” Make the host of the show look good!
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Media Interview Tips
Before the Interview
Review your key messages in advance. Check and double-check your facts. People trust the Society to provide accurate information.
Know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Know what you do and do not want to talk about. You will need to respond to the reporter‟s questions, but always prepare to transition back to the key messages during the interview.
Know the focus of the article beforehand.
It is important to know the angle of the article before the interview. Be prepared to offer unique knowledge of the issue – reporters continually look for a new, interesting twist to a story.
Be an informed, quotable source for the reporter. Demonstrate you are the best person to tell the story.
Be prepared to talk about your role in the American Cancer Society‟s initiatives. Be able to concisely explain your area of responsibility and why you are the best person to tell the story. You can use specific anecdotes to build credibility for your local office and for the American Cancer Society.
Anticipate questions, especially tough questions.
Prepare answers that defuse any misguided questions and allow you to redirect or segue to your message points.
Familiarize yourself with the reporter who will be interviewing you.
Review recent articles or stories he or she has produced and become familiar with the reporter‟s style.
Practice quotable language.
Try to condense key messages into “mental bumper stickers” for the reporter. Keep messages short and to the point. Use language that will help the reporter remember what you are saying and will help him/her sum up an issue or explain a difficult subject in a metaphor or analogy. Examples are also very quotable.
Rehearse!
The more comfortable and prepared you are going into the interview, the more likely the outcome will be positive.
During the Interview
Take responsibility for what comes across in the interview.
Remember that you need to get your points across and avoid being led into uncharted territory by the reporter. If the reporter begins to stray, transition back to key messages.
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The tone of the interview should be a lively conversation.
Spokespersons should be engaging, enthusiastic, and forthright. Spokespersons should be prepared to offer concrete examples of the benefits of the American Cancer Society‟s initiatives.
Keep language positive. Avoid negative or defensive language.
If a reporter asks a negative question, do not repeat the negative in the answer. Reporters find phrases like, “It was not a failure...that program is working well,” very quotable. However, a more positive quote would be, “The program is a success and the information we are providing is bringing benefits to everyone involved.”
Beware of “off the record.” Do not say anything in an interview that you do not want to see attributed to you in print, and do not give the reporter information “off the record.” Assume you are being interviewed even before and after the “official” interview and that the reporter may gather additional information during these times.
Use figures and statistics to back up your story, whenever possible. In Ohio, check out the county-by-county fact sheets by going to cancer.org/ohiofacts. The full Ohio Cancer Facts & Figures report includes easy-to-use summaries of the most common types of cancers and risk factors.
Gather American Cancer Society reference materials prior to the interview. Review materials and take them to the interview. It‟s okay to refer to them as often as necessary during the interview.
Promote the American Cancer Society‟s position.
If you do not provide a viewpoint, you lose the opportunity to balance the story.
Never lie. If you are uncertain about an answer, offer to get more information and call the reporter back with the accurate information. You can call the public relations team or give a reporter the name and number of your public relations director at any time.
After the Interview
Make sure the reporter knows where to reach you if he or she needs more information or has additional questions. Then, respond rapidly to the reporter‟s requests, so he or she will refer to the American Cancer Society for future information.
Don‟t bother the reporter for a copy of the story, video, or audio tape of your interview.
If you felt uneasy or concerned about the interview and the questions raised, feel free to contact an American Cancer Society public relations staff member or volunteer to discuss the issue and determine if any follow-up might be helpful.
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Quick-Review Interview Tips
You are in control of the interview, not the reporter.
Work your agenda and stay focused on the key messages.
Use quotable language and be concise; do not ramble, talk just to fill space, or feel compelled to fill periods of silence. (Reporters will purposely pause to get you to say more.)
Use statistics, comparisons, examples, and anecdotes to make points.
Avoid industry jargon when talking to general media or in an interview with a broader audience.
Avoid pronouns; use “American Cancer Society” instead of “we.”
Try to make your statements 15 to 20 seconds long and deliver key points in a couple of short sentences. Both television and radio reporters look for “sound bites,” or quotable information.
Master the use of transitions to redirect questions.
Use these phrases to steer the conversation to your key messages. Answer the reporter‟s question briefly, then redirect the topic:
The point is... The fact is... What is important to remember, however... That is an important point because... The real question/issue is... Let me just add... Let me answer you by saying that... That information is confidential; however, I can tell you… I can tell you... That brings to mind... It is important to note... As I said... Going back to my previous point...
Never go “off the record” or say “no comment.” If you do not know an answer, just say so, and offer to follow up with the answer immediately following the interview. Or again, use a transition.
Appear confident, friendly, and willing to give honest answers.
Be articulate and make your manner easy, interesting, and pleasant.
Prepare for controversial or negative questions.
If asked a difficult question, do not repeat negatives, inaccuracies, or offensive statements. Accentuate the positive and use transitions back to key messages.
Do not talk about competitors or be adversarial.
Correct misstatements made by the reporter as quickly as possible, in a non-threatening manner and without repeating the misinformation.
Make sure you double-check your appearance and comb your hair before going on camera.
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Relay For Life Talking Points
The American Cancer Society‟s Relay For Life is a life changing event that brings together nearly 4 million people nationwide to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes too much.
Relay For Life celebrates cancer survivors during the first lap, the Survivors Lap.
Relay For Life remembers those who have been touched by cancer during the Luminaria Ceremony, where hundreds of luminaria are placed around the track inscribed with the names of loved ones lost to cancer or still fighting the battle.
Relay For Life provides a vehicle to fight back against cancer at the grassroots, community level.
Relay For Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington, through the efforts and vision of Dr. Gordon Klatt.
Relay For Life is the nationwide signature activity of the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life is not just a fundraiser – it is a unique activity that offers an opportunity to fight back against cancer and a community that “takes up the fight.”
Relay For Life is… A celebration A community festival A family event A team builder for corporate and business teams An opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their battle to cancer A volunteer-driven activity
Relay For Life is an overnight, team event. Teams are formed from families, churches, organizations, schools, businesses, health care professionals, and more! Relay For Life activities bring together a diverse group – all joining together to fight back against cancer.
The overnight walk is meant to reflect a cancer patient‟s journey through the disease – ending with a new sense of hope as the sun rises in the morning.
Walking around a track is meant to symbolize that there is no finish line until we find a cure for cancer.
No matter who you are, we can help. Call 1-800-227-2345, any time – day or night – or visit cancer.org. Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn‟t be.
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American Cancer Society Talking Points Value Proposition/Birthday Messaging
We save lives and create more birthdays by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.
A world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays.
American Cancer Society: The Official Sponsor of Birthdays
Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives by…
Helping you stay well: We help you take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early.
Helping you get well: We‟re in your corner to guide you through every step of a cancer experience.
Finding cures: We fund groundbreaking research into cancer's causes and cures.
Fighting back: We work with lawmakers to pass laws that defeat cancer and rally communities to join the fight.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation‟s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.5 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. What We Offer There are many American Cancer Society quality of life programs and services – collectively known as the Cancer Resource Network. The following is a list of services available in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) – Cancer information and support are available from trained cancer information specialists available around the clock at 1-800-227-2345.
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Web Site – Detailed cancer information, clinical trials database, stories of hope, Cancer Survivors Network, links to local educational and support activities, and more are available at cancer.org.
Cancer Survivors NetworkSM (CSN) – CSN is a telephone and Internet support
service that was created by and for cancer survivors and their families to address their need to connect with others who have been touched by cancer. Topics on the CSN cover a wide range of topics such as fears of recurrence, caregiver information, communications issues, and more. Call toll free at 1-877-333-4673 or on the Web at cancer.org/csn.
Clinical Trials Matching Service – This is a free, confidential program that helps patients, their families, and health care workers find cancer clinical trials most appropriate to a patient's medical and personal situation. Through a partnership with the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, the service helps find research studies that are testing new drugs or methods to prevent, detect, or treat cancer. Go to cancer.org/clinicaltrials.
Hope Lodge® – This is a homelike setting where adult cancer patients and their
caregivers can stay, free of charge, while receiving hospital treatments away from home. There are 30 Hope Lodge facilities across the United States. In Ohio, the Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Cleveland and the American Cancer Society‟s Musekamp Family Hope Lodge in Cincinnati serve patients from all over the nation and several other countries. Learn more about the Cleveland Hope Lodge at cancer.org/hopelodgecleveland and the Cincinnati Hope Lodge at cancer.org/hopelodgecincinnati.
Look Good…Feel Better® (LGFB) – LGFB provides a free make-over and tips to help women undergoing cancer treatment learn to cope with the appearance-related side effects such as hair loss and skin changes. The program is provided cooperatively with the Personal Care Products Council and the National Cosmetology Association.
Reach to Recovery® – Reach is a program that helps women with breast cancer
cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery through information and emotional support from trained peer counselors. It also provides information for women concerned about breast cancer.
Road to Recovery® – This program provides transportation to and from
treatment for people who have cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the lifesaving treatments they need.
Man to Man® – This is a prostate cancer support and information program for
men, their families, and loved ones.
I Can Cope® – This is a series of online educational classes available on
cancer.org that helps enable cancer patients and families to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Patient Navigator Program – Patient navigators are trained specialists who help patients and caregivers find resources available in their communities. They can help with transportation, child care, financial and insurance questions, and many other challenges during the cancer journey.
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Cancer Research
The American Cancer Society is the largest nongovernmental funder of cancer research in the country.
The Society has nearly half a billion dollars in cancer research grants in effect nationally.
Forty-four Society-funded researchers have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work.
Many significant advancements in cancer treatment and research have sprung from the research funded by Society supporters.
Relayers love to hear how the dollars they raise are helping find the cures for cancer. Be sure to promote Society research at your event! In Ohio, for more information on promoting research at Relay, such as how to schedule a Society-funded researcher to speak at your event, contact the director of Research Communications, Lynne Ayres, at 1-888-227-6446 ext. 8420, or [email protected]. You can also check out our online Ohio Research Promotion Kit. Contents of the kit will provide you with…
Talking points about Society research programs and accomplishments
A form to request Society-funded researcher to speak at your events
Brochures, giveaways, and videos about Society research that you can display at your events
The Kit is located on the Relay For Life Web site‟s Ohio page. Visit relayforlife.org and click on Local Resources and Information. On the map, click Ohio. Cancer in Ohio The Society estimates that 62,450 Ohioans were diagnosed with some form of invasive cancer in 2010, and approximately 24,980 Ohioans died from the disease. The American Cancer Society has estimated that 65% of cancer deaths could be avoided by lifestyle changes such as eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, and increasing physical activity. More could be avoided by following the Society‟s screening guidelines for breast, colorectal, prostate, and cervical cancers, which allow for early cancer detection and even prevention. The most common cancer deaths in Ohio result from lung, colorectal, female breast, and pancreatic cancers. In Ohio, for more information on cancer statistics in this state, see the most recent Ohio Cancer Facts & Figures report, published by the American Cancer Society East Central Division in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health. Hard copies are available from Regional Society offices in Ohio or by calling 1-800-227-2345. You can also download the document from cancer.org/ohiofacts.
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American Cancer Society Guidelines for Screening American Cancer Society researchers have established science-based guidelines for cancer screening. Following these guidelines greatly increases the chances of discovering cancer at its earliest stages when the survival rates for the disease are the highest. Some cancers, if discovered early, have extraordinarily high survival rates. Educating the public about the importance of receiving appropriate screenings can help save lives. Breast Cancer Screening Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam, at least every three years for women 20-39, and every year for women 40 and over. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. High-risk patients should talk to their doctors about annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cervical Cancer Screening All women should begin cervical cancer screening about three years after they begin having vaginal intercourse, but no later than when they are 21 years old. Screening should be done every year with the conventional Pap test or every two years using the newer liquid-based Pap test. Prostate Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. Men should not be screened unless they have received this information.
The discussion about screening should take place at age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years. This discussion should take place starting at age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). This discussion should take place at age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with several first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer at an early age). Colorectal Cancer Screening Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk should follow one of these six testing schedules:
Colonoscopy every 10 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
Double-contrast barium enema every five years
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CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years
Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)*
Stool DNA (sDNA) test– interval uncertain
* For FOBT or FIT to be a screening test, the take-home multiple-sample method should be used. Note: All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy. Advocacy Issues The American Cancer Society is actively involved with numerous public policy efforts on the federal, state, and local levels that affect health issues of cancer survivors, their families, and the general community. Some of the legislative issues that are routinely addressed by Society volunteers include research funding, patient protection, screening, detection and treatment services, tobacco control, children‟s health, access to quality cancer care, and prevention and awareness programs. The Society also works in close partnership with public health officials in developing programs to reduce and prevent cancer. Volunteers interested in advocacy issues in Ohio can call the East Central Division‟s Government Relations Department by calling 1-800-227-2345. Volunteers The successes of the American Cancer Society rest squarely on the shoulders of the thousands of volunteers who have committed their time and energies to support the various initiatives of the Society. There is always room for others to join the fight against cancer. Volunteers are constantly recruited for a variety of functions. Helpers in the office can help process mailings and handle other important logistics. Some volunteers enjoy organizing community activities, writing newsletters, or speaking at local gatherings. Many survivors enjoy sharing their experiences with newly-diagnosed patients. For more information about volunteer activities, call 1-800-227-2345.
