You ask, we'll answer

Question: How do I raise money to support the American Cancer Society through my race efforts?
Answer: Raising money to fight cancer is easier than you think! The first step is simply asking people to support you. The number 1 reason most people say they don’t give to a charitable cause is because no one ever asked them. So be sure to ask! Sending emails to everyone you know, telling them your story, why you’re participating on the American Cancer Society Charity Runner team, and asking for their support is the easiest way to start raising money. You will be amazed at the number of donations that will quickly roll in. You might also want to consider hosting a fundraising event, such as a dinner party, bake sale, or other activity. Be creative and have fun. Your American Cancer Society has a variety of ideas for if you are just starting out. All participants are asked to raise a minimum fundraising amount based on their level of participation. We can provide a bit of inspiration. Last year, the average Charity Runner athlete raised more than $1,400 to support the fight against cancer.

Question: How can my supporters make a donation?
Answer: Making a donation to your efforts is simple with our online tools. The fastest and easiest way is to refer your supporters to your personal fundraising Web page that you build when you sign up to participate in the Charity Runner program. Here, you can upload photos and tell your story of why you are participating for the American Cancer Society. Your donors can make a contribution directly through your secure Web page using a credit card. Or, they can send a check made out to the American Cancer Society with your name on the memo line to your local American Cancer Society office

Question: How can I find out how much I have raised?
Answer: Once you register as an American Cancer Society Charity Runner athlete, you will be directed to your personal Web page where you can view who has donated to you, send emails to thank your supporters, and even get the latest news about the event. Here, you can also keep track of all the donations that come in for you and track your progress. You can access your fundraising progress anytime by creating a username and password and just signing in!

Question: Who thanks my supporters?
Answer: The American Cancer Society will send acknowledgements to anyone who contributes $20 or more to your campaign. However, nothing can take the place of a personal thank-you email or card from you. We recommend and encourage you to do so, and even offer pre-written thank-you emails to make recognizing your donors easier.

Question: How can my company help match my gifts?
Answer: First, check with your personnel or human resources department to see if your company has a matching gift program. If so, be sure to clarify any restrictions. Make sure that they match for health organizations. Obtain and fill out your company's matching gift form and send it to your local American Cancer Society office with your donation. You can also click here to see a list of companies that already match gifts to the American Cancer Society.

Question: Who do I make checks payable to?
Answer: American Cancer Society. Please write the participants name on the memo line.

Question: What happens if I don’t meet the required fundraising minimum by the deadline?
Answer: Bound by our mission and by our agreement with each event, the American Cancer Society has an obligation to enforce the minimum fundraising commitments. Therefore, if a participant does not meet the minimum fundraising commitment, that participant is responsible for paying the remaining balance. Your credit card will be charged for any balance at the conclusion of the event. The specific date that your card will be charged is determined by the individual Charity Runner event guidelines.

Question: What do I do if I get injured during my training and am not able to meet my fundraising goal?
Answer: If you are injured before the fundraising deadline set by the American Cancer Society, then you will not be responsible for meeting your fundraising goal. However, you must notify your American Cancer Society staff partner before the deadline. If you are injured after the deadline set by the American Cancer Society, you will be held responsible for the minimum fundraising amount.

Question: How do I get a different race shirt size?
Answer: You can exchange your race shirt by contacting your local American Cancer Society staff partner. Please return or mail your original race shirt to your local office.

Question: What do I do if I forgot my user name and password?
Answer: Email your local American Cancer Society staff person to receive your user name and password.

Question: How does the money I raise make a difference?
Answer: Dollars raised across the country through the Charity Runner program help the American Cancer Society help people facing cancer, save more lives, and empower all people to fight back against the disease. With your support, we are fighting cancer every day on every front:

Groundbreaking Discoveries
The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, nonprofit, non-government funder of cancer research in the United States. Since 1946, the Society has distributed more than $3.2 billion to researchers. Of the researchers chosen for Society funding throughout the years, 42 have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. Additionally, the contributions we receive from generous supporters like you has allowed the American Cancer Society to be involved in many of the major cancer research breakthroughs of the last century, including:

Confirmation of smoking as a cause of lung cancer
Pap smear to detect cervical cancer
Lumpectomy and radiation for treatment of breast cancer
PSA test for prostate cancer screening
Identification of obesity as an increased risk factor for multiple cancer types
Creation of recombinant DNA and gene cloning
Discovery of cancer-causing oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
Discovery of genes for inherited breast and colon cancer
Use of tamoxifen to reduce risk of second or first breast cancer
Use of small molecule inhibitors such as Gleevec for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Development of antiangiogenesis drugs, such as Avastin, for the treatment of some cancers
Use of harmless viral particles in the development of cervical cancer vaccines such as Gardasil

As of January 1, 2008, the American Cancer Society is supporting 912 current multi-year research grants totaling more than $442 million.

