On Friday, September 5, three major networks and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars united to raise money for cancer research. The Stand Up To Cancer telethon aired simultaneously on ABC, CBS, and NBC. The broadcast also went out to an estimated 170 countries and territories world wide.
Telethon organizers announced Stand Up To Cancer has raised over 100 million dollars since the campaign began on May 28, 2008. The telethon, which aired commercial-free in primetime, featured celebrities, sports figures, and politicians. Celebrities in attendance included Christina Applegate, Patrick Swayze, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, James Taylor, Lance Armstrong, Jimmy Fallon, Forest Whitaker, Kirsten Dunst, and Abigail Breslin. Many, if not all, of the people involved have either battled cancer themselves or had a close family member or friend with the disease.
The purpose of Stand Up To Cancer is to raise money to create cancer research “dream teams” of cancer specialists who will focus on cancer research as a whole, rather than by individual conditions. According to the Stand Up To Cancer website, scientists have an understanding of the biology of cancer. It is more a lack of funding, rather than a lack of knowledge, that is preventing breakthroughs in research. The Stand Up To Cancer website mission statement says, “For the first time we can envision the possibility of stopping cancer in its tracks. But just when science is on the verge of giving us the breakthroughs that can end cancer, the will and the funding to do so are disappearing from the national agenda and from our collective consciousness.” Stand Up To Cancer aims to rapidly move cancer research forward by means of philanthropic donations and heightened public awareness.
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Article comments
1 - Merlin
Go David Archuleta's Angels! I'm one of them. So happy to have been able to take part in this even in such a small way. Every little bit adds up to something which was the case in this fundraising campaign. I know some people who have donated significantly but I also know a lot who donated what they could even in small amounts. Kudos to Pecan Pie for heading the team as the team captain. She is an amazing leader. David Archuleta inspires goodness in those around him. He is so humble and cares a lot about other people.
2 - Dave
Check this out, someone trying to take advantage of the situation via deceptive advertising
Deceptive Advertising: Cancer Centers Try to Piggyback on Charity's Success.
3 - Leah
Proud to be a David Archuleta angel inspired like many of his fans. I have read recently about a Pay it forward campaign by some of his ardent fans that want to help others. There is a site called David is our Hero that also brings tears to your eyes. One such story talks of a husband's inspiration to hold his wife(reoccuring cancer) during one of David's songs When You Say You Love Me. Many our wanting to not only Stand Up to Cancer but to make this a better world. David was thrilled that his fans campaigned for this cause.
4 - ed
What a rip-off! $100 million MORE for research??
The research has been done, but the FDA won't approve a drug that can cure. Must keep the researchers and Doctors in business. That's more important than curing the thousands with the disease.
5 - Marilou T.
I am so proud to be involved in this cause and I am proud to be an Arch Angel!!! Kudos to Stacie {Pecan Pie} for spearheading the David Archuleta Crush Kids' Cancer Team. Go Archies!!!
6 - Terry
I would like to comment that more focus should be placed on funding for screening and family support. My husband is 58, has stage 4 colorectal cancer, lost his job and health insurance this week. He did not have a colonoscopy because he could not find prior work or obtain health insurance. Our family is suffering for it now.