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Generating Local Media Coverage
Types of Coverage • News Story – stories that readers need to know about right away. • Feature Story – stories that run one day just as well as they would the next. • Public Service Announcement (PSA) – a short message that offers the audience information and/or guidance on an issue of concern. • Calendar Listing – the who, what, when, and where of your Relay for newspaper, local radio, or cable TV calendars. How to get a short story published in a local newspaper
1. Know who is supposed to get your item and how he/she prefers it delivered. The best bet is to start with a section editor – like lifestyles or city editor – or a reporter. You can usually find contact information in the newspaper. Ask about deadlines, delivery (prefer email, fax, or some other method?) and who exactly needs the story.
2. Study the style of items in the section of the newspaper where you want your story to appear and emulate it. Pay attention to the dateline and date and time styles.
3. Get all the important information at the top of your item. Avoid catchy leads, they will likely get cut and might keep an editor from reading the rest of your story. Don‟t use the word “you” as in “you are invited.” “All are invited,” works better. Don‟t embellish your item with opinion-based statements like, “The best time ever.”
4. Have a set paragraph for your Relay event and the American Cancer Society, but don‟t be surprised if they don‟t make the newspaper every time.
5. Send only a couple of photos. Make sure they are high resolution. A good rule of thumb is if your photo is less than a megabyte, it might be too low res for good reproduction. Always include a caption that identifies everyone in the photo. If you are sending a non-posed photo, avoid one filled with the backs of people‟s heads. Send one with lots of faces. You don‟t always have to identify everyone in an action photo, but you do have to identify everyone in a posed photo.
Look for Special TV and Radio Programming Opportunities Work with your Regional public relations director to obtain radio or TV coverage. Since most broadcast media are shared by multiple Relays, they are coordinating that publicity.
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Relay For Life Story & Promotional Ideas Share the story of someone who has benefited from American Cancer Society‟s
research, education, advocacy, or patient services, which has helped him/her stay well, get well, find cures, or fight back.
Stage a photo opportunity at your kick-off meeting: anything creative that will provide
good visuals, like the “Purple People” or funny contests, a pie-eating contest, or the “largest” check in the county (physically large), etc.
Have the mayor, city council, commissioners, or other public officials declare an
official “Relay For Life” day. Proclamations often create media opportunities. See page 113 of this guide for a sample.
Ask your local weather person to forecast the weather for Relay For Life, and
mention the event during the broadcast. Invite radio and television personalities to do the weather forecasts from the Relay.
Recognize the top fundraiser from last year‟s Relay For Life and tell how he/she is
raising money this year. Create a challenge among local businesses to raise the most money or recruit the
most participants. Highlight a participant who was involved for the first time during last year‟s Relay For
Life and ask him/her to share why he/she decided to participate again. Recognize your youngest or oldest survivor or volunteer. Note: National Cancer
Survivors Day is June 5, 2011. Identify any families participating – any generations of cancer survivors. Identify a participant who plans to walk or run all night. Recognize a business that is participating because several of its employees are
cancer survivors. Identify local sponsors – and how they‟ve helped Relay For Life succeed. Involve the local fire or police department and highlight their involvement. Recognize any unique teams – all kids, single‟s group, etc. Recognize a prominent community resident or celebrity who is participating. Recognize someone who shaves his/her head for the Relay.
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Recognize your honorary chair. Choose someone who is a survivor, celebrity, researcher, or someone who has benefited from an American Cancer Society program.
Recognize a participant who raises money in a “wacky” way. Use the meetings of Relay captains as an opportunity to do a media announcement
on the gathering and further promote Relay events in the community. Have volunteers call into local radio programs that feature opportunities for listeners
to phone in their opinions about community issues and events. CPS-3: There are seven Ohio Relay sites recruiting participants for the Society‟s
Cancer Prevention Study-3 during the 2011 Relay season. Please see page 99 of this media guide for a template news release. Ohio sites are Medina, Colerain, Fulton, Jackson County, Marion, Ross County, and Newcomerstown. More promotional information on CPS-3 is available on the Web at cancer.org/cps3 and on the Society‟s intranet, The Link, in the “Cancer Prevention Study-3” community.
Tips for Effective Relay Media Coverage Whenever you talk about Relay For Life, be sure to tie in other American Cancer
Society programs to show the community “where the money goes.” For a list of Society programs and services see pages 15-16 of this guide.
In Ohio, emphasize the cancer impact in your community using the county statistics
reported in Ohio Cancer Facts & Figures. Hard copies of the report are available by calling 1-800-227-2345 or download the PDF from cancer.org/ohiofacts. For at-a-glance statistics regarding your county, download your specific “county fact sheet” from the same site.
Ask for meetings with representatives of your local radio, television, or print media to
plot out strategies in advance for using public service announcements and other story ideas.
Ask local radio celebrities to handle portions of the announcing duties during the
Relay and ask them to do various on-air promotions prior to the event. See suggested public service announcement scripts on page 46-54 of this guide.
Do not overlook the important role that alternative media, weeklies, and special
supplements can play in the effort. For radio, consider using local joint vocational schools.
Pay attention to the story angles that seem to capture media attention in your
community and tailor your media request to those parameters. Mirror what works best and makes the most sense for your community.
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Be innovative in creating or staging unusual events or photo opportunities that might capture community interest, both before and during Relay. Sometimes these can tie in with contemporary issues of interest in each particular community.
Develop different strategies for reaching various target audiences. Different
strategies will be necessary to communicate with diverse groups such as religious institutions, health care providers, corporate audiences, educational communities, etc. Consider where members of these various groups are likely to turn for information and ensure that a strategy is in place to provide information in those venues.
Other Relay Promotional Ideas Ask local business leaders and other community leaders to serve as general
spokespersons, or at least promote Relay within their special population groups, such as getting the message out through employee and organization newsletters.
Consider using media sponsorships as a way to heighten the public awareness of
the event. Highlight your local Relay activities on your online Relay site. Work with your online
chair to keep the Web site updated.
Utilize social media. See page 24-29. It‟s free!
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Social Media Marketing
In addition to traditional media outlets like newpapers, radio, and television, don‟t forget to promote Relay For Life using the media outlets known collectively as “social media.” Common social media marketing tools include Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, and blogs. Social media marketing can help us… 1) Create “buzz” that attracts attention and become viral in nature. Our message about Relay For Life gets out there, not through purchase of an ad, but thorough user- to-user contact. 2) Provide our supporters a way to promote Relay themselves.
General Social Media Tips
Overview Social media can play a big role in gaining exposure for Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society, and interesting event participants and donors. Please use the following recommendations to guide social media efforts for your event.
General Social Media Etiquette Provide great content. Content should always follow the 70/20/10 best practices formula for social Web interactions.
o 70% of the time: Create useful, meaningful content (stats about cancer, research, finding a cure) Provide a valuable service
o 20% of the time: Build relationships on and offline Participate in larger conversations
o 10% of the time Shamelessly promote Relay!
Be transparent. It is important to be transparent when participating in social media. For example, if you are commenting on a blog about Relay For Life, you should disclose to the readers that you are an American Cancer Society/Relay for Life volunteer. Add value. Strive to add value to the community. This can be done through links, discussions, and comments. Build relationships. As you gain more followers and fans, you will begin to engage in conversations with these people. Try to build strong relationships with them both online and off. Often, these relationships will lead to them supporting and sharing the information you post. Respond in a timely manner. Consistently check messages, replies, comments, and discussions in order to reply quickly. Be authentic. Know your audience and what they need to know. Interact and contribute as a person, not an organization. Quality over quantity. It is better to have one good tweet or status update per day than to have several less useful messages.
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Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that allows you to post 140-character messages. You can “follow” other people, and they can follow you back. This lets you share information with those who follow you.
Create a content calendar. Creating a content calendar allows you to strategically plan the subjects you will be tweeting about. You can schedule and monitor tweets through www.hootsuite.com. It‟s a free service. Continue Tweeting according to FMPR‟s 70/20/10 rule for content. Research people to follow. Search Twellow (the yellow pages of Twitter) for keywords such as “cancer” or “Ohio” to find tweeple to follow. Try Twitter Search to find people who are discussing relevant topics right now. Enter yourself in the Twellow directory, too, so others can find you. Monitor, interact, and respond. Monitor the conversations about your Relay For Life event through Hootsuite and Twitter Search RSS feeds. Other Twitter Tips and Tricks Twitter Search RSS feeds
1. Go to http://search.twitter.com/ 2. Search for a keyword(s), like Relay For Life 3. Choose “Feed for this query” 4. Click “Subscribe to this feed” 5. The feed will then be available through your favorites
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Hash tags and participating in collective conversations
1. Hash tags are one-word keywords preceded by a “#” sign to allow for easy searching and following of conversations. Relevant hash tags include the following:
#relayforlife #cancer
2. Go to http://search.twitter.com/ 3. Search a hash tag 4. Use hash tags in your tweets to join the conversation
Finding followers
o Twellow 1. Go to http://twellow.com/ 2. Search keywords 3. Review profiles and tweets to decide whether or not to follow a person 4. Click “follow” to follow a person
o Twitter Search
1. Go to http://search.twitter.com/ 2. Search keywords related to Relay For Life 3. Review profiles and tweets to decide whether or not to follow a person 4. Click “follow” to follow a person
Retweeting
o When you find interesting information through another person‟s feed, retweet it to share with your followers
o Precede the tweet with “RT” and the person‟s Twitter name o Example: RT@hngilb: Looking for planning committee members for Relay For Life of
Union County. Interested? DM for info. www.relayforlife.org/unionco o Retweeting promotes other users, which may count as the 20% of participation and
engagement recommended in our 70/20/10 best practices formula Promotions and contests
o Promotions and contests can help build followers o Ways to hold contests include the following:
Having users retweet information or use a hash tag Having a participation-related contest, such as t-shirt design creation Hosting a Tweetup event prior to the event
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Facebook is a more conversational and traditionally “social” Web tool. You also are not limited to only 140 characters and have a variety of content you can share through the platform. Start a page. Your page should promote your event. Be sure to use approved Relay For Life logos and link to relayforlife.org for more information unless you have a specific Web site for your event. Create a content calendar. Creating a content calendar allows you to strategically plan status updates, discussions, photos, and links. Examples include the following:
Pre- and post-Relay events
Ways to get involved: what companies can do, what individuals can do
Speaker/entertainer updates
Deadlines Get Friends. Promote the page through Twitter and other mediums. Monitor, interact, and respond. Monitor the discussions and reply to your status updates. Other Facebook Tips and Tricks
Give useful status updates. Share not only information about what Relay For Life is doing, but also share useful information and statistics related to the American Cancer Society‟s mission.
Start engaging discussions. What kind of information do cancer survivors share with each other? Discussion boards are great places for people to share their stories. Ask others on your committee to participate.
Post photos to give an impression. Many people have not experienced Relay For Life. Post tasteful photos that show the emotional, inspiring event it is. Be sure to include a photo description.
Share links to build credibility. If you consistently provide interesting links and resources with your friends, they will view you as a credible source.
Use Twitter to increase your Facebook friends. Once your Relay‟s Facebook page is live, ask all of your Twitter followers to become friends.
How to add the Relay For Life App to your personal Facebook page Step 1: Register for an event. Go to: www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent to locate an event and sign up to relay. If already signed up, go to step 2. Step 2: Go to My Participant Center. Go to your event website. Log in and go to My Participant Center. Step 3: Add App In My Participant Center. On your home page for your Participant Center, there is an icon to Fundraise with Facebook. Click that. Step 4: Log in Facebook and Allow Permission. Log into Facebook. Once logged in, it will ask you to allow permission for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Click the Allow button.
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Here are some things you can do with the Facebook App: Change Your Profile Picture to RFL logo You can change your profile picture to the Relay For Life logo by clicking the “Relay For Life” icon. When you change your profile picture, the app will send a post to all your friends that you have changed your profile picture and it will also provide a link for them to make a donation. Share Your Story You can share your story on why you relay by clicking the “Share Your Story” tab. Then enter your title and your story. Click the “Submit” button. This will be posted so that other Relay participants can read each other‟s stories. Fundraising Badge and Progress Indicator You can see your progress indicator badge, which lets you know how much money you have raised. This also has buttons for your friends to click to “Support Me” to make a donation or “Join Me” on a Relay For Life team. Send a Stream Story You can post a Relay For Life link on your wall by clicking an option under “Get the Word Out” and click the “Share with Friends” button.
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LinkedIn is a social network that connects professionals.
