American Cancer Society Issues "Cancer Hasn't Stopped" Campaign

April 21, 2020 (New York, NY) -- Cancer patients, caregivers and survivors are turning to the American Cancer Society at significant rates for information and resources that will help them navigate the COVID-19 crisis and looking for opportunities to support our work.

Since the COVID-19 crisis began, 70% to 80% of inquiries to the Society’s 24-hour live hotline and chat service (800.227.2345 and cancer.org) in March and April were related to COVID-19 and cancer. Last year, over 1.42 million calls were made to the Society’s hotline, connecting the public with trained cancer information specialists in real time.

Cancer hasn’t stopped. Neither have we.

As a result, the American Cancer Society has launched a digital and social media campaign to communicate the organization’s commitment to the fight against cancer, while asking the public to support cancer patients and survivors during this crisis.

The launch of the campaign began with staff and volunteers who expressed their commitment to fight cancer and support patients. Katie Goepfrich Schafer of Hicksville is one staff person who was featured in the nationwide Facebook video. Within seven days of returning from maternity leave to the Society’s Hauppauge office, Schafer was required to return home and work remotely. With infant in tow, she continues to work as a Senior Manager, organizing the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Jones Beach, the Society’s largest breast cancer walking event in the United States. Her debut appearance was with her newborn daughter and can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanCancerSociety/videos/217990169289253/

Cancer and COVID-19 Resources

The Society continues to share relevant and timely information from medical experts across the Society’s base of staff and volunteer leadership. Additionally, information about Coronavirus through the cancer lens, is updated almost daily at cancer.org/coronavirus.

“Under the best of circumstances, a cancer diagnosis can be frightening and devastating. As the COVID-19 crisis grows larger every day, cancer patients – many who already have compromised immune systems - are more vulnerable than ever,” says Patti Lestrange Mack, Communications Director.

To date, some of the most frequented resources on the cancer.org hub include: Common Questions about the Coronavirus (Cancer.org) https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/common-questions-about-the-new-coronavirus-outbreak.html and Infections in people with cancer (cancer.org): https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections.html. An audio interview with Len Lichtenfeld, MD, MACP, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the American Cancer Society offers insight to what cancer patients and caregivers need to know. The interview link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-cancer-patients-caregivers-need-to-know-about/id1454395139?i=1000468366199

As the COVID-19 crisis grows larger every day, cancer patients – many of whom already have compromised immune systems - are more vulnerable than ever. The public is asked to stay informed during this crisis at cancer.org/coronavirus.

Funds are needed now more than ever

With the thrust of fundraising events scheduled for spring – and cancelled due to the pandemic -- the Society is greatly impacted financially. “Despite cancelled events, the cancer-fighting work of the Society continues,” said Marie Cimaglia, Director of Community Development on Long Island and the NY Metro area. Donations to support our organization’s recovery from COVID-19 are being accepted at cancer.org/rapidresponse or by donating on the phone at 800.227.2345.