American Cancer Society, California Division, Inc.

Nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

How do you help people in my community?

Every individual throughout the nation who hears the words "you have cancer" benefits from the extraordinary research reviewed and funded by the American Cancer Society.  Additionally, each year the Society offers direct services to tens of thousands of California patients in treatment.  Many of these services are lifesaving, and all of them improve each patient"s quality of life.

For these individuals and their loved ones, a cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a long journey through decision-making and treatment. The American Cancer Society is the one place people can turn to every hour of every day for free, up-to-date, and unbiased information each step of the way.  During our fiscal year 2004-2005, Californians made 170,075 calls to us at 1-800-ACS-2345, which is available to everyone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

During that same period, 64,220 patients received direct services from our staff and volunteers, such as transportation to and from treatment, visitor programs, support groups, legal assistance, and referrals to other agencies.  Meanwhile our volunteers presented programs to 1,199,511 children in school, to 135,884 young adults in college, and to 690,774 adults in all walks of life to help them make choices that reduce their own risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

The Society has more than 160,000 Californians who volunteer their time to help deliver these programs and services, raise awareness and dollars, and provide hope in local communities throughout the state.

Why do you need my support?

The American Cancer Society has some lofty goals to reach in the upcoming years...and we need your help. By the year 2015, we will: double the number of lives saved, reduce the incidence of cancer by 25%, and dramatically improve the quality of life of cancer patients & their families.

Your gift may fund the research of a future Nobel Prize winner; it may provide comfort to a neighbor, friend, or family member.  It may help convince our state and federal legislators to enact legislation that guarantees screening and treatment options to every member of our society, regardless of their socio-economic standing.  Perhaps it will convince your child to avoid tobacco, to wear sunscreen, to eat wisely, and to exercise daily.

Your support for the American Cancer Society saves lives!

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The American Cancer Society, California Division, Inc., is led by an unpaid volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of community leaders, health care professionals, survivors and concerned citizens.  We employ more than 160 thousand volunteers each year throughout the state to conduct our programs in partnership with professional staff.

Each year we conduct both internal and external audits to ensure that we are stewarding our donors’ dollars in the most cost-effective way possible.

Year after year, surveys conducted by credible polling agencies clearly indicate that the American Cancer Society is the most trusted organization of its kind in the country.

Finally, the Society is highly rated by leading national "watchdog agencies" for charitable management stewardship.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers are the essence of the American Cancer Society - people who give of themselves and their time to offer comfort and hope to countless Californians and those touched by cancer across the country.

Volunteer opportunities range from support to cancer patients, delivery of cancer prevention and early detection messages, fundraising and awareness, patient and legislative advocacy, marketing and communications, and clerical support.

To volunteer in your community, call 1.800.ACS.2345!