Invite everyone you meet to join your LinkedIn network. Then they‟ll receive your status updates. Update your status with posts about what you’re working on for the event. Examples include anything from “Looking for volunteers for Relay day. Want to join?” to “Meeting companies who are interested in participating in Relay For Life. Is your company in?” Join the American Cancer Society groups and add them to your profile.
o American Cancer Society Relay For Life o American Cancer Society Relay For Life Committee Members o American Cancer Society
Start a group for your Relay.
o Create the group under the “Nonprofit” category and select “Yes” to both being listed in the “Groups Directory” and that your group be display on “Profiles.”
o Begin discussions about Relay events. o Post any news items. o Encourage others to join your group so your Relay For Life badge shows up on their
profiles.
Other LinkedIn Tips and Tricks
Utilize “Advanced Search” to find the right contacts at other nonprofits that you can partner with or corporations who can provide sponsorship.
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Cancer Survivors Day: June 5, 2011
Here‟s another “news hook” to generate media coverage for your Relay. Celebrate the reason we relay on National Cancer Survivors Day, which is June 5, 2011. This day can be used to simply send out a press release or to plan a more elaborate event to promote your Relay. See page 89 for a sample press release you can send to the media. Here are some ideas for how you can mark this occasion:
Invite people in your community to visit cancer.org/csn where they can set up a cancer survivor's Web page on the Cancer Survivors Network.
Invite a survivor who has not participated in Relay For Life to walk his or her first survivor's lap at your event.
If your event already happened, take the opportunity to thank the community and recruit for next year.
Send a local news release to honor a local survivor participating in your Relay. See page 89 for a sample release.
Visit the National Cancer Survivors Day Web site at www.ncsdf.org for more ideas.
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RELAY FOR LIFE GRAPHIC STANDARDS
It is crucial that the American Cancer Society Relay For Life logo is used properly. We appreciate your cooperation with this important part of identifying your event and demonstrating the power of the Relay For Life brand.
Please visit the American Cancer Society Brand Toolkit at acsbrand.org for complete Relay For Life branding guidelines, including logos and approved imagery for staff and volunteers to download. A complete National Relay For Life event guide can be found here.
Most Relay materials can be found on the National Distribution Catalog located on Ariba through The Link.
RFL logo must appear on T-shirt, clothing, or product someplace, regardless of T-shirt or product design.
The RFL logo may NOT be used by vendors that haven't been approved through the senior director of Relay For Life, Amy Logston (717-707-0393 or [email protected]).
RFL logo colors are PMS 2607 (purple), PMS 286 (blue), and PMS 200 (red).
RFL logo can be used in various ways depending on the reproduction method. Please view the national branding site to see the full RFL guidelines for the color use of logo at acsbrand.org.
Please note: Relay For Life – The “F” in “For” should always be capitalized.
Don‟t forget to tell people that Relay For Life is an American Cancer Society event! Always include the full event name: American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [community name here].
Avoid saying “luminaries” – that means a celestial body that gives light. We refer to “luminaria”– a bag filled with sand and with a candle inside.
If you have any questions regarding the use of our logos, please contact Jessica Berlin, Creative Services Director, at [email protected] or call 215-985-5346.
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Press Kit Samples
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FACT SHEET [DATE]
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: [CHAIR NAME & PHONE NUMBER] [STAFF NAME & PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [LOCATION] BACKGROUND: Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society‟s national signature
activity. Relay began in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington, by Dr. Gordon Klatt. He ran and walked on a local track for 24 hours, traveling a total of 81 miles and raising $27,000. Since Dr. Klatt‟s one-man marathon, millions of people nationwide have passed the baton and raised millions of dollars for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient service. In 2010, Relay For Life raised nearly $16 million in Ohio.
Most Relay For Life events last 18 to 24 hours at a school or community field. The events are filled with fun and excitement for all ages. The event begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap celebrating those who have survived cancer or who are currently battling cancer. Later in the evening, the Luminaria Ceremony remembers those who have experienced cancer. Games, music, live entertainment and pep rallies encourage people all through the night. Teams are made up of eight to 15 people. During the event, at least one member of each team is walking or running the track at all times.
EVENT: THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY OF [COMMUNITY] WHEN: [DATE] WHERE: [CITY, LOCATION OF EVENT] WHY: To raise money for the [NAME OF REGION] Region of the
American Cancer Society and to raise community awareness of the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society.
GOAL: [DOLLAR AMOUNT AND NUMBER OF TEAMS] DETAILS: [ENTRY FEE, MAX. OF PEOPLE PER TEAM, ETC.]
# # #
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Works to Save Lives
(CITY, State) – It was estimated that more than 1.5 million Americans would be diagnosed with cancer in 2010. The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, is determined to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health threat through research, education, advocacy and service programs. The American Cancer Society has funded hundreds of researchers since the beginning of its research program in 1946, with 44 of these investigators going on to win Nobel Prizes. As the largest not-for-profit source of cancer research funding, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $3.5 billion in cancer research. The key to detecting cancer early, or preventing cancer all together, is education. The American Cancer Society prides itself on its early detection and prevention guidelines addressing breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, among others. The American Cancer Society establishes grassroots efforts to bring communities together in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society‟s Cancer Action Network encourages volunteers to collaborate on a governmental level to advocate for patients‟ rights, quality of life issues and other legislative topics. Programs offered through the American Cancer Society are focused to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. The programs also encourage the early detection and prevention of cancers through lifestyle decisions The American Cancer Society has served thousands of cancer patients through its programs and awareness efforts; however, the real strength of the American Cancer Society lies in its volunteers, who translate policy into reality. Motivated by personal experiences and concern for others, they accomplish the mission of the American Cancer Society. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Society Saves Lives
Page 2 of 2
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
# # #
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Relay For Life Brings American Cancer Society Programs to [COUNTY/COMMUNITY] Residents
(CITY, State) – It brings men, women and children together for an overnight gathering of celebration and remembrance. It raises funds for the fight against cancer; a disease that will affect one in three Americans in their lifetime, accounting for more than 1.5 million cases this year. It celebrates life, remembers those lost and empowers others to fight back. What is it? It‟s the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, and it‟s happening soon in your community. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is one important way to make a difference in the fight against cancer. This year, millions of Relay participants in thousands of local communities across the country will raise millions of dollars to fuel the American Cancer Society‟s mission of eliminating cancer by helping people get well, helping people stay well, finding cures and fighting back. So what happens when you support American Cancer Society Relay For Life? Here are just a few examples:
Helping you stay well. Finding cancer early can mean the difference between life and death. The Society helps you take steps to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest and provide the most up-to-date information about how to reduce your cancer risk by healthy lifestyle choices. Contact 1-800-227-22345 or cancer.org for more information.
Helping you get well. Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn‟t be. The Society is in your corner, around the clock to guide you through your cancer experience. The Society can help patients and their families make informed decisions about care, find moral support from others who have been there and offer practical solutions to daily challenges.
Finding cures. The Society funds and conducts groundbreaking research that helps scientists understand cancer‟s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it. The Society is the largest private funder of cancer research.
-more-
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American Cancer Society
Relay Brings Society Programs to Residents Page 2 of 2
Fighting Back. Cancer is not just a health issue, but a political issue. The Society advocates for people to have access to critical cancer screenings and follow-up treatment – regardless of income. Some examples include: increasing government funding for cancer research, establishing smoke-free policies, and improving access to affordable, quality healthcare.
“The American Cancer Society spends the funds raised through Relay For Life on cancer-fighting efforts that benefit everyone in the community,” said [NAME AND TITLE]. This year, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] will take place on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. For more information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Sheds Light on Cancer Fighting Research
(CITY, State) – Do you know a child who survived leukemia? Do you have a mother, sister or aunt whose breast cancer was found early thanks to a mammogram? Do you have a friend or coworker who quit smoking to decrease their risk of lung cancer? Each of these individuals benefited from the American Cancer Society‟s research program. Every day scientists supported by the American Cancer Society work to find breakthroughs that will take us one step closer to a cure. The Society has long recognized that research holds many answers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As the largest source of nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States, the American Cancer Society devotes about $130 million each year to research. Since 1946, the Society has invested approximately $3.5 billion in research. The investment has paid rich dividends: the five-year survival rate has almost tripled since 1946, and diagnosis and mortality rates have declined each year since 1990. Investigators and healthcare professionals in universities, research institutes and hospitals throughout the country receive grants from the American Cancer Society. Of the approximately 1,600 grant applications received in 2011, about a quarter of the worthy applications will be left unfunded. If the Society had more money available for research funding, nearly 200 more outstanding applications considered outstanding could be funded. You can help fund more of these applications by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, a team event to fight cancer. More funding means more cancer breakthroughs and more lives saved. To learn more, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Relay Funds Cancer Research
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. .
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Creates More Birthdays Through Advocacy Efforts
(CITY, State) – Lawmakers on the federal, state and local level help determine the fate of cancer research, prevention and control. That is why, in recent years, the American Cancer Society has made advocacy a national priority. For decades, our nation‟s lawmakers have made critical decisions that affect cancer patients and their families. The American Cancer Society is committed to working with volunteers to keep them informed about legislation that could help save lives and create more birthdays. The Society‟s East Central Division has recruited thousands of grassroots volunteers who help communicate concerns with their elected officials. “The U.S. government is the nation‟s leading funding source for cancer research, yet the commitment is far less than 1 percent of the nation‟s budget,” said [NAME], [TITLE], American Cancer Society, East Central Division. “We want to see increases in funding for cancer research and programs so that we can improve our chances of finding a cure. The only way those changes can occur is through aggressive grassroots political action.” The Society focuses on several legislative issues that could help us decrease cancer incidence across the country. These issues include research funding; patient protection legislation; screening, detection and treatment services; tobacco control; children‟s health; access to quality cancer care; and prevention and awareness programs. “If the efforts of the American Cancer Society to change public policy are successful, we will improve the lives of many Americans. The legislative fight against cancer is a fight we need to win,” added [NAME]. You can help in accomplishing this mission by joining the American Cancer Society‟s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) or by participating in Relay For Life, a team event to fight cancer. To learn how or for more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society‟s 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Advocacy
Page 2 of 2
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Committed to Creating A World with More Birthdays
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society is determined to eliminate cancer as a major health threat. While striving to reach this goal, the Society works daily to save more lives until a cure is found. The immediate goal of saving more lives must be accomplished largely through public education on the prevention and early detection of cancer; education of the medical community on the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of cancer; and advocacy at the local, state and federal levels for cancer-related legislation. The ultimate goal of total cancer control can be reached through research. Scientists supported by the American Cancer Society are continuing to make breakthroughs that can increase the number of lives saved. Since 1946, the year the Society awarded its first research grants, approximately $3.5 billion has been invested in research. The investment has paid rich dividends. In 1946, only one in four cancer patients was alive five years after diagnosis; today 68 percent live longer than five years. The real strength of the American Cancer Society lies in its volunteers, who translate policy into reality. Motivated by personal experiences and concern for others, they accomplish the mission of the organization. Community members can join us in accomplishing this mission by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, a team event to fight cancer. To learn how, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit cancer.org. You can connect with Relayers worldwide by visiting RelayForLife.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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American Cancer Society POINTS OF PRIDE: Funds Raised at Relay Help Save Lives!
American Cancer Society research, no matter where it is carried out, benefits all people in all communities.