Reliable Information
The American Cancer Society provides information and education, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Thanks to your support, we provide screening guidelines, physician education, and engage in public awareness efforts to increase awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.

The Society offers the nation’s only 24-hour cancer information phone line (1-800-ACS-2345), where people fighting cancer can turn anytime, day or night, to talk to a trained Cancer Information Specialist and get referrals to community resources.
The Society’s Web site (www.cancer.org) offers a vast amount of information on topics such as managing the cancer experience, finding support programs and services, meeting other cancer survivors, and learning more about a particular cancer type.
The Society offers an online educational program for people affected by cancer that helps eliminate cancer myths by presenting facts and answers about managing cancer.
The Society provides a free, confidential, and reliable clinical trials matching and referral service to patients looking for cancer clinical trials. Not only does this service help patients find high-quality care in clinical trials most appropriate for their medical needs and personal preferences, it also helps researchers efficiently recruit eligible participants needed to develop more effective treatments for future patients.
The Society also offers free cancer information and resources, such as brochures, pamphlets, information kits, books, etc., for anyone looking for information and answers.

Better Public Policies to Fight Cancer
Cancer is not just a health issue it is a public policy issue as well. Thanks to your support, the American Cancer Society, in collaboration with its partner advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), works to keep cancer funding a top priority with our nation’s lawmakers. ACS CAN’s advocacy efforts are impacting many of the laws that govern what options are available for people battling cancer. A sampling of these efforts includes:

Advocating for more federal money for cancer research
Encouraging state and federal lawmakers to improve access to affordable, quality cancer care by enacting legislation that would increase access to breast and cervical, as well as colon cancer screening and treatment
Urging Congress to increase funding for the federal patient navigator program, which would help patients and their families specifically in medically underserved communities navigate the health care system
Working with lawmakers to pass pain care education legislation that would provide funding to help educate pain care providers about the critical need for improved pain care in the US

A Community of Support
Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. That’s why the American Cancer Society offers free programs and services in more than 3,400 communities across the country to ensure people facing cancer get the help they need to fight their disease. Thanks to our generous supporters, below are some of the services we provide:

Transportation assistance to and from treatment
Free lodging for those having to travel away from home for treatment
Free wigs and assistance with treatment-related physical side effects
Emotional support programs that connect newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors
Cancer education classes
Clinical trials matching service
An online support network

Question: If I meet my fundraising goal and then set an even higher goal, will I be held accountable to the new goal if I don’t reach it?
Answer: You will only be held responsible for the minimum fundraising amount set by your event, so raise that goal as high as you would like!

Question: Can I set up a team?
Answer: Yes. Please contact your local American Cancer Society staff person about setting up a team online. Each individual team member is responsible for raising the minimum amount.

Question: How long do I have to raise my funds?
Answer: Fundraising deadlines vary by race. Contact your local American Cancer Society office for the exact deadline. And don’t forget, the earlier you sign up and get started, the longer you will have to meet your fundraising goal.

Question: What are the benefits of being an American Cancer Society Charity Runner athlete?
Answer: By raising funds as an American Cancer Society Charity Runner athlete you will receive many exciting benefits, including:

Free team training to help you achieve your goals
Team support and social events
Race day VIP amenities, including access to an American Cancer Society tent, gear check, private changing areas, facilities, masseuses, cheer teams, and more
Exclusive American Cancer Society racing shirt
Personal fundraising Web site
Opportunity to participate in memory or in honor of a loved one touched by cancer
"In memory of" and "in honor of" ribbons to wear on race day

*Benefits may vary from race to race. For a comprehensive list of benefits specific to your race, please click here to find a Charity Runner program.

Question: How can I participate in other Charity Runner events?
Answer: The American Cancer Society Charity Runner program is currently expanding across the country! Click here to view all current race partnerships. We’d love to have you on our team in any of the races we partner with! If you don’t see your race on our list, we also provide you with the opportunity to raise support for the American Cancer Society for any event you’d like to participate in or even create on your own.

Question: How can I honor my loved ones touched by cancer through this experience?
Answer: Charity Runner is the perfect way to honor or remember a loved one touched by cancer. On your personal Web page, you can use photos and stories to make a tribute to your loved one … and share with all of your supporters why you have dedicated your race and training to helping the American Cancer Society. Additionally, the American Cancer Society will provide you with ribbons to wear on your race shirt on event day in honor or in memory of your loved ones.