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On June 1, 2007, the American Cancer Society celebrated the opening of it's first virtual headquarters, located on a private island in Second LifeŽ, the popular Internet-based virtual world developed by Linden Research, Inc. In November, 2008, the American Cancer Society island was re-invented to meet the growing demands of the more than 2,000 volunteers in Second Life.
Much like physical offices in the real world, the Society's virtual headquarters offers cancer information and referrals to services, as well as virtual space for cancer education sessions, fund-raising planning and support groups for patients and caregivers.
"The American Cancer Society has been engaged in Second LifeŽ through our signature fundraiser, Relay For LifeŽ, for over five years" said Jeffrey Montegut, the National Relay For Life Online Content Manager and Director of Second Life activities.
"In building and opening a virtual headquarters in Second LifeŽ, the Society has been able to provide cancer information to millions of residents and engage them in the fight to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. We already have existing Second LifeŽ peer-to-peer cancer support groups utilizing the virtual space and our online resources and are expanding our cancer support programs by bringing in "real-life" support programs like Man to Man and Reach to Recovery."
In addition to cancer information, education and support, the American Cancer Society holds annual Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events in Second LifeŽ, raising more than $215,000 in 2008.
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