The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of cancer research in the United States, with approximately $3.5 billion dollars invested in cancer research since 1946
The Society spends $130 million each year on cancer research
Forty-four Society researchers have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, the highest accolade of scientific achievement
During the past 60 years, more than 30,000 grants have been supported American Cancer Society-funded research successes include the following:
Brian Druker, who showed Gleevec® could battle a deadly cancer by precisely targeting leukemia cells
Donnall Thomas, who developed the bone marrow transplant
Mary Claire King, who discovered the breast cancer gene and worked to target women at risk
Cure for childhood leukemia with combination chemotherapy
Identification of smoking as cause of lung cancer
Use of Tamoxifen® to reduce risk of second or first breast cancer
Development of monoclonal antibodies to treat breast cancer (Herceptin®) and lymphoma (Rituxan®)
Cancer never sleeps and neither do we. The American Cancer Society provides the following programs to educate the community to save lives:
The American Cancer Society‟s toll-free number is a resource for lifesaving cancer information and services through 1-800-227-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Millions of visitors click on cancer.org each year to access clinical trial information, the latest updates and news on cancer, listings of local programs and services, and information in languages such as Spanish and Chinese
Youth and adult education programs teach people in our communities how to reduce their cancer risk
The Great American Smokeout® is the third Thursday in November
Quitline®, a confidential, free telephone counseling service, is available at 1-800-227-2345, to help tobacco users kick the habit
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Because lawmakers on a federal, state, and local level determine the fate of cancer research, prevention, and control, the American Cancer Society has made advocacy a National priority leading to…
Reduced deaths and illnesses by helping to pass smoke-free indoor air laws to protect employees and the public from secondhand tobacco smoke
Increased federal and state funding to allow low-income women access to breast and cervical cancer screenings
Assured coverage of colon cancer screenings by state-regulated health insurance plans
Ensured that all people covered under Medicare receive access to clinical trials
Restricted youth access to tobacco and created state-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs
Doubled the funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute to increase cancer research
Created the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM to increase advocacy efforts on behalf of people touched by cancer
Supported funding for state cancer registries In the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society places great importance on cancer patient services – hoping to ease cancer‟s impact on people‟s lives. Direct services to many communities include the following:
Lodging at Hope Lodge® for out-of-town cancer patients undergoing treatment
Look Good… Feel Better® sessions for women, to help them cope with the physical side effects of treatment
One-on-one visitation to women diagnosed with breast cancer through Reach to Recovery® volunteers
Transportation for patients to lifesaving treatments through Road to Recovery®
Cancer Survivors NetworkSM online support found at cancer.org
Support groups
Other programs and services offered (vary from community to community)
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Public Service Announcements
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Sample PSA Pitch Letter [DATE] [NAME] [NAME OF NEWSPAPER] [ADDRESS] [CITY, STATE, ZIP] Dear Public Service Coordinator, Enclosed please find public service announcements promoting the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY], an event to fight cancer. Relay For Life raises community awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society‟s patient services, research, advocacy and community education. Volunteers in 225 communities throughout Ohio are organizing Relay For Life events to salute cancer survivors and to remember loved ones who have lost their fight against cancer. Here in [COMMUNITY] we need to raise awareness about Relay For Life to recruit teams and raise much needed funds. Each team, comprised of 15 people, walks or runs around a track, relay-style, overnight. This is a fun family event that allows every member of the community to celebrate the lives of those who have survived, grieve for those lost to cancer and empower others to fight back against a disease that takes too much. We‟d appreciate your help in getting the word out about Relay For Life and hope that you can include the attached information. Please call me at [PHONE] if you have any questions. Thank you. Regards, Staff/Volunteer
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER] Start Date: Immediately End Date: Day before event :10 sec. CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS! JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG OR DIAL 800-227-2345 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
# :10 sec. CELEBRATE ALL NIGHT LONG. FORM A TEAM AND JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE ON [DATE]. CALL [PHONE NUMBER] FOR MORE INFORMATION.
#
:15 sec. HELP SAVE LIVES AND CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS. FORM A TEAM AND JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. CALL 1-800-227-2345. IT‟S A TEAM EVENT FOR ALL AGES. DIAL 1-800-227-2345. OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG TO LEARN MORE.
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EVER FEEL LIKE YOU‟RE GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES ALL DAY ACCOMPLISHING NOTHING? NOW, YOU CAN GO AROUND IN CIRCLES ALL NIGHT AND FIGHT BACK! JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT US ON THE WEB AT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG
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IF YOU ARE A CANCER SURVIVOR, YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIAL CEREMONY IN YOUR HONOR DURING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE ON [MONTH, DAY]. CALL 1-800-227-2345 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
#
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REMEMBER OR HONOR YOUR LOVED ONE WITH A CONTRIBUTION DURING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY‟S LUMINARIA CEREMONY DURING THEIR RELAY FOR LIFE ON [DAY, MONTH, AND DATE] AT [LOCATION]. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FOR MORE INFORMATION.
# :20 sec. A WORLD WITH LESS CANCER IS A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS. GRAB YOUR FRIENDS AND FORM A TEAM AND JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. CALL 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.
# STILL USING YOUR TOES FOR COMPLICATED MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS? WHY NOT USE THEM TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER? JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. IT‟S AN OVERNIGHT, TEAM EVENT FOR ALL AGES. TO SIGN UP FOR THE RELAY, CALL 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.
# STAY UP ALL NIGHT. EAT A LOT OF GOODIES. HAVE FUN! AND FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER. FORM A TEAM AND JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE ON [DAY, MONTH, AND DATE]. CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
# :30 sec. REMEMBER WHEN YOU WANTED TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT FOR THE FUN OF IT? WELL, NOW YOU CAN, AND FOR A GOOD CAUSE. FORM A TEAM AND JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER AND SHOW US YOUR HOPE. CALL 1-800-227-2345 FOR MORE INFORMATION. AND WE PROMISE THAT NOBODY WILL COME IN AND YELL AT YOU TO GO TO SLEEP.
# BY PARTICITPATING IN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE, EACH LAP BRINGS US CLOSER TO A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS. TO SIGN UP, CALL YOUR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345. THAT NUMBER AGAIN IS 1-800-227-2345. COME SHOW US YOUR HOPE [CITY]!
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IMAGINE A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS. AT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE, YOU CAN CELEBRATE THOSE SURVIVORS – AND HONOR THE MEMORY OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. WE INVITE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO COME OUT FOR THE CELEBRATION. GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.
#
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MORE PEOPLE ARE SURVIVING CANCER. IF YOU ARE A SURVIVOR, WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE AT [LOCATION] ON [DATE, TIME]. IT‟S YOUR CHANCE TO INSPIRE OTHERS AND HONOR THE MEMORY OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. JOIN US IN SHARING HOPE…AND SIGN UP FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-800-227-2345.
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LACE UP YOUR ATHLETIC SHOES AND HELP SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER DURING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE ON [DATE] AT [LOCATION]. TEAMS OF EIGHT TO 15 PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE TURNS WALKING OR RUNNING THE TRACK DURING THE EVENT. RECRUIT A TEAM FROM YOUR COMPANY, ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD AND JOIN THE EXCITEMENT OF RAISING MONEY TO FIGHT CANCER AND SAVE LIVES. ENTERTAINMENT, GAMES, GREAT PRIZES AND TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCES ARE ALL A PART OF THE FUN. CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345 TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM.
# HERE AT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, WE‟RE SAVING LIVES BY HELPING PEOPLE STAY WELL, HELPING PEOPLE GET WELL, BY FINDING CURES AND BY FIGHTING BACK. HELP US BY PARTICIPATING IN RELAY FOR LIFE. JOIN THOUSANDS OF OTHERS AS WE WALK THROUGH THE NIGHT TO RAISE MONEY AND PROGRAMS AND SERVICS FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. TO JOIN, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.
#
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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER] start Date: Immediately End Date: Day before event :10 sec. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY] FUNDS PROGRAMS LIKE FREE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE] TO HELP [COMMUNITY] CANCER PATIENTS AND FAMILIES. DIAL 1-800-227-2345 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
# :15 sec. HI, I‟M [FIRST NAME], A CANCER SURVIVOR, JOIN ME AT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY] TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER AND HELP CREATE A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS. DIAL 1-800-227-2345.
#
YOUR INVOLVEMENT CAN SAVE A LIFE. HELP [COMMUNITY] RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM [BREAST CANCER SUPPORT] BY JOINING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]. DIAL 1-800-227-2345.
#
:30 sec. REMEMBER WHEN YOU WANTED TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT FOR THE FUN OF IT? WELL, NOW YOU CAN, AND FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER. JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]. HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER AND LOCAL PROGRAMS LIKE [ON-LINE SUPPORT SERVICES] WHILE HAVING FUN. CALL 1-800-227-2345 TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE, REMEMBER AND FIGHT BACK WITH RELAY FOR LIFE!
# IF YOU LIKE HAVING A FUN TIME WITH FRIENDS, YOU‟VE GOT TO JOIN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]! IT‟S AN OVER-NIGHT, ACTION-PACKED TEAM EVENT TO FIGHT CANCER. RELAY HELPS TO FUND LOCAL PROGRAMS LIKE [LOGDGING ASSISTANCE AND
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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS] IN OUR COMMUNITY. CALL 1-800-227-2345. THAT NUMBER AGAIN IS 1-800-227-2345. COME JOIN THE FUN AND SHOW US YOUR HOPE!
# HI, I‟M [FIRST NAME] AND I‟M A CANCER SURVIVOR. MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE ARE SURVIVING CANCER DUE TO THE EFFORTS OF AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY VOLUNTEERS. JOIN ME AND [COMMUNITY] RESIDENTS IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO THOSE SURVIVORS AND HONOR THE MEMORY OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. I INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]. THE RELAY FOR LIFE PROVIDES PROGRAMS LIKE [EX: PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT AND PATIENT NAVIGATOR] IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. DIAL 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.
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THANKS TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY], I DIDN‟T HAVE TO FIGHT CANCER ALONE. MY NAME IS [NAME] AND I‟M A CANCER SURVIVOR. RELAY FOR LIFE HELPS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING LOCAL PROGRAM AND SERVICES. FOR HELP, CALL 1-800-227-2345 AND JOIN ME IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER ON [MONTH, DAY], AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY].
# BECAUSE OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY], YOU DON‟T HAVE TO FIGHT CANCER ALONE. WE SAVE LIVES BY HELPING PEOPLE STAY WELL. RELAY FOR LIFE HELPS PROVIDE LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN [COMMUNITY]. NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, WE‟RE HERE TO HELP! JUST CALL 1-800-227-2345 AND FIGHT AGAINST CANCER ON [MONTH, DAY] AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY].
#
:60 sec. HI, I‟M [FIRST NAME] AND I‟M A CANCER SURVIVOR. MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE ARE SURVIVING CANCER DUE TO THE EFFORTS OF AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY VOLUNTEERS. JOIN ME AND [COMMUNITY] RESIDENTS IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO THOSE SURVIVORS AND HONOR THE MEMORY OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. I INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]. THE RELAY FOR LIFE PROVIDES PROGRAMS IN OUR COMMUNITY LIKE [SOCIETY PROGRAM WITH DESCRIPTION - EX. ROAD TO RECOVERY, AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SERVICE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES TRANSPORTATION FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO THEIR TREATMENTS AND HOME AGAIN, AND LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER, A FREE SERVICE THAT TEACHES FEMALE CANCER PATIENTS BEAUTY TECHNIQUES TO HELP RESTORE THEIR APPEARANCE AND SELF-IMAGE DURING CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION TREATMENTS.] AT RELAY, EACH STEP GETS US CLOSER TO A WORLD WITH
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MORE BIRTHDAYS. YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY] CAN SAVE A LIFE. DIAL 1-800-227-2345 OR VISIT RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.
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LACE UP YOUR ATHLETIC SHOES AND HELP FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER DURING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY], ON [DAY, MONTH, DATE, AT LOCATION]. TEAMS OF EIGHT TO FIFTEEN PARTICIPANTS WILL WALK THE TRACK OVERNIGHT. RECRUIT A TEAM FROM YOUR COMPANY, ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD AND JOIN THE EXCITEMENT OF RAISING MONEY TO FIGHT CANCER AND CREATE A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS. ENTERTAINMENT, GAMES, GREAT PRIZES AND TEAM-BUILDING EXPERIENCES ARE ADDED BONUSES. THE RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY] PROVIDES FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY LIKE [SOCIETY PROGRAM WITH DESCRIPTION - EX. ROAD TO RECOVERY, AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SERVICE PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES TRANSPORTATION FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO THEIR TREATMENTS AND HOME AGAIN, AND LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER, A FREE SERVICE THAT TEACHES FEMALE CANCER PATIENTS BEAUTY TECHNIQUES TO HELP RESTORE THEIR APPEARANCE AND SELF-IMAGE DURING CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION TREATMENTS.] CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345 TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM.
#
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Sample Survivor Reception Public Service Announcement Scripts Start date: [DATE] For more information, contact: Kill date: [DATE] [NAME, PHONE NUMBER]
Cancer Survivors Reception Radio PSAs
:10 Radio
ELEVEN MILLION AMERICANS ARE CANCER SURVIVORS. COME CELEBRATE
LIFE WITH US ON [DATE] AT THE CANCER SURVIVORS RECEPTION. FOR MORE
INFORMATION, CALL 1-800-227-2345.
:30 Radio
COME CELEBRATE A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS AND HONOR CANCER
SURVIVORS. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF
[CITY/COUNTY] WILL HOST A SURVIVORS RECEPTION ON [DATE]. OUR LOCAL
RELAY CELEBRATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT [LOCATION] AT [TIME]. FOR MORE
INFORMATION, CALL THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345.
:60 Radio
TODAY, ELEVEN MILLION AMERICANS ARE CANCER SURVIVORS...THANKS TO
ADVANCES IN EARLY DETECTION, TREATMENT AND RESEARCH. ON [DATE],
RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COUNTY/CITY] WILL HONOR CANCER SURVIVORS DURING
THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER SURVIVORS RECEPTION! JOIN US
AT [LOCATION], BEGINNING AT [TIME]. WE‟LL HAVE FOOD AND FUN FOR
EVERYONE! COME CELEBRATE LIFE AND THE HOPE FOR A CURE. FOR MORE
INFORMATION, CALL YOUR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AT 1-800-227-2345.
