S1, E92: American Cancer Society, Brook & Susan
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is an organization most people recognize by name, but many don't fully understand the comprehensive scope of its mission and impact. In a recent conversation with Susan Gatrell, Director for the state of Utah, and Brooke Carlisle, Regional Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, we explored the multifaceted ways ACS touches millions of lives annually.
Perhaps one of the most illuminating aspects of our discussion was learning that ACS was the organization responsible for establishing the link between smoking and cancer. This groundbreaking research changed public health policies worldwide and continues to save countless lives. This is just one example of how ACS operates at multiple levels – from pioneering research to advocating for legislation that protects public health, such as smoking bans in public spaces and on airplanes.
The Hope Lodge represents one of ACS's most tangible services. This facility, celebrating its tenth anniversary in Salt Lake City, provides free lodging for cancer patients traveling more than 40 miles for treatment. The Salt Lake City Hope Lodge is the second busiest in the country, second only to Dallas-Fort Worth, highlighting the quality of oncology care available along the Wasatch Front. Beyond just providing a place to stay, Hope Lodge creates a community where patients and caregivers can connect with others going through similar experiences, combating the isolation that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. At just $70 per night, donations directly translate into tangible support for patients at their most vulnerable.
The current climate of cancer research funding presents significant challenges. Recent administration changes have resulted in funding cuts to universities and terminated grants from the National Institute of Health. Despite cancer typically being a bipartisan issue – as Brooke noted, "nobody's pro-cancer" – the essential funding for research and prevention programs faces unprecedented threats. ACS advocates tirelessly to maintain and increase this crucial financial support that has directly contributed to the significant drop in cancer mortality rates since 1991.
Beyond research and lodging, ACS offers numerous services that many people don't realize exist. These include transportation grants and gas cards to help patients get to treatment, patient navigators who guide individuals through the complex healthcare system after diagnosis, and educational resources for healthcare providers to better communicate with patients about screenings and treatment options. The organization serves as essential scaffolding within the healthcare system, supporting both patients and medical professionals.
The upcoming Fort Cancer event represents a fresh approach to fundraising – creating an experience people would enjoy regardless of the cause (unlimited food and drinks from local vendors, live music, comedy) while supporting ACS's critical mission. This model recognizes that younger generations care deeply about where they spend their money and want to support organizations with proven impact. The event focuses specifically on funding advocacy for cancer research, with tickets directly translating to tangible support – one ticket covers approximately 1.5 nights at Hope Lodge for a patient in need.
What became clear throughout our conversation was that ACS touches approximately 55 million people annually. From groundbreaking research to government advocacy to direct patient services, the organization creates a comprehensive support system for those affected by cancer. With over 112 years of experience and a commitment to putting more than 80% of donations directly toward patient impact, ACS continues to be at the forefront of the fight against cancer – a battle that unfortunately touches nearly everyone's life in some way.
As we face an alarming trend of increasing cancer diagnoses among younger populations, the work of organizations like ACS becomes even more critical. Through events like Fort Cancer and the ongoing commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers, we can all contribute to a future where cancer becomes not necessarily cured in all forms, but increasingly survivable and less devastating to patients and families.
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