This email has been sent to Relay For Life Chairs and MSABC Leadership Volunteers.

Dear South Atlantic Division Volunteers,

I am writing today to share with you an update on the American Cancer Society's efforts to help those affected by the Hurricane Katrina tragedy and to thank you for your continued support of the Society during this difficult time. American Cancer Society volunteers and staff share the sorrow of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast Region. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragedy as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The American Cancer Society has formed a crisis team that has documented national and state resources for Katrina victims, as well as added a special "option" on our toll-free National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) number (1-800-ACS-2345) that is staffed by a "Katrina Team" to handle related calls. Cancer Information Specialists at NCIC now have access to additional resources to which they are directing displaced cancer patients. We are working with Georgetown University Health Policy regarding issues related to insurance (replacing health cards, verifying coverage, etc.). Our Web site (www.cancer.org) features a comprehensive list of resources to help survivors deal with all aspects of the storm's aftermath. In addition, we, along with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, have pooled resources to contribute $1 million in disaster relief, with the funds earmarked specifically for the provision of health care to patients in the hurricane region who are suffering from cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

American Cancer Society staff and volunteers on the ground in the Gulf Region are undergoing a massive outreach program to emergency shelters, medical facilities, service agencies, schools, and other relief organizations to provide them with contact information to share with those affected by cancer. They are working hard each day to serve the needs of evacuated cancer patients. The hurricane has tragically affected so many people, and cancer patients are facing the additional challenges of securing treatment during this time.

Because of this, your support of the American Cancer Society is needed now more than ever, as we assist cancer patients and their caregivers during this difficult time. Many of these cancer patients have lost their homes and are no longer able to receive treatment at their local facilities. Oftentimes, evacuated patients have no medical records, and many face the daunting task of finding doctors who can continue their treatment. We are working hard to connect these patients with healthcare practitioners, treatment services and other related solutions. Stories are coming in daily about the services Society staff and volunteers are providing...from helping a colon cancer patient in Baton Rouge secure an appointment with an oncologist to identifying a treatment facility for a three-year-old leukemia patient in Shreveport.

Cancer devastates lives each and every day and the cancer patient needs us now more than ever. Again, thank you for your continued support of your American Cancer Society as we continue to work together to make a difference.
 

The American Cancer Society | South Atlantic Division, Inc. | 2200 Lake Boulevard, NE | Atlanta, GA 30319

© Copyright 2005 American Cancer Society