THAT‟S 1-800-227-2345. THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.
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Public Service Announcement
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
:15 SECONDS
JOIN A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE COMING TOGETHER TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST CANCER…WALK IN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY‟S RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY]. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL [NUMBER].
# # #
:30 SECONDS
MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE ARE SURVIVING CANCER. BY TAKING PART IN THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF [COMMUNITY], YOU CAN CELEBRATE THOSE SURVIVORS – AND REMEMBER FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES LOST TO CANCER. JOIN A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO WILL COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST THIS DISEASE. LEAD A TEAM FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL [NUMBER].
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Media Samples Prior to Event
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR [PRE-EVENT] PLEASE HAVE ONLY ONE PERSON SUBMIT. CUSTOMIZE TO MATCH THE AUTHOR’S PERSONAL STORY AND SPEAKING STYLE. DATE EDITOR NAME OF PAPER ADDRESS CITY, STATE ZIP To Editor: On [DATE], the American Cancer Society will be holding its [NUMBER OF YEARS] annual Relay For Life of [NAME OF COMMUNITY]. Since 1985, Relay For Life has grown from one man – Dr. Gordy Klatt, who walked, jogged and ran around a track for 24 hours raising money for his local American Cancer Society unit – to a movement to eliminate cancer that now takes place in more than 5,000 communities in the United States and in 21 other countries around the world. Nearly 4 million people participate in the life-changing event, which has raised a total of more than $3 billion to fund the American Cancer Society‟s mission. Everyone in [NAME OF COMMUNITY] who has been touched by cancer is invited to attend. This team event builds friendship among team members by having fun and raising money for the fight against cancer. It‟s the perfect team-building event for any organization. The event consists of teams who spend 24 hours together in efforts to raise money and fight cancer. Each team has at least one member walking or running the track during the entire event. Relay For Life is about celebrating, remembering and fighting back. The Society celebrates cancer survivors by inviting all local cancer survivors to start each Relay event. The Survivors Lap honors those who have won their fight against cancer and those who are currently undergoing treatment. The Society remembers all of those touched with cancer with the Luminaria Ceremony after dusk. The track is lined with luminaria marked with the names of those who survived and those who lost their battle with cancer. The Society fights back by raising money for research, education, local patient services, and advocacy. The event is also filled with music, live entertainment, games and other activities. This year, the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] will have [LIST ACTIVITY DETAILS]. This year‟s event is sponsored by [SPONSORS].
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We hope to raise [GOAL] from this year‟s event. To reach our goal, we need your support! By forming a team from your company, church, school, neighborhood, etc., you will not only be part of a great community event, but you will raise funds to improve the quality of life for cancer patients today and the outlook for those diagnosed in the future. If you are interested in learning more about this important event, please call me at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER]. It‟s about being a community that takes up the fight! [YOUR NAME] [Volunteer for the American Cancer Society] [Your home address and phone number]
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MEDIA ALERT [DATE] For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society 2011 Relay For Life of [AREA]
WHAT: Relay For Life – A Team Event to Fight Cancer WHEN: [DATES AND TIMES. INCLUDE SURVIVORS WALK &
RECEPTION AND LUMINARIA CEREMONY] WHERE: [LOCATION] WHO: The American Cancer Society, [# of cancer survivors], [COMMUNITY] WHY: A fun way to join with others in the community in the fight against cancer
and to raise funds for the activities of the American Cancer Society. A way to celebrate the lives being saved from cancer and to remember those lost.
HOW: Teams form and raise money prior to the event, then come prepared to
camp out and enjoy the activities and the celebration of life. For information, call [LOCAL PHONE NUMBER].
CANCER INFORMATION: cancer.org/1.800.227.2345 Special thanks to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] County sponsors: [LIST SPONSORS]
# # #
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MEDIA ALERT
[DATE] For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[CITY] Residents Invited to Kick off the American Cancer Society Relay For Life
WHO: [CITY/COUNTY NAME] residents are invited to kick off the American
Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY]. This community celebration is open to anyone who wants to learn more about Relay For Life and how to get involved. Relay For Life is a community event that honors cancer survivors, current cancer patients and caregivers. Relay also pays tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY] is [DATES] at [LOCATION].
WHAT: The Relay For Life kick-off rally is an opportunity for all [CITY] residents to
come together to kick off the Relay For Life of [CITY] and learn more about the event and how to get involved. Anyone is welcome!
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance and take turns walking around a track relay-style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors, as well as friends and family members lost to the disease.
WHEN: Relay Kick-off Rally – [DATE AND TIME] WHERE: [LOCATION] HOW: To RSVP call [PHONE NUMBER] or visit the event Web site at [WEB SITE]. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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MEDIA ALERT
[DATE] For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[COMMUNITY] Residents Light Luminaria and Walk All Night at American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event
Local event is one of 225 Relay For Life events planned throughout Ohio
What: The [#] annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life in [COMMUNITY].
Approximately [NUMBER] walkers from [COMMUNITY] and surrounding towns will light more than [NUMBER] luminaria and are expected to raise more than [DOLLAR AMOUNT] to support the American Cancer Society‟s efforts in creating more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. Teams will keep at least one member moving around the track throughout the entire night.
When: [TIME and DATE] – [TIME and DATE] Where: [LOCATION - include landmarks or brief directions if appropriate.] Highlights: Opening Ceremony – [TIME and DATE] Welcoming walkers and kicking off the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Lap – [TIME and DATE]
Honoring all cancer survivors and recognizing the efforts of caregivers as they walk the first lap around the track together. For more information call [PHONE NUMBER] or visit the event Web site at [WEB SITE].
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For “day of” coverage – emailed or faxed to local media one week in advance.
Photo Opportunity
[DATE] For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Candles Glow in Honor of Survivors and Those Lost to Cancer at American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event
Community is invited to attend luminaria ceremony in honor of a loved one
WHAT: A luminaria ceremony for cancer survivors (anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer) and in memory of those lost to the disease will take place at Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Bags containing lit candles will be placed around [LOCATION]‟s track, while participants walk or jog a lap by the light of hundreds of candles.
Relay For Life is an overnight event increasing cancer awareness while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society‟s programs and services for the local community. Teams composed of as many as 15 people from local companies, clubs, neighborhoods and families raise funds prior to the event. At the Relay, team members take turns walking around the track, relay-style. Participants camp out and enjoy music, entertainment and food while building team spirit to help in the fight against cancer.
WHEN: [DATES AND TIMES] WHERE: [LOCATION – school or site name, address and cross street if available,
CITY]. WHO: All [COMMUNITY] residents are invited to attend. WHY: Relay For Life empowers the community to take part in the fight against
cancer while honoring survivors and remembering friends and loved ones lost to the disease.
HOW: Luminaria may be purchased for $[AMOUNT] at [LOCATION]. Call [LOCAL
PHONE] for more information about the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] luminaria ceremony or about Relay For Life or visit RelayForLife.org. For more information, call [PHONE NUMBER] or visit the event Web site at [WEB SITE].
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CALENDAR LISTING For more information, contact: [NAME], [PHONE NUMBER] [DATE]
Calendar Listings
Cancer Survivor Recognition and Luminaria Ceremony
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] will be on [DATE[S]]. The participants of this team event raise money to combat cancer and increase awareness of the disease. The Relay For Life event, Survivors Lap and reception and Luminaria Ceremony will be held at [LOCATION]. For more information on Relay For Life, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. [DATE, TIME] – Cancer Survivor Recognition: Cancer survivors from the [COMMUNITY] area are invited to walk the first lap of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event to celebrate life. The event and Survivors Lap will be held at [LOCATION]. Each cancer survivor will receive [DETAILS] to wear while walking the track and is invited to a reception after the walk. There is no cost to participate, and cancer survivors should call the American Cancer Society at [PHONE NUMBER] to register. Families and friends are welcome to attend. [DATE, TIME] – Luminaria Ceremony: The American Cancer Society will conduct a Luminaria Ceremony to recognize those touched by cancer in [LOCATION]. Individuals or companies can make contributions in memory of those who have lost their fight with cancer and in honor of those who have survived or are still fighting. Each will be recognized by a lit luminaria candle, displayed at the Relay For Life event held at [LOCATION]. Luminaria contributions can be made by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
[DATE, TIME] – Fight Back Ceremony: The American Cancer Society will conduct a Fight Back Ceremony calling for participants to pledge to take action to save a life from cancer. Join the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] AT [LOCATION]. Call [PHONE NUMBER] for more information.
# # #
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Involves the Entire Community in the Fight against Cancer
[CITY, State] – In communities throughout Ohio, people are gathering together to help fight cancer at a unique event called Relay For Life. Relay is the American Cancer Society‟s national signature activity that brings together teams of families and friends from local companies, schools, clubs and organizations to walk around the track in relay fashion. All proceeds raised from this event are used for cancer research, education, prevention and patient services. Similarly, the event provides a wonderful venue for the promotion and delivery of cancer control activities, including advocacy, prevention and early detection education. The five-year relative survival probability for all cancers diagnosed between 1999-2006 is 68%, up from 50% in 1975-1977. This survival rate can be increased through more research and greater community awareness of health issues. Relay For Life combines a way to share vital cancer education and programs with community members and a way to raise money to fund more cancer research. The success began in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt [a Tacoma, Washington, surgeon and American Cancer Society volunteer] ran and walked on a local track for 24 hours, traveling a total of 81 miles and raising $27,000. Since Dr. Klatt‟s one-man marathon, thousands of people nationwide have passed the “baton” and raised millions of dollars for Relay For Life‟s battle against cancer. Some 225 communities are participating across Ohio this year. Relay For Life events in Ohio raised nearly $16 million in 2010. The American Cancer Society has set a goal of raising $17.2 million in Ohio in 2011. While events vary from location to location, Relay For Life events share many of the same elements that make it such an enjoyable and successful experience. The first lap of the Relay For Life celebrates cancer survivors. They lead the first lap of the Relay. Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, whether currently undergoing
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American Cancer Society Entire Community in Relay For Life
Page 2 of 2 treatment or in remission for 50 years, is invited to participate. After dusk, the Luminaria Ceremony remembers all of those who battled cancer. Candles surround the track with bags marked with the names of those still fighting, those who won the battle, and those we have lost. This ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which every participant will continue to fight against this disease. Each Relay participant is also encouraged to find a way to fight back against cancer, by raising money, making a healthy lifestyle choice or speaking up for cancer patients through advocacy. For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Volunteers Needed to Implement American Cancer Society Relay For Life in [COMMUNITY]
(CITY, State) – The local American Cancer Society of [CITY/COUNTY] is looking for volunteers and teams for the inaugural Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. They are hosting a meeting at [TIME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION] to share with residents the importance of Relay For Life in the fight against cancer. Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. “Relay For Life raises awareness about the progress against cancer while also raising funds to fight the disease,” said [NAME], [TITLE] for the American Cancer Society. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against cancer and let the community know that cancer can be beat.” Teams of 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in Relay For Life, the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life unites friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, and churches ... people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorships prior to the Relay, all with the goal of supporting a cure for cancer. Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and lend their support in any way. If you would like to reserve a seat for the informational meeting on [DATE], volunteer on the Relay For Life committee or serve as a team captain, contact [NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER]. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society‟s 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Volunteers Needed for Relay For Life
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER] Volunteers Needed for American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, is looking for a few good volunteers for its national signature activity, Relay For Life. Walkers and runners, cancer survivors, community leaders, team captains – come one, come all, to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. The first volunteer committee meeting will be held on [MEETING INFORMATION]. Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support and underwriting, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment and [ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES]. “Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund-raiser,” said [CURRENT VOLUNTEER NAME]. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have a made a commitment to fight back against this disease.” It is estimated that in 2010, about 64,450 Ohioans were diagnosed with cancer and about 24,980 died from this disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection and prevention and research funded by organizations such as the American Cancer Society have increased the five-year survival rate for these patients to 68 percent. Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. At dusk, Relay For Life remembers all of those touched by cancer in a moving, candlelit ceremony. The funds raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and patient services.
