This year in an effort to truly address women and cancer Kaleidoscope has engaged 10 different Cancer Advocacy Partners covering the spectrum of cancers that impact women. These groups engage in all manner of Advocacy from research to outreach, from lobbying to education, and from medical care to moral support. Advocacy Partners help Kaleidoscope inform, inspire, and influence women to be proactive about their health. Please learn more about these remarkable organizations. They may be able to help you or someone you love. Or you may be inspired to help them do the phenomenal works they do.
- The Advocacy Partners -
American Society of Clinical Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing more than 27,000 physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer. ASCO’s patient information website, Cancer.Net was developed and approved by the member doctors of ASCO, making Cancer.Net the most up-to-date and trusted resource for cancer information on the Internet. Cancer.Net is supported by The ASCO Cancer Foundation, which provides funding for cutting-edge cancer research, professional education, and patient and family support.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Breast Cancer Network of Strength® (formerly known as Y-ME) is the oldest national breast cancer organization and ensures, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. Network of Strength Advocacy™ works to increase breast cancer research funding, support breast cancer related clinical studies and ensure quality health care for all. For more information about Breast Cancer Network of Strength, visit www.networkofstrength.org . Peer counselors can be e-mailed or contacted at 1-800-221-2141.
Colorectal Cancer Coalition
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization seeking to eliminate suffering and death due to colorectal cancer. C3’s mission is to win the fight against colorectal cancer through research, empowerment and access. C3 is proud to support the work of research and grassroots advocates throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.FightColorectalCancer.org or contact the C3 Answer Line at 1-877-4CRC-111.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) was established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) in 1991 to develop educational programs for women and create awareness about the prevention, early detection and OPTIMAL treatment of gynecologic cancers. The Foundation also supports research and training related to gynecologic cancers. GCF’S Woman s Cancer Network (WCN) www.wcn.org , an award-winning site offers comprehensive informa tion about gynecologic cancers and the link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization that for 60 years has been dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To learn more about our programs and services, visit www.lls.org . For patients and caregivers in need of immediate assistance, speak to one of our information specialists at (800) 955-4572.
Lung Cancer Alliance
Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to providing patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for the disease. Our mission is clear: leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering patients, elevating awareness and changing health policy. LCA provides objective, fact-based, comprehensive and real-time lung cancer information while offering hope, compassion and support for all those touched by the disease. To get involved or to get support, please go to www.lungcanceralliance.org or call 800-298-2436
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
NCCS advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and provides tools that empower people affected by cancer to advocate for themselves.
In 2009 NCCS launched Cancerversary.org, an online community that connects cancer survivors and their family members, caregivers and friends by sharing a common yet distinctive experience - living with, through and beyond cancer.
Oncology Nursing Society
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional organization of more than 37,000 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. ONS is committed to excellence in oncology nursing and to leading the transformation of cancer care by initiating and actively supporting educational, legislative, and public awareness efforts to improve the care of people with cancer. ONS provides nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer care resources, research opportunities, and networks for peer support. Learn more at www.ons.org
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s mission is to conquer ovarian cancer by uniting individuals and organizations in a national movement. Since its inception in 1997, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has been the face and voice of a national network of ovarian cancer survivors and activists. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance advocates for increased federal funding for research that leads to an effective early detection test, better treatments, and ultimately a cure for the disease. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance also educates women and health care practitioners about ovarian cancer’s symptoms and risk factors to improve the chances that women will be diagnosed earlier. For more information, please visit www.ovariancancer.org
Prevent Cancer Foundation
The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is cancer prevention and early detection through research, education and community outreach to all populations, including children and the underserved. Since 1985, the Foundation has carried out this mission to prevent cancer by funding research, educating the public, and reaching out to communities across the country through our partnerships to provide free educational and screening programs. For more information go to: www.preventcancer.org
- Other Not for Profits -
Purple Songs Can Fly
Purple Songs Can Fly is a unique project that provides a musical outlet
for the many children being treated for cancer and blood disorders at
Texas Children's Cancer Center and their siblings. In this program,
which is the first of its kind, the children work with Anita Kruse and
other professional composers to write and record their own songs. Using
the latest technology in an in-house studio, composers work with the
children individually or in small groups to compose, record, and burn
songs to disc within short sessions.
Purple Songs not only can Fly, but do fly. To date, over 150 songs have been written, recorded and flown around the globe. As the dreams, wishes, thoughts, feelings, and imaginations of these children take wing through the creativity of music, it is the vision of Purple Songs Can Fly that soaring, flying, and rising above the obstacles of illness can truly become a reality as each purple song that flies creates a tangible symbol for the hope of healing.
U.S. Figure Skating is the official governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States, recognized as such by both the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Skating Union (ISU). As the governing body, U.S. Figure Skating's mission is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating. http://www.usfsa.org/
U.S. Figure Skating has many close ties to women and cancer. Former U.S. and Olympic champions Scott Hamilton, Peggy Fleming and Dorothy Hamill all have had public battles with cancer since their competitive careers ended. Hamilton, having defeated cancer twice, has been a crusader in the battle against cancer for years. Current skaters also have a connection to cancer. Two-time U.S. pairs champion Rena Inoue overcame the disease, having been diagnosed with and received treatment for lung cancer in 1998. She went on to win the U.S. pairs title with her partner, John Baldwin, in 2004 and 2006.