THE MARCH is designed to bring attention to the issues of cancer patients. THE MARCH's mission is:

• To call on all Americans to make the cure and prevention of cancer the nation's top priority.
• To demand greater government investment in the public and private sectors for all cancer research, treatment, education and prevention.
• To ensure access to clinical trials and quality care for everyone.

During the week leading up to the rally in Washington, more than 100 local events have been and continue to take place across the country. Local events will focus on the needs of cancer patients while reinforcing the idea that state lawmakers should address cancer control policy issues.

"We're gathering with American Cancer Society volunteers from across the United States to support the goals and mission of THE MARCH," said Jennie R. Cook, American Cancer Society Board Chair. "Our volunteers will show the country that cancer issues are and continue to be very real and very urgent. One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer at some point within their lifetimes. That's a frightening statistic. We must do everything we can to end the scourge of cancer, and supporting THE MARCH sends a very important message to that end."

THE MARCH events will honor people who have died from cancer, as well as affirm the lives of those who have survived. Events will bring education and attention to the issues surrounding cancer, from patient services to passing legislative initiatives to prevention methods.

"We hope many, many Americans will join us at either the national or local events. The American Cancer Society is thrilled that so many American Cancer Society volunteers are coming together to make THE MARCH, Coming Together to Conquer Cancer a success," Cook added.

THE MARCH is a national advocacy movement of more than 260 national, state and local medical, advocacy, business and civic organizations which have come together to galvanize public and political support in the war against cancer. Thousands of individuals -- including both cancer patients and survivors and a wide network of their supporters in communities across the United States -- have pledged their support for THE MARCH. For more information on THE MARCH, call (202) 861-0998.

The American Cancer Society is a 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.

Joann Schellenbach

American Cancer Society
212-382-2169
jschelle@cancer.org