Conquer Cancer Foundation Launches $150 Million Fundraising Campaign Ahead of World's Largest Cancer Meeting in Chicago

CHICAGO, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conquer Cancer Foundation today launched The Campaign to Conquer Cancer just days before more than 28,000 oncology professionals gather at Chicago's McCormick Place for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 51st Annual Meeting, which will be held May 29 to June 2.

Desirée Rogers, Chair of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors and a breast cancer survivor; the Chicago Cubs; and a host of other Chicago community and business leaders have teamed up with the foundation to raise funds and help conquer cancer. The Conquer Cancer Foundation works to create a world free from the fear of cancer by funding breakthrough research, connecting physicians and patients to the latest information, and developing programs to improve the quality of and access to cancer care for patients in Chicago and around the world.

Through its affiliation with ASCO, the foundation draws on the unparalleled expertise of ASCO's global network of more than 35,000 oncology professionals. Over three decades, it has provided more than $90 million in funding for research and other programs to improve cancer care. Nearly $4 million has been granted to Chicago institutions and researchers alone, including grants to the University of Chicago and University of Illinois.

"As a cancer survivor and proud Chicagoan, I am proud that Chicago is hosting the leading cancer experts of the world and supporting their drive to conquer cancer," said Desirée Rogers, who serves as the Honorary Co-Chair of the campaign. "For several years now, ASCO has brought some of the biggest breakthroughs in cancer research right to our own backyard. Now we're taking our collaboration to the next level. By contributing to this campaign, all Chicagoans can help make cancer a disease that no one needs to fear."

The Campaign to Conquer Cancer plans to raise $150 million through a comprehensive, multi-media campaign that is expected to run until June 2017. The campaign is debuting in Chicago through a mix of high-profile advertising, social media, and community and sporting events, all with a single message – Together, we're taking down cancer.

"We are very excited to kick off The Campaign to Conquer Cancer in Chicago in conjunction with the ASCO Annual Meeting," said W. Charles Penley, MD, FASCO, Chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. "This great city has welcomed the cancer community and our annual meeting for many years, and this year the response to our campaign has been extraordinary. The Cubs, along with dozens of other Chicago businesses, civic and business leaders, have stepped up to ensure that the kickoff is wildly successful, and we are very grateful for their support."

The Campaign to Conquer Cancer focuses on the tremendous progress that has been achieved against cancer to date; on the enormous unmet needs that remain; and how collective contributions – from awareness building to research and participating in campaigns like this one – will help to continue advancing cancer care.

In its initial phase, the campaign will engage Chicagoans through radio spots, print advertising, billboards and bus shelter ads, mobile media, Twitter and Facebook. In addition, a range of Chicago businesses and organizations are playing a key part through activities including:

• "Conquer Cancer Day" at the May 27 Chicago Cubs home game against the Washington Nationals; Dr. Penley will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and a reception will be held.
• The state of Illinois proclaimed today as Conquer Cancer Day and the month of June as Conquer Cancer Month in recognition of the Conquer Cancer Foundation's efforts.
• A campaign gala attended by Desirée Rogers, and featuring a performance by legendary gospel and blues singer Mavis Staples (May 30).
• Dine-Out to Conquer Cancer supported by 16 participating restaurants, which will engage their patrons and ASCO meeting attendees to raise funds.

More than 1.6 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. Because of advances in care and treatment, more people are surviving cancer. There are more than 14 million cancer survivors in the U.S. In the past 20 years, cancer deaths have dropped by 20 percent. Despite the important progress to date, Dr. Penley noted, the ongoing efforts of the Conquer Cancer Foundation are needed to help address remaining challenges.

Cancer remains one of the world's most serious health problems. In the U.S., approximately 500,000 people still die from cancer every year, and the disease is expected to become the nation's leading killer in the years ahead. Worldwide, the number of new cancer cases is projected to rise from 12.7 million in 2008 to more than 27 million by 2030.

About the Conquer Cancer FoundationThe Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF) was created by the world's foremost cancer doctors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology to seek dramatic advances in the prevention, treatment and cures of all types of cancer. Toward the vision of a world free from the fear of cancer, CCF works to conquer this disease by funding breakthrough cancer research and sharing cutting-edge knowledge with patients and physicians worldwide, and by improving the quality of care and access to care, enhancing for the lives of all who are touched by cancer. CCF supports ASCO's award-winning Cancer.Net, a comprehensive, accurate, oncologist-approved site with information on more than 120 cancer types for people living with cancer and those who care for them. For more information, visit www.conquercancerfoundation.org.

To learn more about the Campaign to Conquer Cancer and get involved visit conquer.org, #ConquerCancer.

CONTACT: Gina Comottor571-483-1375; [email protected] 

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SOURCE Conquer Cancer Foundation