2018 Relay for life

2018 RELAY FOR LIFE MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS JUNE 27, 2018 Page 5 The American Cancer Society currently funds 31 research grants in Illinois totaling $18,815,000 at the following institutions, as of January 1, 2018: Carle Foundation Hospital - 1 grant, $24,000. Loyola University, Chicago - 3 grants, $1,584,000. Northwestern University, Chicago Campus - 8 grants, $4,769,500. Northwestern University, Evanston Campus - 2 grants, $1,450,000. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - 1 grant, $792,000. University of Chicago - 12 grants, $7,280,500. University of Illinois, Chicago - 4 grants, $2,915,000. To accelerate progress against cancer – all cancers – ACS will double their annual research investment to $250 million a year by 2021. By taking what ACS has learned through research and translating it into action, ACS has contributed to a 26% decrease in the overall U.S. cancer death rate since 1991. That means that ACS has helped avoid nearly 2.4 million cancer deaths during that time. ACS funds and conducts research to discover how people can take steps to reduce their cancer risk, and provide information on the causes of cancer – from environment to lifestyle choices to genetics, and more. ACS works to encourage healthy lifestyle choices – like avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, and being physically active – that could help to eliminate approximately 50% of deaths from cancer. ACS publishes guidelines for health care professionals and lay people alike, to help individuals know what cancer screenings are right for them. ACS believes no one should die of cancer because they cannot get the quality care they need. ACS is working to increase screening and reduce cancer risk for underserved communities and boost our investment in our transportation and lodging programs to help patients receive treatment and support. ACS provides patients and caregivers with resources that can help improve – and even save – lives. From free rides to chemo, places to stay when treatment is far from home, and a live 24/7 helpline, ACS is here for everyone with cancer questions and concerns, when and where they need us. [Janelle Jennings, American Cancer Society/ LDN]