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American Cancer Society Relay For Life Volunteer Recruitment
Page 2 of 2 For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[NAME OF COMMUNITY] Hosts American Cancer Society Relay For Life
(CITY, State) – Sneakers, sleeping bags and cancer education? It must be the American Cancer Society‟s Relay For Life, a 24-hour event to celebrate survivorship and raise funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and services. Relay For Life will be held at [LOCATION, ADDRESS AND TOWN] on [DATES AND TIMES]. The Relay For Life brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for camaraderie, food, music and entertainment, and a night under the stars – all while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and reception to celebrate life. Later in the evening, a Luminaria Ceremony honors those who are battling cancer and remembers those who have lost their fight. “Relay For Life brings communities together,” said [RELAY CHAIR]. “We honor each person who has been touched by this disease while raising money for much needed cancer research, education, advocacy and service.” “In [COMMUNITY], our goal is to raise [AMOUNT] for the American Cancer Society. We‟re grateful to the people and the businesses helping us to achieve that goal,” said [RELAY CHAIR LAST NAME]. Sponsors of the event include: [LIST SPONSORS.] For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society
Community Hosts Relay For Life Page 2 of 2
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[NAME] to Serve as Honorary Chair for American Cancer Society Relay For Life
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, has selected [NAME] to serve as honorary chair for this year‟s Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] on [DATE OF EVENT]. INCLUDE BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON THE CHAIR AND WHY HE/SHE WAS CHOSEN. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for food, fun, music, entertainment and a night under the stars – while team members take turns walking or running on a track. All monies raised from the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] will go to cancer research, education, advocacy and service. “The American Cancer Society‟s vital research, education, advocacy, and patient services are leading the way to eliminating cancer as a major health problem,” said [NAME]. “I‟m proud to participate in Relay For Life. We are saving lives and helping local cancer patients.” Other Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] County committee members include [LIST OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS]. For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Luminaria Ceremony Lights the Way to a Cure
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, will light more than [NUMBER OF LUMINARIA SOLD] luminaria candles in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who have lost their battle at the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. The ceremony will take place at [LOCATION] at [TIME] and will be hosted by [CEREMONY HOST]. “I am proud to represent the thousands of cancer survivors and the families of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said [NAME, VOLUNTEER TITLE, AND HOMETOWN.] “As the luminaria light up the night, it is so painfully clear why we are here, and why we need to continue to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy and service.” Friends and family members may purchase the luminaria up until the day of the event. Each luminaria bag is in honor or in memory of someone touched by cancer. Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[COMMUNITY] Celebrates [NUMBER] Anniversary of Relay For Life $[DOLLAR AMOUNT] Raised in [#] years for American Cancer Society Research and
Programs
(CITY, State) – [COMMUNITY] residents will gather at [LOCATION] on [DATE] at [TIME] to celebrate the [NUMBER] anniversary of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Over the course of [NUMBER] years, the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] has raised a total of $[DOLLAR AMOUNT] to help in the fight against cancer, while involving more than [NUMBER] participants walking a combined [NUMBER] miles. [INSERT AN INSPIRATIONAL HUMAN INTEREST STORY SUCH AS SOMEONE WHO WALKED THE FIRST YEAR AND IS STILL WALKING, TWO OR THREE GENERATIONS OF WALKERS WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER, OR A SPECIAL TEAM OR SOMEONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST WALK IN HONOR OF SOMEONE ELSE AND NOW HAS CANCER HIM OR HERSELF.] “I feel honored to be a part of this uplifting event,” said [PERSON PROFILED ABOVE]. “I have made a personal commitment both to create awareness about the progress against cancer and help raise the funds necessary to continue the fight against the disease.” [THIS STATEMENT CAN ALSO BE PERSONALIZED TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO THE REASONS THE PERSON IS WALKING.] Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life first started in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt took the first step of this 24-hour walk around the track in Tacoma, Wash., raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. For information about Relay or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Relay For Life Anniversary
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
A Sleepover for a Cause: American Cancer Society Seeking Additional Teams for Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society is seeking teams for the Relay For Life of [CITY/COUNTY]. An informational meeting will take place at [TIME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION] to share with community members the importance of Relay For Life and its impact on the fight against cancer. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society‟s national signature, overnight fundraising activity. Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life unites friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools and churches…people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of supporting a cure for cancer. Teams are encouraged to sign up early for the [NUMBER] annual [or first] American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY/COMMUNITY] to take place [DATE] at [LOCATION] in [CITY/TOWN]. “By organizing early, teams have more time to raise money for the American Cancer Society,” said [NAME, TITLE], for the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and empower others to fight back against a disease that takes too much. “The event raises awareness about the progress against cancer while also raising funds to fight the disease,” said [NAME]. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting community event, as a volunteer or as a participant, have made a commitment to fight back against cancer.” Team captains have a critical role in the Relay. A [CAPTAIN‟S UNIVERSITY or NAME OF MEETING] meeting is planned to jump start enthusiasm and to help get teams on the right track.
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American Cancer Society Teams Needed for Relay For Life
Page 2 of 2 Team captain duties include the following:
Recruit eight to 15 team members at work, church, community clubs, civic organizations, family, friends or neighbors
Attend Relay captain team meetings
Secure team commitment fee of $10 per team member from sponsor or team members. (The fee helps cover the costs of printing registration materials and other event overhead costs.)
Fill out paperwork completely.
Set a fundraising goal for the team and for individual members.
Encourage and plan team fundraising events.
Host team meetings. Recognize team successes and promote team spirit.
Encourage team members to turn in money by deadline. Account for all team money.
Encourage team members to sell luminaria and to write names or decorate the bags for the event.
Attend bank night to turn in the team‟s money.
Develop a team theme for the team‟s campsite at the Relay.
For more information on the Relay For Life or to register a team, contact [NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER] or email [him/her] at [ADDRESS]. You can also visit RelayForLife.org to connect with other Relayers in your community and across the nation. To learn more about the American Cancer Society‟s research, prevention, advocacy, patient services and early detection programs, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Local Companies Needed to Create More Birthdays!
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Seeking Sponsors
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society urges local companies to take up the fight against cancer in their communities by becoming sponsors of the American Cancer Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Cancer touches the lives of everyone, and involvement in this event is a great way to demonstrate that a company cares. Sponsorships can be tailored to a company‟s ability to give. Relay For Life continues its growth across the nation and around the world. Thousands of people will participate this year in 225 Relay For Life events across Ohio and more than 5,000 communities total across the country. Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones lost and raise money to support the American Cancer Society‟s mission of eliminating cancer as a major health threat. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Relay For Life is also a fundraiser. Each team member is asked to raise money before the event. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, host car washes and more. [NEED TO RELATE THIS BACK TO SPONSOR SINCE THAT IS WHAT RELEASE IS ABOUT] If you would like to become a corporate sponsor or find out how to build a team for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY], call [LOCAL NUMBER] or visit RelayForLife.org. For more information about cancer, call 1-800-227-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Sponsors Needed for Relay For Life
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE [DATE]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Deadline for Relay For Life Sponsors Approaches
(CITY, State) –The sponsor deadline for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] is approaching. Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. The Relay For Life of [CITY/COUNTY] takes place from [TIME] on [DATE] until [TIME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. Corporate sponsors can donate money or goods (such as food) for the participants, or even contribute money in exchange for recognition at the event. “We would like to encourage local businesses to support us in the fight against cancer by sponsoring the Relay,” said [NAME], [TITLE]. “Their sponsorship ultimately helps our community by funding the Society programs and services vital to our citizens. The deadline for all sponsors is [DATE].” If you would like to be a corporate sponsor of the Relay For Life, please contact [NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER]. To learn more about Relay For Life and connect with Relayers in your community and around the world, visit RelayForLife.org. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society‟s 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Youth Relay Event Planned for [COMMUNITY] American Cancer Society Relay For Life Impacts All Ages
(CITY, State) – More than [NUMBER] area [GRADE] students are participating in the [NUMBER] annual Youth Relay For Life of [CITY]. The American Cancer Society Youth Relay is [DAY], [DATE] from [TIME] to [DAY], [DATE] at [TIME] at the [LOCATION]. Youth Relays give young adults the opportunity to be involved in the battle against cancer and let them see through their own eyes why cancer research is so important. By fighting alongside other young adults committed to the cause, Youth Relays effectively stimulate the next generation to address local issues and concerns, including cancer prevention and detection, through collaborative efforts. Mortality rates from childhood cancers have declined over the years. Progress in the development of effective new treatments for children with cancer has been particularly significant during the past three decades. As of [MONTH, YEAR], the Society has [NUMBER] grants in effect, totaling more than $[AMOUNT] million, related to childhood cancer. While much progress has been made, more work needs to be done in order to continue seeking new advancements in the treatment of childhood cancers. Relay For Life is one way you can help raise money to assist in those efforts. The Youth Relay For Life of [CITY] will be chaperoned. For more information about the event, contact [NAME] at the American Cancer Society, [PHONE NUMBER]. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society‟s 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Fight Back With the Click of a Mouse [COMMUNITY] Residents take cancer fight to the Internet
(CITY, State) – [CITY/COUNTY] is ready to Relay – online. The annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] has an interactive Web site that highlights specific information about the event and cancer-related topics. Relay online is also an easy and fun way to accept team registrations and collect credit card donations. This year‟s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY/COUNTY NAME] is [TIME/DATE/PLACE]. Relay For Life is the Society‟s signature fundraising event. Teams of 15 people camp out for overnight, each taking a turn walking laps around a track, socializing and participating in planned activities. Teams can be made up of family, friends, coworkers or community groups. Relays around the nation have taken the fight against cancer online, and have seen increases in both participation and dollars raised. General cancer awareness is also a goal of Relay For Life by providing lifesaving cancer information throughout the event and online. “Relaying online is an easy way to spread the word about Relay For Life and ask for support. Part of my registration included a personal Web page that I dedicated to telling my personal cancer story,” said [PARTICIPANT NAME, TITLE]. Once individuals form or join a team, they can share their personal reason for Relaying and send out emails to friends and family asking for support of the cause through participation or a monetary donation. Top fundraising teams, individual fundraisers and sponsors are highlighted on the front page of the Web site. Teams can even keep track of their total donations raised from the site. The Web site address is [Web site address]. “Of the millions of ways that the Internet is used today, from social networking to online purchasing, raising money and awareness to fight a disease that affects almost all of us is the best one that I‟ve come across. We are thrilled to be Relaying online in our community,” said [NAME].
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American Cancer Society Relay For Life Online
Page 2 of 2
This Web site will make a huge impact in the way that we fight cancer,” said [COMMITTEE CHAIR NAME / POSITION]. Relay has been bringing cancer survivors and anyone touched by the disease together since 1985. The first Relay For Life was in Tacoma, Wash., when its founder, Dr. Gordy Klatt, decided to run for 24 hours at his local high school‟s track with the idea that cancer never sleeps. That year, Dr. Klatt raised about $27,000 for the American Cancer Society and invited teams of friends and families to join him in the future. Today, more than 5,000 communities across America host their own Relay For Life and the event has raised more than $3 billion for the fight against cancer. As the most successful not-for-profit event in America, Relay For Life provides a platform for raising cancer awareness and connecting communities to the programs and services of the American Cancer Society. For more information on Relay For Life or cancer call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Save a Check and Donate Online! American Cancer Society Relay For Life raises money through event Web site
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY]‟s Web site is now available. People interested in giving to the fight against cancer are encouraged to visit [WEB SITE ADDRESS] to make a donation to the local event. More than [NUMBER] teams at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY] are registering at this online Web site to seek community support. “This is an easy way for everyone to join the fight against cancer,” said [NAME], [TITLE]. “Cancer has touched so many lives in our community. We want to find a cure and stop the anguish this disease can cause.” When visiting the site, donors can make a general donation or support a specific team or individual. The process is quick and easy. Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. It is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and empower others to fight back against a disease that takes too much. Those interested in forming a team at this year‟s event may plan to attend the kick-off event on [DATE] at [TIME] at the [LOCATION]. Society volunteers and staff will demonstrate how forming a Relay For Life team can make a difference in [CITY]. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY] begins at [TIME] on [DAY], [DATE] and lasts until [TIME] on [DAY], [DATE]. For more information about online giving or the Relay For Life, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Donate Online to Relay For Life
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life in [COMMUNITY] “Survivors Lap” Puts Face on Fight Against Cancer
(CITY, State) – The [#] annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY], set to begin at [TIME and DATE] through [TIME and DATE] at [LOCATION], is a celebration of cancer survivorship and a fun way to raise the vital funds needed to help find a cure for cancer. The event will celebrate the lives of hundreds of local residents who have survived cancer, while offering the hope of finding a cure. Some [NUMBER] walkers are hoping to raise $[AMOUNT] to benefit the American Cancer Society. “The event will begin with the Survivors Lap where hundreds of cancer survivors and their caregivers will take a victory lap around the track. The involvement of local cancer survivors is proof of the progress that has been made in improving cancer survival rates and the quality of life following cancer treatment,” said [NAME], [TITLE], for the American Cancer Society. A candlelight ceremony also takes place to honor cancer survivors and remember those who lost the fight against this disease. The candle lighting will begin at [TIME and DATE], and luminaria bags for the ceremony can be purchased at the event. Relay For Life is an overnight community event bringing together teams of families, friends, churches, neighborhoods and businesses – all with the same goal of conquering cancer. Teams of walkers keep a continuous presence on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. A full agenda of entertainment is planned, including music, team fundraising activities, fun theme laps and contests all night long [CUSTOMIZE]. Relay For Life is a handicapped-accessible event. Funds raised during Relay For Life help support the American Cancer Society‟s mission of eliminating cancer by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.
