Relay for Life question...

One thing I have learned is
One thing I have learned is that most of the monies, both Komen and Relays goes for education, and preventions (mammo's, etc). I did find out that less than 2% of all monies collected goes to advanced bc research.
Have you called the ACS number? When I called for the Look Good Feel Better Program, I was told by the very nice women who answered the phone about gas cards and overnight lodging programs if you have to go outside your general area for treatment. But that was directly through the American Cancer Society.

Hope you find some support.
~Carol

Some ACS Info
I just grabbed our Team Captain handbook for information to share. ACS is the nation's largest private source of funds for cancer research. ACS focuses most of its efforts toward supporting researchers in the early part of their careers, targeting areas of special need, such as cancer in the poor and underserved.
95% of research expenditures through ACS go directly to research, with only 5% for operating costs.
I don't want to give the impression that research is the ONLY use of money donated to Relay For Life. Some of the other things benefiting are
*expenses for a patient to stay for free at one of the Hope Lodge facilities located in major cities nationwide
*visits from ACS Reach to Recovery program for breast cancer patients
*toll-free access to the ACS National Cancer Information Center, 1-800-ACS-2345
*Look Good-Feel Better programs
*rides for patients to treatment facilities

You're right that some of the monies are going locally. If I were you, I'd call the Information Center and ask for the name & number of your regional ACS office. They can tell you what local services are available as well as the hospitals or research centers are receiving funds in your area.

Sorry to be so long in this response. I hope it helps As you may be able to tell, I spend a lot of time doing volunteer work for Relay For Life (am the co-chair this year, with 65 teams and a goal of $175,000).
-rainbow4

CypressCynthia said:

my humble opinion
I give money from time to time to ACS, Komen and BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation). You can check out the charities, their ratings and how their funds are allocated at www.charitynavigator.org.

Of the 3, BCRF allocates more of your donation to breast cancer research. This doesn't mean that the other charities aren't helpful. I use Komen's excellent educational info all of the time. And, obviously we are all benefitting from this ACS site. And ACS's email warning me of heart issues with longterm breast cancer survivors may have saved my life.

But I do have a special place in my heart for research, so BCRF is one of my favorites.

At our Captains Meetings for Relay, the same question was asked
and we were told that because our County is small that some services that are available in larger areas are available. We do have Look Good Feel Good, Reach for Recovery and of course I was sent reams of booklets and the record keeping packet. I tried to copy and paste but it wouldn't work, I'll retype it:
How Your Dollars Make a Difference:
1. Research Program
2. Patient Support Programs & Services
3 Prevention * Early Detection Programs
4. Cancer Information Services
5. Advocacy and Public Policy

I think some people and organizations expect big checks from these organizations which is unrealistic. I am excited and proud to be a co-captain in my Relay...last year I was only 5 months out of treatment and not strong enough to participate...don't be turned off by people's refusal to donate, the Relay website has every answer for every question. My Relay is 5-21 & 22 and I can hardly wait. Finally able to give a little back to help others.

Hugs, Judy :-)