- Get involved in the life of someone who has cancer. Over 1,700 people per day are dying of cancer. The statistics show almost a 1 in 2 chance that every man and woman will have some form of cancer in their lifetime. Furthermore, certain childhood groups have a higher chance of dying of cancer than of anything else. Hospitals, children centers, nursing homes, retirement homes and hospice organizations are always looking for kind people willing to volunteer a small portion of their time to help someone with cancer. The prospect of having cancer is naturally a frightening one. With the support of another person, coping with cancer and discovering all that they can do proactively to fight the disease can be far easier.
- Make a donation, monetarily or with your time; both are valuable. There are many reputable organizations working toward new and promising cancer treatments as well as educating and providing support to cancer patients and survivors. Many of these organizations are non-profit and rely heavily on the donations of concerned people to continue their efforts. Clinical trials and experimental research are incredibly expensive and are very often a barrier to small organizations, even if they do have promising findings. Support the FACR (link to http://facr.org/new/donation.html) and its efforts, or click here (link to http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations) to find a partial listing of organizations that would be ideal for any size monetary gift, or gift of time, that you can provide.
- Help out at cancer-focused fundraising events. Numerous events take place across the country throughout the year and have been tremendously successful in raising money for cancer support and research. These events are good way to have fun, make new friends, and often get a little exercise (which is great for cancer prevention and treatment!) – all the while helping out in the fight against cancer. Do an online search to find national and local events in which you can participate.
- Contact your legislators. With new budget constraints arising every day in the public policy arena, funding for cancer related research, cancer support and education programs and health care programs are under constant attack. Passing legislation that supports cancer issues is a challenging process that requires active participation by volunteers across the country. By talking to your legislators, you can make a difference in the future of important and very necessary publicly-funded programs. Write them a letter, give them a call or even meet with them face to face – regardless, articulate your views and positively affect legislation by speaking up and having a voice!
- Become an advocate. In addition to contacting your legislators, you can become involved in many efforts to change public policy toward approaches to healthcare, engendering research, unrestricted access to comprehensive information on prevention and treatment of cancer as well as general health and wellness, and promoting education on what people can do to be effectual in the battle against cancer (a great example is the prevalence of smoke-free states and communities, a direct result of advocacy). Relatively simple efforts could include calling into radio talk shows or writing a letter to your newspaper’s editor. Or become involved in large-scale organized advocacy programs, such as the ACS Cancer Action Network (needs to link to http://www.acscan.org/site/PageServer), the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Advocacy Program (needs to link to http://www.y-me.org/advocacy/default.php) or Health Keepers Alliance (needs to link to http://www.healthkeepers.net/index.php) (who promote educational and legislative information on issues of alternative and natural health and disease prevention and treatment). These are just a few of the many programs who can use your help and participation.
Regardless of which effort you elect to go with, choose to do something – get involved! Make a difference in the lives of others – family, friends, or strangers alike.