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American Cancer Society Survivors Lap
Page 2 of 2
Helping you stay well. Finding cancer early can mean the difference between life and death. The Society helps you take steps to prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest and provide the most up-to-date information about how to reduce your cancer risk by healthy lifestyle choices. Contact 1-800-227-2345 or cancer.org for more information.
Helping you get well. Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn‟t be. The Society is in your corner, around the clock to guide you through your cancer experience. The Society can help patients and their families make informed decisions about care, find moral support from others who have been there and offer practical solutions to daily challenges.
Finding cures. The Society funds and conducts groundbreaking research that helps scientists understand cancer‟s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it. The Society is the largest private funder of cancer research.
Fighting Back. Cancer is not just a health issue, but a political issue. The Society advocates for people to have access to critical cancer screenings and follow-up treatment – regardless of income. Some examples include: increasing government funding for cancer research, establishing smoke-free policies and improving access to affordable, quality healthcare.
Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society‟s signature event and the most successful national fundraiser, is evolving into a worldwide movement to end cancer. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-227-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Celebrates Strength of Survivors Cancer Survivors invited to attend Survivors Reception
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society would like to extend an invitation to cancer survivors and their guest to a celebration reception. On [DAY, AND DATE OF MONTH], the American Cancer Society is hosting the [NUMBER] annual Relay For Life of [CITY/AREA] Cancer Survivors Reception. The reception will take place at [LOCATION AND ADDRESS]. [EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT HERE ABOUT THE RECEPTION…WILL THERE BE FOOD, OR ACTIVITIES? EXAMPLE: [NAME] Restaurant will generously be offering a complimentary meal to each cancer survivor and his or her guest. Attendees will enjoy [LIST OTHER ITEMS], complete with all of the trimmings. The Survivors Reception is a kick-off event hosted before the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, the organization‟s signature activity. Relay offers everyone in a community the opportunity to fight back against cancer. “We are very excited about this year‟s Cancer Survivors Reception,” said [NAME, AND TITLE]. “We are looking forward to paying tribute to the tremendous personal journey that cancer survivors have been on. Every survivor is invited, whether they were diagnosed yesterday or 30 years ago.” Relay allows communities to celebrate the lives of those who have survived their personal battle with cancer. For the newly diagnosed, Relay offers an opportunity to meet someone who has survived the same type of cancer. For the cancer patient in treatment, Relay provides an opportunity to share with others. For the long-term survivor, Relay brings a communities‟ recognition of the struggle and closure to a trying time in their life. “At Relay, and at the Survivors Reception, everyone understands the challenges that cancer survivors have overcome and there is peace of mind knowing that together we can face the challenges ahead,” said [NAME].
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American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Reception
Page 2 of 2
Space at the Survivors Reception is limited to [NUMBER] survivors and reservations are required by [DATE]. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call [PHONE NUMBER]. For more information about the American Cancer Society call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[CITY] Celebrates National Cancer Survivors Day
(CITY, State) On June 5, American Cancer Society volunteers will celebrate Cancer Survivors Day, as Ohio‟s 225 Relay For Life events join together to celebrate, honoring cancer survivors and showing their united support for the mission of ending suffering and death due to cancer. Here in [CITY], volunteers are... [ACTIVITY, TIME, AND PLACE]. One of the local cancer survivors being honored is [SURVIVOR FIRST AND LAST NAME] from [HOMETOWN]. [LAST NAME] is a [NUMBER OF YEARS]-cancer survivor. “My life turned upside down when my doctor told me I had cancer. I was afraid it was a death sentence,” said [SURVIVOR‟S LAST NAME]. “But I learned that there is hope. It was not easy, but I am grateful to be a cancer survivor.” “Cancer survivors show courage as they battle a frightening disease. I am so proud to celebrate [SURVIVOR NAME] and all who faced this battle and won,” said [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME AND TITLE [RELAY VOLUNTEER, RELAY CO-CHAIR, ETC.]. “I invite everyone who has been touched by cancer to come and attend our Relay For Life of [COUNTY] on [DATE].” [OR, IF YOUR RELAY HAS ALREADY HAPPENED, CHANGE THE LAST SENTENCE TO:” I‟d like to thank everyone who supported our successful Relay For Life event.”] At Relay For Life, all local cancer survivors are invited to join in the Survivors Lap at [TIME]. All those who want to honor or remember someone touched by cancer are invited to the Luminaria Ceremony at [TIME]. An estimated 64,450 Ohioans were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2010. The funds raised by Relay For Life fund research, education, patient services and advocacy efforts to help more cancer patients become survivors.
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American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Day
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Society-funded researchers helped develop new treatments. Those include the cervical cancer vaccine, breast cancer drugs like tamoxifen, which prevents cancer in high-risk women as well as treats it, and Herceptin, which treats breast cancer and prevents it from recurring. There are some 11.4 million American cancer survivors. The overall five-year survival rate for all cancers is 68 percent. Many common cancers, such as breast, colorectal, cervical, skin and prostate, have five-year survival rates at 90 percent or more if they are found at the earliest, most treatable stage. Cervical and colorectal cancer screening tests can actually remove precancerous cells and prevent the cancer from ever developing. The American Cancer Society reminds you to get your cancer screenings regularly. For women of average risk, that includes an annual Pap test for cervical cancer starting by age 21, an annual mammogram for breast cancer starting at age 40, and a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer every decade starting at age 50 or an equivalent screening test more frequently. For men, the Society‟s screening guidelines include a colonoscopy every decade starting at age 50 or another screening method more frequently. Men age 50 and older should also talk to their doctors about the benefits and limitations of an annual prostate-specific antigen test and a digital rectal exam. Two out of three cancers can be prevented through lifestyle choices. Tobacco use causes one out of three cancer deaths. Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight can also reduce your risk of cancer. Cancer patients and caregivers can find free information and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or going online to www.cancer.org. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Day
Page 3 of 3 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Celebrates Cancer Survivors
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, will honor approximately [NUMBER] cancer survivors during this year‟s Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. The event is expected to raise [GOAL] for the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and quality of life programs. [INCLUDE ANY SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT THE CEREMONY – VISUAL, AUDIO, THE LEADER OF THE CEREMONY, HOW SURVIVORS CAN REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE, ETC.] “The Survivors Walk and reception is the reason I participate in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY]. Seeing the number of survivors walking is so inspirational – it shows that we can win the battle against cancer,” said [NAME OF SURVIVOR]. [INCLUDE PERSONAL CANCER STORY AND COUNTY/STATE CANCER STATISTICS]. For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [AREA] this Weekend
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society, the nation‟s leading voluntary health organization, will hold its [NUMBER] annual Relay For Life event at [LOCATION] beginning on [TIME/DATE] and ending on [TIME/DATE]. “We have [NUMBER] teams this year and we hope to raise over [GOAL],” said event chair [NAME]. Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. The monies raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and patient service programs. One of the highlights of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony, which begins [DETAILS]. During the event, people may purchase a luminaria in memory or in honor of someone who has been touched by cancer. The luminaria bags are placed around the track and lit during a memorial program that includes guest speakers [SPEAKERS]. “I encourage everyone to come out to the event to cheer on cancer survivors during the Opening Ceremony and to remember everyone touched by cancer during the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk,” said [NAME OF CHAIR]. “We invite all local cancer survivors, family and friends to attend.”
For information about Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Local Researcher to Speak at American Cancer Society Relay For Life
(CITY, State) – [RESEARCHER‟S NAME], an American Cancer Society research grantee from [INSTITUTE], will speak during the Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] on [DATE] to update the community on the progress of cancer research. [NAME] will explain the research that his/her team is currently studying, [BRIEF EXPLANATION OF RESEARCH]. The American Cancer Society‟s research program began in 1946. Do you know a child who has survived leukemia? Do you have a mother, sister or aunt whose breast cancer was found early with a mammogram? Do you have a friend or coworker who quit smoking to decrease his risk of lung cancer? Each of these individuals benefited from the American Cancer Society‟s research program. Each day scientists supported by the American Cancer Society work together to find breakthroughs that will take us one step closer to a cure for cancer. The American Cancer Society has long recognized that research holds the ultimate answers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. As the largest source of non-governmental cancer research funds in the United States, the American Cancer Society devotes about $130 million each year to research. This has come to total over $3.5 billion dedicated to cancer research throughout the nation. The investment has paid rich dividends: in 1946, only 1 in 4 cancer patients was alive five years after diagnosis; today, 68 percent live longer than five years. In [Ohio/Pennsylvania], American Cancer Society-funded researchers from major institutions throughout the state are adding to the field of knowledge in the fight against cancer. Nationally, the American Cancer Society has funded the research of 44 scientists who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize for their efforts.
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American Cancer Society Local Researcher to Speak
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The continuation of these funds depends upon the success of events such as the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This event is an 18- to24-hour experience that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. The event is expected to raise [GOAL] for the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and quality of life programs.
For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[COMMUNITY] Men Fight Cancer Wearing Tiaras and Sashes Queen of Relay Contest Big Draw for American Cancer Society
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [CITY/COUNTY] will host a Queen of Relay contest the evening of [DATE] at [LOCATION]. Interested individuals need to reserve their spot in this competition by [DATE]. “The Queen of Relay contest is a fun way to raise money for the fight against cancer,” said [NAME], [TITLE]. “Men in the community participate in queen events that include an evening gown and a talent competition. The winner is chosen by a panel of judges.” Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event for the American Cancer Society that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. Survivors and current cancer patients, their families, businesses, civic organizations and the public are invited to form teams to take part in this exciting team event. Relay For Life takes place from [TIME] on [DATE] until [TIME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. Information about the Queen of Relay contest or to form a team for the Relay is available by calling [NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER]. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society‟s 24-hour help line at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER] American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] Receives a $[AMOUNT]
Donation from [SPONSOR NAME]
(CITY, State) – On [DATE], the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] will be accepting a $[AMOUNT] check from [SPONSOR NAME]. [COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE] will host the check presentation, at [TIME] at the [LOCATION]. [INCLUDE PARAGRAPH ON COMPANY AND THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT]. “We are very proud of our employees,” said [NAME], spokesperson for [SPONSOR NAME]. “Everyone worked extremely hard to make this happen, and this donation is proof that their work paid off. [SPONSOR NAME] is proud to support this cause.” Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. “The funds raised through our Relay For Life events enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back,” said [NAME], spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. “Due to the generosity of [SPONSOR NAME] and its employees, the money raised goes directly to the American Cancer Society‟s lifesaving programs.” For information about the American Cancer Society or Relay For Life, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit the Web site at cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Sponsor Donation
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
Local Residents Called to Contribute to Historic Cancer Research Effort Community Involvement Can Answer Critical Questions about Cancer Causes,
Prevention
(CITY, State) – Residents of [CITY] have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society‟s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to half a million people across the United States and Puerto Rico. The opportunity for local residents to enroll in CPS-3 will take place at the [EVENT NAME] on [DATE]. CPS-3 will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. [INSERT EITHER BELOW QUOTE FROM STUDY PARTICIPANT OR QUOTE FROM A LOCAL RELAY VOLUNTEER AND/OR STUDY PARTICIPANT.] “My mom is a two-time cancer survivor and I‟m doing all I can to make sure my children don‟t have to say that… I really believe this [CPS-3] is part of the answer,” stated one study participant from the Atlanta area. To enroll in the study, individuals complete two steps, one in person and one at home. As part of the in-person enrollment, individuals complete a brief written survey, provide some physical measurements and give a small blood sample. The enrollment process is complete when individuals complete the more comprehensive baseline survey. Over the course of the study – which is anticipated to last 20 to 30 years – participants will be asked to fill out follow-up surveys every few years that will be sent to their home. “Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, „What caused my cancer?‟ In many cases, we don‟t know the answer,” said Alpa V. Patel, Ph.D., principal investigator of CPS-3. “CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer.” Patel added, “Our previous cancer prevention studies have been instrumental in helping us identify some of the major factors that can affect cancer risk. CPS-3 holds the best hope of identifying new and emerging cancer risks, and we can only do this if members of the community are willing to become involved.”
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American Cancer Society CPS-3 at Relay
Page 2 of 2 Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s that collectively have involved millions of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I, and CPS-II) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk, and have contributed significantly to the scientific basis and development of public health guidelines and recommendations. Those studies confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, demonstrated the link between larger waist size and increased death rates from cancer and other causes, and showed the considerable impact of air pollution on heart and lung conditions. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and is still ongoing. But changes in lifestyle and in the understanding of cancer in the more than two decades since its launch make it important to begin a new study. The initial enrollment process takes about 30 minutes at the local event and an additional 45 to 60 minutes at home to fill out the more comprehensive baseline survey. Periodic follow-up surveys of various lengths are expected to be sent every few years to individuals. The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants is what will produce benefits for decades to come. “Taking an hour or so every few years to fill out a survey – and potentially save someone from being diagnosed with cancer in the future – is a commitment that thousands of volunteer participants have already made. We're looking for more like-minded individuals in [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY] to join this effort that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations,” said Patel. For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer org or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. For cancer information anytime, call toll free 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Media Samples Following the Event
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR [POST EVENT] SAMPLE DATE EDITOR NAME OF PAPER ADDRESS CITY, STATE ZIP To Editor: As chair of this year‟s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] County committee, I would like to sincerely thank residents of [COMMUNITY] for their generosity and support. [NUMBER] teams participated in this year‟s event, raising over $[AMOUNT] for the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and service programs. The outstanding support received proves that the people of [COMMUNITY] are truly committed to the fight against cancer. I want to applaud the [NUMBER] of survivors that participated in the opening lap and the survivor recognition. They are the reason we continue the fight because each year there can be more and more people living wonderful lives following a diagnosis of cancer. A special thanks to the many Relay For Life volunteers who worked to make this event a success. The Relay For Life committee did an outstanding job of putting the event together. Committee members are [LIST COMMITTEE MEMBERS]. We also appreciate the generosity of this year‟s corporate sponsors. Relay For Life would not be possible without them. Our corporate sponsors are [LIST CORPORATE SPONSORS]. Thanks to your support, cancer patients can find information and support at 1-800-227-2345 and online at www.cancer.org. Everyone is welcome to join the fight against cancer. Please call the American Cancer Society if you would like to becoming involved in next year‟s event! Sincerely, NAME 2011 Relay For Life of XYZ County Chair American Cancer Society Your home address and daytime phone number
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] Raises $[AMOUNT]
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] [MET/SURPASSED] its goal by raising $[AMOUNT] on [DATE, LOCATION] to help save lives, help local cancer patients and support efforts to eliminate cancer suffering and death. The Relay For Life began with [NUMBER] survivors walking the Survivors Lap, and one member from each of the [NUMBER] teams walking or running the first hour of the [24-hour] event. Inspirational music provided by [BAND] entertained the [NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS] participants and kept energy levels at their highest throughout the event. At dusk, [NUMBER OF LUMINARIA] luminaria surrounded the track at [LOCATION] in honor of those living with cancer and in memory of those who have lost their battle to the disease. [ADD ANY SPECIFICS ABOUT LUMINARIA CEREMONY]. Activities kept spirits high all night long, with [RELAY ACTIVITIES]. [DAY] morning, campers woke to the sounds of [ENTERTAINMENT] that kept those on the track energetic and motivated. The activities concluded at [TIME], and special awards were presented at the closing ceremony. “We appreciate all of the support we have received from the [AREA] community,” said [RELAY CHAIR]. “The teams worked so hard to raise the money, and we are especially grateful to the families and friends who participated in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, as well as the sponsors, who made this event possible.” he/she added. Relay For Life is a 24-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music, entertainment and a night under the stars, while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and a reception to celebrate life. The monies raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society‟s research, education, advocacy and quality of life programs.
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American Cancer Society Relay For Life Raised $
Page 2 of 2 For information Relay For Life or about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1-800-227-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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NEWS RELEASE
[DATE] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: [NAME] [PHONE NUMBER]
[CITY] Volunteer Recognized for Dedication in the Fight Against Cancer [NUMBER] Year American Cancer Society Volunteer
(CITY, State) – The American Cancer Society is honoring [NAME] for [HIS/HER] long time dedication to the fight against cancer. [NAME] has been a volunteer with the Society for more than [LENGTH OF TIME]. [LIST VOLUNTEER‟S SOCIETY ACTIVITIES AND OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS.] [INSERT A QUOTE FROM THE VOLUNTEER ABOUT HIS/HER TIME VOLUNTEERING AND WHAT IT MEANT TO HIM/HER]. “The American Cancer Society could not operate without the valuable contributions of volunteers like [NAME],” said [NAME], [TITLE], for the American Cancer Society. “As the nation‟s largest voluntary health organization, we depend upon volunteers to carry our patient support programs and services directly into the community. Volunteers are also critical in raising money the American Cancer Society uses to fund research, advocacy, education, programs and services.” “[VOLUNTEER‟S NAME] has been very active in Relay For Life along with [his/her] [OTHER ACS VOLUNTEERING HERE i.e., patient service duties],” said [INSERT NAME, TITLE] for the American Cancer Society. “[HE/SHE] is a dedicated volunteer and supports [HIS/HER] community in the fight against cancer. [VOLUNTEER‟S NAME] is not only a superior volunteer but also a friend to all.” [VOLUNTEER‟S NAME] will receive a certificate for [HIS/HER] accomplishments and contributions to the American Cancer Society. For information about American Cancer Society programs and services in the [TOWN] area, or to volunteer, call 1-800-227-2345. You can also visit the American Cancer Society Web site at cancer.org.
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American Cancer Society Volunteer Recognized
Page 2 of 2 The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
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Sample Where Money Goes Letter to the Editor DATE EDITOR NAME OF PAPER ADDRESS CITY, STATE ZIP Dear Editor: In response to the [DATE] letter to the editor titled [INSERT TITLE HERE IN QUOTE MARKS], I would like to clarify how the $[AMOUNT] raised through Relay benefits everyone in our community and in [Ohio/Pennsylvania]. Since 1946, the year the American Cancer Society awarded its first research grants they‟ve invested more than $3.5 billion in cancer research. Scientists funded by the program have made great advancements, such as dramatically increasing the cure rate for childhood leukemia, discovering genes for inherited forms of breast and colon cancer, showing that tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women and proving the safety and effectiveness of mammograms. The mammogram and Pap smear are the gold standard in early detection tests for women due to the work of Society educational campaigns. The American Cancer Society spends more money on cancer research than any other nonprofit, nongovernment funder of cancer research. In addition to their research program, the American Cancer Society assists the people of this community through education, advocacy and service programs. They work to educate adults and children on the prevention and early detection of cancer while also advocating at the local, state and federal levels for cancer-related legislation. [OPTIONAL: LIST LOCAL PATIENT SERVICES OR ADVOCACY EFFORTS]. In addition to their ongoing support programs for cancer patients and their families, the American Cancer Society is available any time, day or night, through a 24-hour help line. Those in need of information can call 1-800-227-2345 and talk with a cancer information specialist, not a recording, about their cancer questions and concerns. Thanks to the assistance of many wonderful volunteers, the money that is raised in this community comes back to the community through research advancements, educational materials, advocacy accomplishments and direct patient services. The Society meets all standards set for charitable organizations by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. You can review the report at www.give.org. As the largest nonprofit health organization in the United States, the American Cancer Society is committed to continuing to help those facing cancer and save lives in Ohio. We appreciate the support that residents have generously provided, and we hope that everyone will continue to support us in our quest to eliminate this disease. Sincerely,
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[NAME], American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] Chair/Volunteer [CONTACT INFO.]
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Other Documents
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Sample Emcee and Disc Jockey Cancer Facts – Stage Announcements Lung Cancer Lung cancer remains the number one cancer killer of men and women. An estimated 7,260 Ohioans died from the disease in 2010. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are responsible for more than 85 percent of those lung cancers. What is the number one thing people can do to reduce their risk of developing lung cancer? QUIT SMOKING! Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society and is responsible for about 30 percent of all cancers. Most alarming is the recent trend of youth between 18- to 24-year-olds being the fastest growing group of smokers. So if you smoke, stop. If you are around someone who smokes, ask them to put it out, if not for their health, then for yours. And if you know a young person who smokes, tell them it doesn‟t make them look as cool as they think. For more information about lung or tobacco-related cancers, local smoking cessation resources, or the Society‟s Great American Smokeout!®, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, particularly among African American men. Age and race both play a role in increasing risk of developing the disease. About one in seven men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. In 2010 in Ohio alone, about 8,010 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. If caught early enough, the survival rate is almost 100 percent. The American Cancer Society recommends that men talk with their doctors about beginning annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DRE) beginning at age 50. Men at high-risk such as African American men or those with a family history of the disease should begin testing at age 45. For information about local prostate cancer education and support services like the Society‟s Man to Man® program, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
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Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Ohio women. In 2010, about 8,280 women in the state learned that they have breast cancer and about 1,730 died from the disease. Age and family history play a significant role in assessing risk of developing breast cancer. To reduce your risk, the American Cancer Society recommends maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Women between the ages of 20-39 should know how their breasts normally feel and get a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years. Women 40 and over should know how their breasts normally feel, have an annual clinical breast exam followed by an annual mammogram. The American Cancer Society has programs like Reach to Recovery®, a peer-to-peer support program and Look Good…Feel Better®, a service to help women build self-esteem while undergoing treatment. These programs are designed to support women affected by breast cancer and their families so that no one is left to fight the battle alone. Colon Cancer Colon and rectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancers among Ohio men and women. About 5,960 were diagnosed in 2010 with colorectal cancer and an estimated 2,280 died. This disease often will not show symptoms until it is in an advanced stage. The good news is that this is the most preventable form of cancer through regular screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women, beginning at age 50, choose one of the following screening programs:
Colonoscopy every 10 years; or Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); or Double-contrast barium enema every five years; or Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years; or Stool DNA (sDNA) test.
Men and women with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or those with a high fat, low fiber diet or sedentary lifestyle, should talk to their doctors about beginning a screening program before age 50. Live Right, Exercise, Live Longer! Most of us know the main benefits of eating healthy and exercising regularly – we look better and we feel better. But did you know that eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can help you live longer? Studies show that obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise are responsible for about 35 percent of all cancer deaths. So if you knew there was something you could do to reduce your risk of developing cancer, wouldn‟t you do it? Well, here‟s how:
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The American Cancer Society recommends that you eat five or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables; eat breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta or beans each day; and choose low-fat, high-fiber foods. It is also important to limit your consumption of meats, especially high-fat meats and alcohol consumption. It is also recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day which can be as easy as working in the garden or taking a walk. More information about making healthy choices can be found at cancer.org or by calling 1-800-227-2345.
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Sample Proclamation To be signed by local government officials.
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Proclamation for
[COMMUNITY/COUNTY]
WHEREAS, Relay For Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and honors cancer survivors [anyone ever diagnosed with cancer] and remembers those lost to the disease; and WHEREAS, money raised during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] helps support research, education, advocacy, and patient services; and WHEREAS, Relay For Life helps fund more than $130 million in cancer research each year; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, [NAME], [TITLE] of [COMMUNITY], do hereby proclaim [DATES] as,
"RELAY FOR LIFE DAYS [OR WEEK]"
in [COMMUNITY] and encourage citizens to participate in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of [COMMUNITY] at the [LOCATION] on [DATE].
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Consent to Take Photos of Individuals or Groups at American Cancer Society Events
The American Cancer Society recommends that consent forms be collected when
taking photos of individuals or groups at American Cancer Society events/activities. This
is especially important if we plan to use the photos again in publications, online
activities, presentations, promotions, etc.
We have also created a sign that can be posted at registration tables and in strategic
locations at Society events or activities. We recommend posting several copies for
attendees to see.
A photo consent form and sign are included on the following two pages.
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STANDARD INDIVIDUAL PHOTO CONSENT AND RELEASE FORM I hereby irrevocably grant to American Cancer Society, Inc., its legal representatives or assigns and those acting under its permission and upon its authority, or those for whom American Cancer Society, Inc. is acting, the absolute right and permission to record my likeness and/or voice on film or digital recording device, testimonial (written words), tape or videotape, to edit or change or alter such recording(s) at its sole discretion and to copyright and/or use such recording(s) in which I may be included in whole or in part or composite or distorted in character or form, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise for art, advertising, trade or any other lawful purpose whatsoever in any media throughout the world, in perpetuity. It is also my understanding that I will receive no compensation for my likeness or testimonial. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect and/or approve the finished product or the advertising copy that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied. I hereby release, discharge and agree to save harmless the American Cancer Society, Inc., and its employees or agents, legal representatives or assigns, and all persons acting under its permission or upon its authority or for whom its is acting, from any liability by virtue of any blurring distortion, alteration optical illusion of use in composite form, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the making of such recording(s) or in any processing tending towards the completion of the finished product. I hereby warrant that I am of full age and have every right to contract in my own name in the above regard. I state FURTHER that I have read the above AUTHORIZATION and release prior to its execution, and that I am fully familiar with the contents thereof.
[ ] Adult -18 or older [ ] Youth - Signature from parent or guardian mandatory* NAME (Please print): ____________________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP:_______________________________________________________ AREA CODE & PHONE #: ________________________________________________ EMAIL:________________________________________________________________ *SIGNATURE (Adult Parent or Guardian only):________________________________ WITNESS:____________________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION OF PHOTO OR SETTING ___________________________________
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IMPORTANT This American Cancer Society activity is being photographed or recorded for future use by the Society. By remaining at this activity, you grant the American Cancer Society permission to use or reproduce your image or likeness without the right of inspection or compensation.
EVENT NAME: DATE: